Fire behavior is one of the most important characteristics of all building materials. The fire resistance of materials for floor and wall cladding is assessed based on three criteria:
- resistance to the destructive effects of flame;
- promoting the spread of fire (sustaining combustion);
- release of smoke and toxic substances.
Ceramic tiles help prevent fires; It is a completely non-flammable material and therefore retards the spread of fire and reduces, to the extent possible, damage. Once on fire, the tiles do not collapse and do not emit smoke or harmful substances, which, as is known, are the main cause of deaths in fires. A dropped lit cigarette does not cause any harm to it, while non-ceramic floor materials (wood, carpet) in such a situation not only increase the risk of ignition, but also permanently retain the stains formed on them.
The EU MARKING for FIRE RESISTANCE declares wall tiles to be class A1 and floor tiles to class A1fl (non-flammable and non-flammable). This means that, in accordance with Decision 96/60/EC (as amended), there is no need for fire tests.