New Standard in Facade Cladding: Transformation in Fire Safety with Hekimboard

Vital Importance of Fire Insulation

When it comes to building safety, one of the factors that comes to mind firstly is fire insulation. The fireproofing class of cladding materials, especially those used on exterior facades, directly determines the rate at which fire spreads. This is the primary reason why modern architecture today is shaped not only by aesthetic considerations but also by safety criteria.

Facade cladding not only enhances the exterior appearance of buildings but also protects their integrity through thermal, acoustic, and waterproofing. However, one of their most critical functions is to slow the spread of fire and allow time for evacuation. At this point, international standards specifically recommend the use of Class A1 non-combustible materials for facades.

The Privilege of Fibercement Technology

While various cladding materials are available on the market, fibrecement technology stands out with its versatile advantages. Fibrecement boards, produced by reinforcing cement-based materials with cellulose fibres and special additives, have become a reliable solution for modern buildings and renovation projects.

The main properties of fibrecement are as follows:

• Class A1 fireproofing: Does not catch fire or emit toxic gases during fire.
• Long-lasting durability: Resistant to moisture, impact, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions.
• Easy maintenance: Its paintable surface maintains its aesthetic appearance for a long time.
• Sustainability: Does not contain asbestos and supports environmentally friendly and ecological production principles.

With these properties, fibrecement is an essential choice for modern buildings, both in terms of security and architectural aesthetics.

Hekim Yapı: The Address of Firsts in Turkey

As the first company to produce fibrecement technology in Turkey, Hekim Yapı continues its leadership in this field with the brand Hekimboard.

By means of their Class A1 fireproofing properties, Hekimboard facade cladding materials are among the most powerful supports for fire insulation. Furthermore, they offer architects design freedom with diverse texture, pattern, and colour options. Hekimboard adds value to investors with its long-lasting durability and environmentally friendly asbestos-free construction, supporting sustainable construction.

The Regulation, Brought to the Agenda with the Hotel Fires

Recent hotel fires have sparked renewed debate about fire regulations. These incidents have once again highlighted the critical importance of exterior cladding materials for fire resistance. It is now becoming increasingly necessary for the cladding materials used on fire escapes, in particular, to meet Class A1 fireproofing standards.

Industry representatives emphasise that these fires have also highlighted some shortcomings in the regulations. The issue is highlighted with the statement, “Cladding fire escapes, in particular, with Class A1 fireproofing materials is now a clear requirement. Fibercement boards have emerged as a direct solution in this regard.”

TSE EN 13501-1 A1 Class Fire Standard for Fire Escapes

Fire escape claddings are a prominent application area for fibercement boards. The boards that meet the TSE EN 13501-1 Class A1 fire standard are in high demand both in renovation projects for existing hotels, hospitals, schools, public buildings, apartment buildings and public institutions, as well as in new built constructions. These products, with their high fire resistance, offer a critical solution for safe evacuation.

Transformation in Fire Safety is Growing

In our day, not only aesthetics but also durability has become a top priority in the construction industry. The clarification of fire resistance requirements for walls, floors, and ceilings in enclosed fire-prone areas, such as boiler rooms, parking lots, electrical distribution rooms, and indoor transformers, in addition to fire escapes, has led to the adoption of Class A1 fireproof materials like fibrecement as a standard in the industry.

As a reliable solution partner for this transformation, Hekim Yapı continues to supply products to both national and international projects. Its innovative fire safety solutions contribute to raising standards in the industry.

Choosing the right material for facade cladding and facade decorative applications has become a determining factor in today’s construction industry, not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of security. In roof cladding, the A1 class fireproof roof carrier system and A1 class fibercement cladding have begun to be used as a safe solution to prevent fire spread, especially in adjacent roofs or buildings close to each other at different heights.

Hekim Yapı, Turkey’s first company to implement fibrecement technology, is pioneering the establishment of new standards in fire safety with its Hekimboard facade cladding materials, floor mouldings, and door and window frames.

Hekimboard is not only a facade cladding material but also the cornerstone of safe, modern, and sustainable living spaces.