To understand the fire reaction class, it is important to understand the difference between fire reaction and fire resistance. Fire reaction means that in the event of a fire, the first thing to do is to slow down its development and prevent the rapid spread of flames. This is at the level of the product itself. The fire reaction can be influenced by using building materials that are difficult to ignite or low flammability. Compare it to a burning wad of paper in an empty metal dustbin or that same burning wad in a full paper basket. Therefore, it is important to test the fire reaction of products that may be near a fire.

Fire resistance, on the other hand, is considered when the fire is fully developed, however. The aim is to prevent expansion and spread along or through the building and to ensure the stability of the building for a certain period of time. For this purpose, the fire resistance of the building elements is tested. Fire resistance says something about how long a building element retains its function (including stability) in the event of fire.

All SVK fibre cement products belong to fire reaction class A2-s1, d0 according to European standard EN 13501-1.

• Class A1 and A2 are assigned if the materials make only a very limited contribution to the fire under the most severe conditions.
• s1 means that there is only limited smoke development
• d0 stands for no burning droplets

SVK cladding panels are therefore virtually non-combustible and hardly contribute to the development or continuation of fire. This is because fibre cement consists mainly of cement, supplemented by a small percentage of fibres and fillers. The result of the large proportion of cement ensures that our materials have such favourable reaction to fire.