Fire safety of climate ceilings
Fire‑stable ceilings for today’s buildings — and tomorrow’s
Fire safety, and more specifically the fire stability of ceilings, is a complex and constantly evolving topic. Regulations are updated, standards are refined and building layouts become increasingly flexible over time. Built on decades of expertise in metal and climate ceiling systems, Interalu closely follows these developments to deliver ceiling solutions that are safe, compliant and future‑proof.
Interalu specialises in metal ceilings and climate ceilings with integrated heating and cooling systems for office buildings and other professional environments. Solutions such as Easy‑KlimaPlus®, SAPP® and WEC® ceilings combine accessibility, flexibility, sustainability and design. Within this product portfolio, fire safety—covering both fire stability and reaction to fire—is a key area of focus.
To remain aligned with the latest insights and regulations, Interalu collaborates with specialised research institutes, including Ghent University. In addition, the company employs an in‑house fire safety expert who is an active member of the Belgian mirror committee. This enables Interalu to closely monitor regulatory developments, contribute to standardisation efforts and translate complex requirements into practical, reliable ceiling solutions.
“Ensuring sufficient fire stability throughout the entire ceiling system to create a future‑proof environment that can adapt to change.”
Flexible and future‑proof solutions
Flexibility is one of the core strengths of Interalu’s climate ceilings and metal ceiling systems. The ceiling adapts to the building—not the other way around—and is designed with future changes in mind. For office environments, all Interalu metal ceilings, climate ceilings guarantee a fire stability of minimum 30 minutes.
Fire stability refers to the ability of a building element—in this case the ceiling—to withstand exposure to fire for a defined period without losing its structural integrity. In practical terms, this means the ceiling must remain in place long enough to prevent collapse and allow safe evacuation.
“Current regulations require a fire stability of 30 minutes for escape routes and corridors,” explains Carlo Miers, Commercial Director at Interalu. “However, office buildings are rarely static. Spaces are leased, sold or reorganised, and layouts change over time. Corridors may shift, and the original fire safety concept may no longer apply. That is why we recommend ensuring sufficient fire stability throughout the entire ceiling system. It is a future‑proof approach that removes uncertainty and guarantees consistent safety.”
Navigating complex regulations
Despite clear objectives, fire safety remains a complex field. Requirements vary depending on building type, room function, height and occupancy. Regulations are regularly updated, and new Royal Decrees introduce additional points of attention. For international architects and contractors, this complexity is even greater, as fire safety regulations differ from country to country.
“As a specialist in climate ceilings and metal ceiling systems, we consider it our responsibility to support architects and contractors with accurate, up‑to‑date advice,” says Miers. “That is why we invest in in‑house expertise and continuous internal training. This ensures our teams are well informed and able to guide customers confidently through the regulatory landscape.”
Fire safety goes beyond fire stability alone. Reaction to fire—including flame spread and smoke development—also plays a crucial role. Interalu provides guidance and tailored ceiling solutions—whether climate ceilings, metal ceilings —that comply with all relevant standards and regulations, adapted to the specific requirements of each project.
