Steel is one of the most important materials in construction, as it offers high strength, lasting durability, and natural fire resistance. However, it’s still important to understand steel’s thermal limitations, including its boiling point, which is the temperature at which it will lose its structural integrity.
Exploring the boiling point of steel is crucial for understanding how fire exposure could impact the integrity and performance of steel-faced wall panels. This guide will examine the relationships between the boiling point of steel and how it can affect the strength and performance of wall panels that feature steel in their design.
From there, we’ll also explore how high-quality wall panels meant to enhance fire safety, such as ROCKWALL Fire-Rated Wall Panels and ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels, can overcome the limitations of low-quality steel panels, even when exposed to extreme heat conditions.
The Boiling Point of Steel and the Impact on Strength and Fire Resistance
Steel’s boiling point is approximately 2,500°C (4,532°F), significantly hotter than its melting point of around 1,370°C (2,500°F). While structural failure typically occurs at lower temperatures due to the weakening and softening of the steel rather than actually boiling the metal, exposure to extreme heat can severely impact the strength and integrity of the steel.
When used in wall panel systems, surface steel acts as a protective barrier from impacts and heat exposure. While steel has the high heat resistance we mentioned above, the type of insulating materials used beneath the steel surface significantly impacts the overall fire performance and energy efficiency of the entire wall panel.
The truth is, if temperatures rise to the point that they are impacting the structural integrity of steel, there is very little you can do to overcome this. For wall panels in just about any commercial, residential, or even industrial building, issues like oil canning, which is the thermal expansion and contraction of metal, are far more relevant.
Basically, the best way to ensure that the steel used to protect your wall panels can withstand exposure to high temperatures is to invest in high-quality wall panels made from high-gauge, double-sided galvanized steel that is properly bonded to the panel itself. This brings us to our top recommendations for high-grade wall panels that are actually designed to withstand significant exposure to extreme temperatures.
Fire-Resistant Steel Panel Solutions
High-quality wall panels that are both fire-rated and insulated can enhance the safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency of just about any building. Two industry-leading solutions are ROCKWALL Fire-Rated Wall Panels and ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels, each offering unique benefits that can suit the exact needs of various projects. Here’s a quick overview of the two options and why they could be the ideal wall panel solution for your project:
ROCKWALL Fire-Rated Wall Panels
Designed to offer superior fire resistance, ROCKWALL panels consist of a Rockwool mineral fibre core called Conrock, which is permanently bonded to a laminated sheet of G-90 hot-dipped galvanized steel on both the interior and exterior side of the panel.
These panels provide 1, 2, or 3-hour fire resistance, depending on the core thickness, which varies from 4” to 5 ” or 6”. They also have Intertek/Warnock Hersey certification, which ensures their safety and adherence to the strictest regulations and building codes.
Their lasting durability and impressive strength make them ideal for industrial and commercial applications, while the enhanced thermal insulation provided by the core materials helps reduce energy consumption while maintaining lasting fire resistance.
For those looking to enhance fire safety without compromising thermal performance, ROCKWALL panels are a proven solution that will not weaken with exposure to temperature fluctuations.
ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels
ISOWALL Insulated Wall Panels provide high-performance thermal insulation without compromising structural integrity for any project requiring it, such as cold storage facilities and warehouses.
They deliver outstanding insulation thanks to their rigid EPS (Expanded PolyStyrene) foam core. This high-performance core material is then permanently bonded between laminated sheet steel on both sides, ensuring the durability and longevity of the entire panel.
Aside from their lasting thermal performance and robust durability, ISOWALL panels are designed for quick and easy installation, which helps save money during installation and makes them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Choosing the Right Wall Panel for Your Project
If you’re unsure which type of panel is right for your project, or you have questions about how wall panels can withstand high-temperature exposure, please contact us by using the link below. We would be happy to address your questions and provide you with samples of the wall panel systems we offer.