Is structural timber fire resistant?

Timber has predictable fire performance. Large-section structural timber chars at approximately 0.7mm per minute (EN 1995-1-2), forming an insulating char layer that protects the structural core.

Timber has predictable fire performance. Large-section structural timber chars at approximately 0.7mm per minute (EN 1995-1-2), forming an insulating char layer that protects the structural core. A 200mm glulam beam retains structural capacity for over 60 minutes in fire. This predictability makes timber easier to engineer for fire resistance than unprotected steel.

Why this matters

This question relates to Structural Timber Specification Guide: C24, BSH Glulam & Engineered Wood, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Structural Timber Specification Guide: C24, BSH Glulam & Engineered Wood

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About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia.