What level of fire protection does masonry provide?

Masonry provides good fire protection due to the inherent properties of the materials used, such as brick, stone, and concrete. These materials are non-combustible, meaning they do not ignite or contribute to the spread of fire in the same way that wood or other flammable materials can.

In a masonry structure, the dense nature of the brick or concrete can effectively contain heat and prevent flames from penetrating through walls. This gives occupants valuable time to evacuate and minimizes property damage during a fire incident. Additionally, masonry walls can withstand high temperatures without structural failure, further enhancing the fire safety of a building.

The designation of fire protection as "good" reflects a considerable resistance to fire hazards, making masonry a popular choice in building construction for its durability and safety features. In contrast, other types of materials used in construction may not offer the same level of fire resistance, which is why masonry stands out as a reliable option in this context.