CLT panels are not only an environmentally friendly building solution but also offer numerous technical advantages – the most notable being their exceptional fire resistance. We have carried out extensive fire tests that confirm the high level of protection that CLT panels offer in construction.
Results of the fire resistance tests:
- Wall CLT panels with a thickness of 100 mm achieved a fire resistance of REI 60 minutes.
- The 140 mm thick ceiling/floor CLT panels withstood a load and maintained their structural stability for 90 minutes, achieving a REI 90 rating.
In fire simulations with internal temperatures of approx. 1000°C, a 10 cm thick wall panel only showed a temperature rise of 10°C on the opposite side after one hour. A 14 cm thick floor slab only showed an increase of 1°C. This resistance is due to the protective char layer that forms during combustion and slows down the penetration of heat.
Unlike steel structures, which lose their load-bearing capacity at around 700°C, or reinforced concrete, which fails at around 500°C, CLT panels retain their structural integrity even at extreme temperatures.
Based on these test results, we can confidently say that CLT panels are among the most fire-resistant building materials available – ideal for both single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings. In addition to fire safety, they also offer excellent mechanical performance, energy efficiency and aesthetics – making CLT a top choice for modern, sustainable architecture.
