Does the type of sandwich panel in my industrial building affect my fire insurance?
As a plant manager, you face daily challenges related to safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. But have you ever considered the impact of your buildings' sandwich panels on your fire insurance coverage?
This construction component, often taken for granted, plays a determining role in protecting your facilities and in how insurers assess your fire risk profile.
What you need to know about sandwich panels in industrial buildings
A sandwich panel consists of two rigid facings, typically steel or aluminum, with an insulating core material in between: polyurethane foam, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, and others. They are widely used in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and commercial buildings for their excellent thermal properties and ease of installation.
However, their behaviour in the event of a fire varies considerably depending on the type of insulating material used. And that is precisely where industrial insurers pay close attention.
Why does your insurer care about your sandwich panels?
Your insurer wants to ensure that the structure of your buildings does not compromise the effectiveness of your automatic sprinkler systems, and that it slows the spread of flames rather than accelerates it.
By providing a precise description of the materials used in your walls, including panel type, insulation composition, fire retardant treatment, and certifications, you make the risk assessment process easier and significantly improve your chances of obtaining coverage that is truly suited to your operations.
An incomplete or inaccurate material description can result in a premium surcharge, higher deductibles, or in some cases, a coverage exclusion at the time of a fire loss claim.
Comparison: sandwich panel types and fire risk levels
Panel type | Characteristics | Associated risks |
|---|---|---|
Metal with mineral wool | Non-combustible insulation | Good fire resistance, though metal conducts heat |
Metal with polyurethane foam | Highly flammable insulation | Rapid flame spread, risk of structural collapse |
Plastic with polystyrene foam | Flammable and emits toxic gases | Danger to occupants, intensifies the fire |
Certified fire retardant panels | Fire treated materials | Slows propagation, improves overall safety |
Why identifying your sandwich wall materials is essential
Knowing the precise composition of your sandwich walls is indispensable for three concrete reasons.
First, it ensures compliance with fire prevention standards currently in force in Canada, including the requirements of the National Building Code and applicable ULC and NFPA standards for your sector.
Second, it optimizes the effectiveness of your fire protection systems. Automatic sprinklers, detectors, and suppression systems must be designed with the surrounding materials in mind. A mismatch between system design and wall composition can undermine your entire fire protection strategy.
Third, it helps reduce your industrial insurance premiums or avoid a coverage exclusion in the event of a loss. Missing or inaccurate material information can be used by an insurer to contest a reimbursement claim after a fire.
What if the technical documentation is not available?
If you do not have complete technical documentation on your sandwich panels, several options exist: consult the specifications provided at the time of construction, contact the manufacturer or general contractor directly, or commission an industrial risk assessment specialist to conduct a material inventory of your current installations.
This process is also highly recommended when renewing your insurance policy, modifying your facilities, or expanding your production spaces.
In summary
The type of sandwich panels in your industrial buildings is not a technical detail. It is a determining factor in how insurers evaluate your fire risk. Polyurethane, mineral wool, or polystyrene: each material has a direct impact on your premium, your deductibles, and the scope of your coverage.
Need an expert opinion on your facilities and your industrial fire insurance coverage? At Covalen, your peace of mind starts with a rigorous risk assessment. Contact us today for a personalized analysis.
