Non-combustible Glass Wool Insulation for Passive Fire Systems

An insulation product, if chosen correctly, can complement both passive fire and active fire protection to safeguard lives in the event of fire. It should not promote fire spread or any subsequent damaging situation for both building and people. With its unique and valuable properties, Pink Batts glass wool stands out as reliable insulation for designing passive fire systems.

Pink Batts glass wool passes combustibility test

A general definition for the term combustible is the ability of a material to catch fire and burn easily. However, this definition can be a bit too generic and confusing when discussing building materials and how they can perform in the event of a fire.

The NZ Building Code Clause C talks about Protection of Fire and defines non-combustible materials. Materials have to be tested to AS/NZS 1530.1 — Methods for fire test on building materials, components and structures — Combustibility test for materials.

This method will give a pass or fail result if it passes then the material is classified as “non- combustible” and if it fails then it is classified as a “combustible” material.

Pink Batts glass wool insulation is classified as a Non-Combustible material. All of Pink Batts' combustibility testing has been carried by CSIRO based in Australia. This non-combustible characteristic can be attributed to the fact that Pink Batts glass wool is manufactured from over 80% recycled window glass. Glass starts melting at temperatures higher than 600°C.

Non-combustibility means it will limit and not promote fire spread which is essential for passive fire systems.

How much smoke does Pink Batts glass wool release? How does it react in the event of fire?

New Zealand Fire Service advises that smoke inhalation is the major cause of fire deaths. The inhalation or exposure to hot gaseous products of combustion can cause serious respiratory complications.

AS/NZS 1530.3 measures the potential fire hazards under fire condition and includes “Smoke Developed Index”, the range goes from 0 to 10. The higher the index, the greater the hazard is likely to be from smoke.

Pink Batts' testing done by CSIRO shows that the Pink Batts glass wool range achieves an index of 0-1.

The subject of non-combustibility and smoke spread is also mentioned in Pink Batts' three BRANZ Appraisals (238 — Pink Batts Insulation, 632 — Pink Batts SnugFloor and 767 — Pink Batts Skillion Roof) under the paragraph titled “Prevention of Fire Occurring” and “Control of Internal Fire and Smoke Spread.”

Pink Batts Ultra Wall Insulation - 140mm

Comfortech Building Performance Solutions

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Pink Batts wall insulation is light-weight, flexible, glass wool insulation designed to thermally insulate timber framed walls.

Pink Batts insulation has been appraised as a thermal insulation material for walls, ceilings, and roofs of buildings within the following scope:

framed or part-framed domestic and commercial buildings where the insulation remains dry during its serviceable life

In the opinion of BRANZ, Pink Batts insulation, if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of Appraisal No. 238 (2012), will meet or contribute to meeting the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1(a) not less than 50 years and B2.3.1(b) 15 years. Pink Batts insulation insulation will meet this requirement.
Clause E3 INTERNAL MOISTURE: Performance E3.3.1. Pink Batts insulation insulation will contribute to meeting this requirement.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Pink Batts insulation insulation meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.
Clause H1 ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Performance H1.3.1(a) and H1.3.2 E. Pink Batts insulation will contribute to meeting these requirements.

Pink Batts has been appraised as an Acceptable Solution in terms of New Zealand Building Code Compliance. Pink Batts insulation thermal resistance (R-Value) has been determined by AS/NZS 4859.1 which is an acceptable method.

BRANZ Appraised

Pink Batts Ultra Ceiling Insulation

Comfortech Building Performance Solutions

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Pink Batts ceiling insulation is a light-weight, flexible glass wool insulation that thermally insulates ceilings in new homes, can be fitted into existing homes with no insulation or laid over existing insulation.

Eco Choice Aotearoa

Pink Batts insulation has been appraised as a thermal insulation material for walls, ceilings, and roofs of buildings within the following scope:

Framed or part-framed domestic and commercial buildings where the insulation remains dry during its serviceable life

Clause B2 Durability: Performance B2.3.1(a) not less than 50 years and B2.3.1(b) 15 years; Pink Batts insulation insulation will meet this requirement.
Clause E3 Internal Moisture: Performance E3.3.1; Pink Batts insulation insulation will contribute to meeting this requirement.
Clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials: Performance F2.3.1; Pink Batts insulation insulation meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.
Clause H1 Energy Efficiency: Performance H1.3.1(a) and H1.3.2 E; Pink Batts insulation will contribute to meeting these requirements.

Pink Batts has been appraised as an acceptable solution in terms of New Zealand Building Code Compliance. Pink Batts insulation thermal resistance (R-Value) has been determined by AS/NZS 4859.1 which is an acceptable method.

BRANZ Appraised

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