Suspended Ceilings
Easy to install flexible fire barriers from FIREFLY®
Currently, there is no specific test standard for installing flexible barriers above suspended ceilings. Kiwa’s Technical Note TN 25406 highlights that while the FIREFLY® barrier has been tested under BS EN 1363-1 conditions, the installation method above a suspended ceiling does not align with typical test configurations. As such, no formal approval is available for this setup. We recommend a minimum 500mm lap where the barrier meets the ceiling. If the ceiling is non-fire-rated, it may fail before the barrier, which could impact performance. For more details on Kiwa’s Technical Note TN 25406, or to request a copy, please contact our technical team at technical@tbafirefly.com.
Made in Britain, FIREFLY® fire barriers are lightweight, easy to install and offer up to 2 hours integrity and up to 1 hour insulation. It’s little wonder then, that our flexible fire barriers are ideal for suspended ceilings. All FIREFLY® fire barriers are fully tested and certified for a wide number of situations and environments inside buildings. As you can see from the case studies, FIREFLY® flexible fire barriers have been installed in a wide variety of commercial and residential buildings to form an aesthetically pleasing, neat and tidy finish above suspended ceilings.
Zeus 90:30
90 minutes integrity
30 minutes insulation
Titan Lite
120 minutes integrity
60 minutes insulation
Why do we need fire barriers above suspended ceilings?
Installing fire barriers above suspended ceilings is essential for maintaining the integrity of a building…here’s 5 key reasons why:
1. To Prevent Hidden Fire Spread
Suspended ceilings often conceal large voids where fire and smoke can spread rapidly and undetected. These voids act like chimneys, allowing fire to bypass fire-rated walls and compartments.
2. To Maintain Compartmentation
Buildings are divided into compartments to contain fire within a specific area for a set time (e.g., 30, 60, 120 minutes). If the fire-rated wall doesn’t extend to the actual ceiling (the slab or roof above), then the barrier must continue above the suspended ceiling to seal the gap.
3. To Protect Escape Routes
Fire barriers help protect ceilings, roof voids, corridors, stairwells, walls and floors by preventing smoke and flames from entering via the ceiling voids.
4. To Comply with Building Regulations
UK Building Regulations (e.g., Approved Document B) require that fire compartments are properly enclosed. Without barriers above suspended ceilings, the structure may fail to meet fire resistance ratings and legal compliance.
5. Because Ceilings Alone Are Not Fire Rated
Most suspended ceilings are not fire-resistant. FIREFLY® fire barriers (e.g., mineral wool, fire curtains, or board systems) are tested to provide the required fire resistance above the ceiling.
Titan Lite 120:60 and Collaroll, were secured across light gauge steel subframes to provide two hours integrity and 60 minutes insulation.
Ross Camberley, Cold Clad Contracts Manager
We have a wide range of online resources available to support your project. Whether it’s an installation drawing, or you want to cost out your project using our free-to-use calculator app, or even book installer training tailored specifically to fitting suspended ceilings, simply follow the below links for
more information.
To make things easier, you can download our FIREFLY® CAD / DWG illustrations here, whenever you need
Access our brand new, free and easy to use calculators to help you cost and scope out our projects in seconds…
Our calculator app tool is incredibly easy and free to use…
If you’re looking to quickly scope out and cost up your project for installing our fire barriers above a suspended ceiling, simply follow the links opposite or click the button below.
It’s critical that all fire protection systems, including above suspended ceilings – are installed professionally, to exacting specifications and details to ensure compliance and performance. FIREFLY® are long-standing providers of installer training programmes, and our ever-expanding courses can be tailored to specific projects such as suspended ceilings.
Book onto one of our FIREFLY®
installation training course
Book Installation Training Course >
To find a FIREFLY® approved
installer near you…
Search our installer list here >
To book a FIREFLY® CPD…
Book a CPD with us >
