A vault room, often used to protect valuable assets, documents, and sensitive information, is typically designed to be highly resistant to fire. The level of fire resistance is achieved through a combination of construction materials, design features, and fire protection systems. Here are key elements that make a vault room fireproof.
Fire-Resistant Construction Materials Walls, ceilings, and floors of the vault room are constructed using fire-resistant materials. Common choices include reinforced concrete, fire-rated drywall, and concrete blocks. These materials have a high fire resistance rating and can withstand exposure to high temperatures.
Fire-Rated Doors The entrance to the vault room is typically equipped with fire-rated doors. These doors are designed to withstand high heat and flames for a specified period, usually measured in hours. Fire-rated doors often have multiple layers of fire-resistant materials and seal tightly to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
Fireproof Insulation Insulation materials used within the walls and doors of the vault room are fire-resistant. These materials are designed to slow down the transfer of heat and provide thermal insulation.
Fireproof Safes and Cabinets Inside the vault room, valuable items may be stored in fireproof safes or cabinets with fire-resistant ratings. These safes and cabinets are designed to protect contents from both fire and theft.
Fire Suppression Systems Fire suppression systems, such as automatic sprinklers and gas-based suppression systems, are often installed in vault rooms. These systems can detect and extinguish fires or suppress them until the fire department arrives.
Fireproof Seals and Gaskets Seals and gaskets on doors and openings are designed to expand when exposed to heat, creating a tight seal to prevent smoke and flames from entering the vault room.
Ventilation and Smoke Control Vault rooms may have ventilation systems designed to prevent the buildup of smoke and heat inside the room. These systems can maintain a relatively clean and cool environment during a fire.
Fire-Resistant Glass If the vault room has windows or viewing areas, fire-resistant glass can be used to maintain fire integrity and prevent flames and heat from entering the room.
Structural Reinforcements The structural components of the vault room may be reinforced to enhance its resistance to fire. This includes reinforcing steel bars within concrete walls and floors.
Fire Alarms and Detection Systems Smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed to provide early warning of a fire, allowing occupants to evacuate and emergency responders to be alerted promptly.
Fire-Resistant Sealants Fire-resistant sealants are used to seal gaps and joints in the construction, preventing the passage of smoke and flames.
It’s important to note that the level of fire resistance and security features in a vault room can vary depending on the specific requirements and the value of the assets being protected. Vault rooms in financial institutions, for example, may have higher levels of security and fire resistance compared to those used for document storage in an office setting. Vault room designs and construction should comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations to ensure optimal protection.
FIRELOCK® provides these articles for information purposes only. We do not necessarily provide all products and services mentioned; they are for comparison purposes only. Always contact a professional about non-FIRELOCK® products and services mentioned.
About FIRELOCK®
Since 1982, FIRELOCK® has been the world’s leading manufacturer of media-rated modular vault chambers. Unlike poured-in-place concrete vaults, FIRELOCK® vaults are constructed from individual panels, filled with a heat-resistant ceramic material, and they are lightweight, movable, and expandable. When combined with current high-density storage systems, FIRELOCK® vaults offer extremely high space efficiency at a considerable cost advantage per cubic foot of storage. The value of assets stored in FIRELOCK® vaults today reaches hundreds of billions of dollars and ranges from priceless animation cells and World Wrestling Entertainment videos to pharmaceutical research records and U.S. Department of Education student loan information.
With a FIRELOCK® vault, you invest in the highest-performing vault on the market today to ensure the protection of your most vital records and irreplaceable items. You gain the ability to store microfilm, computer media, file servers, and paper in one location, as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all the environmental- and fire-protection elements are in place.
FIRELOCK® has been in business since 1982, and we have installed over 2000 vaults around the world. Because of this broad experience, we know how to build a vault that will provide you with maximum protection today and the flexibility to grow with you into the future.