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Building Fire Resistant Bike Shelters

Insights Into How You Can Create a Fire Resistant Bike Shelter

Implementing basic fire safety practices, like securely storing combustible substances, provides a strong first line of defense for reducing bike shelter fire hazards, but there is more that can be done to mitigate the devastating effects that a fire can inflict.

The cornerstone of fire safety lies in strategically implementing foundational measures, such as adeptly storing combustible materials. Yet, recognising the depth of potential threats, comprehensive protection demands a multifaceted approach. Installing fire-resistant bike shelters has become an increasingly popular request in recent times, and this post explores how we can help you produce steel and wooden bike shelters that leave you best placed to minimise fire risk.

This blog post provides a general overview of how different materials can contribute to creating a fire-resistant shelter. Before installing, ensure you consult a fire safety professional or your local authority.

Introducing Fire-Resistant Steel Bike Shelters

At The Bike Storage Company, we proudly unveil our latest innovation in safeguarding Bike Shelters: fire-resistant steel frames developed in collaboration with UK-based fire-retardant experts Bollom

While galvanised steel may not be inherently fireproof, it boasts significant fire-resistant properties, including a high melting point and minimal toxin emission compared to raw steel alternatives. These robust frames are engineered to withstand fire, reducing the risk of sudden collapse during emergencies. 

Integrating our proprietary fire-retardant treatment, our shelters offer enhanced safety with 30 or 60 minutes of fire protection within C1 and C2 environments on the atmospheric corrosion chart. 

bike shelter with green lawn and yellow bicycle signage on the side

Creating Fire-Resistant Wooden Bike Shelters

Investing in fire-resistant wood is the most critical step for creating a safer wooden cycling shelter. To achieve this, we offer Euro Class B and Euro Class C fire-rated cladding as part of our extensive range of Timber Options. ‘Euro Class’ refers to the fire resistance rating of a cladding material’s performance with the European Standards for building materials, with Class B being the higher rating. 

These timber options are treated with a flame-retardant solution that increases fire resistance while retaining a natural look. We also provide various fire-resistant coating options for our shelters, including paints and varnishes that can reinforce the timber’s fire resistance. 

Can Mesh Gates Reduce Fire Risk?

Mesh gates may reduce the fire risk in wooden shelters but involve a trade-off. Properly installed mesh gates reduce combustible material and increase airflow, removing fuel and dissipating heat.

However, this also introduces more oxygen, the fire triangle’s third element. Additionally, the size and configuration of the mesh openings should be considered. Mesh swings or slide gates offer benefits compared to timber doors, depending on the specific circumstances of a fire. 

The Pros and Cons of Polycarbonate in a Fire

Our Original Shelter range and many other shelters come equipped with polycarbonate roofs. You might be wondering how these roofs would perform in a fire. The good news is that polycarbonate has a high ignition temperature and is classified as self-extinguishing. This means it will not sustain a flame once the ignition source is removed. Additionally, it has a relatively low heat release rate and does not contribute significantly to fire spread. 

These properties make polycarbonate roofs valuable in mitigating fire risks. However, it’s important to note that they can emit toxic gases and dense black smoke. In addition, polycarbonate can soften and deform under high temperatures, potentially causing the shelter to collapse or fail. 

How Can The Bike Storage Company Help?

If you need a bike shelter that is fire-retardant, we can assist you in achieving this goal. Our services include providing materials that enhance fire resistance and designing shelters that meet your specific site requirements. We can guide you through the entire process from idea to completion, including no-obligation surveys, tailored design services, manufacturing, and installation.

You can arrange a call with us today to obtain technical advice or receive more information on how we can help you. We hope this post has given you an idea of how we can create a bike shelter that reduces fire risk. 

It is important to seek advice from a fire safety professional before installing. 

Google reviews

IanM
February 2, 2022

I purchased a semi-vertical bike rack for the 4 family bicycles. I was able to order a rack f or exactly the number I needed so it fits perfectly in to a space in my garden. The sections arrived well packaged and on time. Building it just required a couple of basic tools and a picture from the website - it took me less than an hour. It is very sturdy, meets my needs, is space saving and allows all the bikes to be easily accessible. I would definitely recommend The Bike Storage Company.

Alan Clarke
November 2, 2022

I had a problem with my order, but it was sorted out very quickly and fairly. The bike rack is really good quality as are the included bolts.

Aris Karidis
January 6, 2023

High-quality products, reasonably priced, combined with excellent and speedy service. Highly r ecommended.

Georgina Cannon
April 20, 2022

We ordered the Gas Two Tier Racks for our office, they arrived in no time and the design team even helped us pick out the right colour to match our building!

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