03/01/20

PVC fire resistance

Since the appearence of the first plastic  windows  a huge amount of researches have been made at the study of materials behavior of PVC on fire. As a result of these studies it was found that:

PVC is difficult to ignite and does not sustain combustion in the absence of fire source. Therefore, PVC is less flammable than wood.
The amount of heat released during combustion of PVC, much less than many other materials, for example wood. Consequently, the use of PVC reduces the likelihood of fire and speed of fire spread if a fire started.

The content of chlorine in PVC creates opposition to the spread of fire. This is an important reason for such wide use of plastic in the construction industry.

Gases released during combustion of PVC: carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride and water vapor. Because of the acrid smell of hydrogen chloride is easily detected even at low concentrations.

The hydrogen chloride released during the combustion of PVC, reacts with water vapor and forms hydrochloric acid, which has corrosive effects on metal structures of buildings. However, the concentration of acid is so small that is not dangerous for building construction and for human health.

Thus, PVC is no more a fire hazard than other materials used in construction.

ECO House - PVC windows and plastic doors in Egypt