What Are the Benefits of the PU28 Fire Barrier?

19 September 2025

What Is a Fire Barrier?

A fire barrier is a fire-resistant construction designed to slow the spread of flames and smoke within a building. Built from materials like concrete, masonry, gypsum board, or specially rated systems, these barriers provide protection for a set duration, typically one to four hours.

Unlike standard partitions, fire barriers are continuous from floor to floor or roof, sealing penetrations and joints to ensure integrity. They divide structures into compartments, giving occupants more time to escape and firefighters a better chance to contain the blaze.

Commonly used in stairwells, corridors, hazardous areas, and equipment rooms, they protect lives, property, and ensure compliance.

However, not all fire barriers are created equal – the PU28 Fire Barrier from Tusker Industrial Safety stands out in particular.

Having said that, let’s take a closer look at the main benefits of the PU28 Fire Barrier.

Benefits of the PU28 Fire Barrier

Our PU28 Fire Barriers offer exceptional flexibility and versatility, making them an ideal substitute for conventional fire boards and other barrier solutions.

90-minute Flame Protection

The standard PU28 formula offers up to 90 minutes of fire resistance with high-temperature treated glass fabric coated with a flame-retardant polymer, enhanced with mineral salts and vermiculite for added performance.

Multiple Protective Qualities

Breathable and waterproof: PU28 offers moisture resistance while still being suitable for building envelopes.

Halogen-free and low irritants: The fire barrier is safe to handle and environmentally considerate.

Abrasion & tear resistant: Durable under physical stress, PU28 is ideal for construction environments.

Reinforces fabric: This fire barrier adds structural integrity when used as a backing for other materials.

Fire Code Compliance

The membrane satisfies key UK fire standards, including BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 (Class 0/1) and BS 476 Parts 20 & 22 for 90-minute rating, ensuring it meets rigorous building and fire safety regulations.

Flexibility & Ease of Installation

Unlike rigid fire boards, the PU28 membrane remains flexible even after lamination, making it simpler to install on irregular surfaces such as beams, ceilings, or walls.

PU28 Fire Barrier Applications

As it is a highly versatile solution, the benefits of the PU28 Fire Barrier from Tusker include its many uses. Here are the main ones:

Thatching & Roofing

This fire barrier is commonly installed under thatched roofs as a flexible fire barrier, serving as a replacement for traditional roofing felt. It offers both fire (90 minutes protection) and smoke resistance, and remains waterproof and breathable for contractor ease and durability.

Building Developments & Timber-Framed Construction

PU28 is used for large building developments and timber-framed structures, particularly in areas where building regulations mandate passive fire protection.

Partition Walls, Loft Conversions & Ceilings

The PU28 Fire Barrier is especially suitable for partition walls, suspended ceilings, and loft or attic fire breaks, as a flexible and easier-to-install alternative to rigid fireboards.

Scaffold Stairwells

PU28 can be deployed in scaffold stairwell areas to meet fire barrier requirements in temporary or construction-phase environments.

Flammable Waste Covers & General Barrier Applications

Last but not least, the PU28 Fire Barrier can be utilised as a protective covering for flammable waste, duct fire barriers, and as a fire or smoke curtain in various building zones.

How to Install a PU28 Fire Barrier

While the specific steps you need to follow to install the PU28 Fire Barrier may differ slightly based on the application, the general process is quite easy to follow.

Here’s the scoop:

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Ensure the substrate – joists, walls, floors, or ceilings – is clean, dry, and free of obstructions. Proper preparation paves the way for a smooth installation and optimal fire containment.

Step 2: Sizing & Cutting

PU28 comes in rolls of 50 metre length and varying widths (1 metre, 1.3 metres, or 1.5 metres). Measure and cut lengths according to your application area, allowing for minimum overlap of around 75 mm for typical joints.

Step 3: Orientation & Placement

• Ceilings/Floors/Joists: The material can be stapled or fixed under or over joists. Whether in ceilings, on floors, or as cavity barriers, this flexibility suits various structural layouts.
• Thatched Roofs: It’s usually fixed on top of rafters. Lay strips vertically, overlapping each strip over a rafter to ensure continuity of the fire barrier.

Step 4: Fixing the Material

Use fire-resistant staples to secure each piece firmly to joists and/or surrounding structures, ensuring the material remains taut without sagging.

Step 5: Seaming & Overlap

Overlap adjacent strips adequately – typically at least 75 mm. This overlap helps ensure a continuous barrier, significantly reducing potential gaps through which smoke or flames could penetrate.

Step 6: Check & Seal Joints

After the material is in place with correct overlaps, inspect for any gaps. If necessary, use fire-rated sealants (such as an intumescent silicone) to reinforce joints, especially in thatched roof applications.

Step 7: Final Verification

Make sure the installation is continuous and snug, as gaps or poorly secured areas can compromise fire and smoke integrity. Bear in mind that PU28 is designed to contain flames and smoke – not to insulate from heat. Therefore, you will need to ensure your system meets the required insulation values as needed.

Specialist Industrial Safety Solutions from Tusker

The PU28 Fire Barrier is prized for its flexibility, fire-resistant properties, and ease of installation, making it a highly versatile solution across both traditional and modern building contexts. From everyday partitions to specialised fire-control systems, it’s engineered to meet diverse safety requirements effectively.

If you have any questions about the various benefits of the PU28 Fire Barrier, please call us on 01752 201000 or get in touch with us via our contact form. To buy the PU28 Fire Barrier, please visit our online shop.

Written By Tusker Industrial Safety