Rockwool Firewall Panel
Fire resistance: Rock wool is made of minerals such as basalt and is a Class A non-combustible material. It can effectively prevent the spread of fire and improve building safety.
Thermal insulation: Rock wool has a low thermal conductivity, which can effectively reduce heat transfer, improve building insulation effect, and reduce energy consumption.
Sound insulation: The porous structure of rock wool can absorb sound waves and reduce noise transmission, and is suitable for places where sound insulation is required.
Corrosion resistance: Rock wool has stable chemical properties, is resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, is suitable for a variety of environments, and has a long service life.
High compressive strength: Rock wool has a tight structure and good compressive resistance, and is suitable for occasions that require load-bearing.
Product Introduction
Rock wool fireproof sandwich panels are excellent building materials. Made of high strength panels, they have great fireproof, heat insulating and sound insulating properties. Their Class A non combustible rock wool core has a high fire resistance limit.
These panels are suitable for industrial plants, civil buildings, public facilities and clean workshops. They're lightweight, strong, easy to install, eco friendly and durable. Thus, they're an ideal choice for fireproofing, energy conservation and heat retention.
Product Specifications
Effective width | Wall panel: 950mm |
Roof panel: 960mm | |
Material | Color Steel Sheet |
Rock wool board | |
Structure | Upper and lower layer: color steel sheet |
Middle layer: Rock wool board | |
Thickness | Color steel sheet: 0.5~0.8mm |
Rock wool board: 50mm, 75mm, 100，150mm | |
Rock wool Density | 120kg/m³ |
Lifetime | 20~35 years |
Features | Heat Insulation, light weight, quick installation,waterproof, fireproof, soundproof, energy-saving,environmental friendly, |
Application Areas
Industrial plants: used for walls and roofs, providing insulation, fire protection, and sound insulation.
Warehouses: suitable for the walls and roofs of large warehouses to improve insulation effects.
Cold storage: used for cold storage walls, with excellent insulation performance.
Public buildings: such as gymnasiums, exhibition halls, etc., to meet fire protection and sound insulation requirements.
Temporary buildings: such as temporary buildings on construction sites, quick installation and reusable.
Lap Way
There are numerous methods for overlapping sandwich panels. For instance, a seamless overlap with concealed nails offers a sleek finish. Then there are the 20MM and 10MM seam overlaps, both with concealed nails, providing different levels of joint visibility. Additionally, the tongue - and - groove overlap is a popular option, ensuring a secure and tight fit between panels.
Rockwool firewall panels are advanced passive fire protection materials engineered to resist extreme temperatures and delay the spread of fire in building systems. Manufactured from stone wool (mineral wool) derived from basalt rock, these panels offer outstanding fire resistance, thermal insulation, and acoustic performance, making them a critical component in fire-rated wall assemblies across industrial, commercial, and high-risk environments.
This guide provides a complete technical understanding of Rockwool firewall panels, including composition, standards, engineering applications, regulatory compliance, and installation recommendations.
Table of Contents
What Are Rockwool Firewall Panels?
Composition and Fire-Resistant Properties
Technical Specifications and Performance Data
Industry Standards and Fire Ratings
Applications and Engineering Use Cases
Installation Guidelines and Safety Considerations
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion and Professional Call to Action
1. What Are Rockwool Firewall Panels?
Rockwool firewall panels, also called firestop insulation panels or mineral wool fire barriers, are rigid or semi-rigid boards manufactured from molten volcanic rock (typically basalt or diabase) spun into fine fibers. The resulting stone wool structure is non-combustible, highly durable, and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,000°C (1,832°F).
These panels are typically installed within steel-framed, masonry, curtain wall, partition wall, and ductwork systems where passive fire protection is essential.
2. Composition and Fire-Resistant Properties
Material Composition:
Primary Ingredient: Natural basalt rock (~97% by weight)
Binder: Low-emission resin or thermoset binder (approx. 3%)
Additives: Hydrophobic agents for water resistance; anti-dusting compounds
Key Fire-Resistant Properties:
| Property | Value/Performance |
|---|---|
| Non-combustibility | A1-rated per EN 13501-1 |
| Melting point | > 1,000°C (1,832°F) |
| Fire resistance duration | Up to 240 minutes (per tested assembly) |
| Smoke emission | Minimal, non-toxic |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.035 – 0.045 W/m·K |
3. Technical Specifications and Performance Data
| Parameter | Specification Range |
|---|---|
| Panel Thickness | 25 mm to 150 mm |
| Density | 80 – 180 kg/m³ |
| Compressive Strength | ≥ 40 kPa (at 10% deformation) |
| Acoustic Absorption (NRC) | Up to 1.00 (depending on configuration) |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 0.035 – 0.045 W/m·K |
| Water Absorption | ≤ 1.0 kg/m² (per EN 1609) |
| Dimensional Stability | ≤ 1% shrinkage at 650°C |
| Fire Resistance Class | EI60 / EI90 / EI120 / EI240 (system-tested)* |
4. Industry Standards and Fire Ratings
Fire Resistance Standards:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 13501-1 | Classification of fire performance (Euroclass A1) |
| ASTM E119 | Standard fire tests for building materials |
| UL 263 | Fire tests of building construction |
| ISO 834 | Standard fire-resistance tests |
| BS 476 Part 20-22 | UK fire testing for walls and floors |
FM Approved
UL Listed
CE Marked
ISO 9001/14001 Compliant
LEED / BREEAM credits available
5. Applications and Engineering Use Cases
Rockwool firewall panels are used in various applications where passive fire containment and heat insulation are required:
| Application Sector | Use Case Description |
|---|---|
| Commercial Buildings | Fire-rated partition walls, elevator shafts, service ducts |
| Data Centers | Firewall enclosures for server rooms |
| Industrial Facilities | Compartmentation walls in power plants, refineries |
| High-Rise Structures | Curtain wall fire stops and spandrel insulation |
| Airports & Hospitals | Emergency exit corridors, fire-safe zones |
| Warehouse/Storage Units | Vertical/horizontal fire barriers |
6. Installation Guidelines and Safety Considerations
Installation Best Practices:
Joint Sealing: Use fire-rated sealants and intumescent tapes around edges
Panel Orientation: Ensure fibers run perpendicular to expected heat flow
Compression Fit: Cut panels slightly oversized to ensure tight, gap-free fit
Mechanical Fixing: Use metal anchors or pins where applicable
Edge Protection: Apply corner profiles to prevent degradation during handling
Safety Considerations:
Use PPE (gloves, goggles, dust mask) during cutting
Ventilate workspace during cutting or shaping
Ensure compliance with local building codes and fire regulations
7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Rockwool panels are considered environmentally responsible and recyclable. Most manufacturers meet or exceed:
| Environmental Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EU REACH | Non-hazardous, free from SVHCs |
| RoHS Compliant | No restricted heavy metals or toxic substances |
| GreenGuard / Eurofins | Certified low VOC emissions |
| LEED/BREEAM Credits | Qualify for green building certification |
| EN 13162 | Thermal insulation products standard |
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How thick should a firewall panel be to achieve 2-hour fire resistance?
A 2-hour rating (EI120) typically requires 75–100mm panel thickness, depending on the wall system and density (≥120 kg/m³). Always refer to certified system test results.
Q2: Can Rockwool panels be used in exterior wall assemblies?
Yes, provided they are protected from direct weather exposure with cladding or weatherproof barriers. Specialized water-repellent variants are available.
Q3: Is Rockwool safe to handle and install?
Yes. It is chemically inert and does not promote mold growth. However, protective equipment is recommended during installation due to fiber dust.
Q4: Are Rockwool firewall panels better than fiberglass?
Yes, for fire-rated assemblies. Rockwool withstands much higher temperatures, does not melt or shrink in fire, and provides better acoustic insulation.
Q5: Can these panels be used in horizontal applications (e.g., ceilings)?
Yes, as long as they’re part of a certified fire-resistant ceiling system or horizontal fire barrier.
9. Conclusion and Professional Call to Action
Rockwool firewall panels represent a vital solution for modern fire safety in construction, combining non-combustible stone wool insulation with certified fire protection performance. These panels comply with stringent international standards, offer superior thermal and acoustic insulation, and are widely adopted in fire-rated walls, ceilings, and service ducts.
