What are fire barriers designed to do?

Fire barriers are specifically designed to restrict the movement of fire through partitions within a building. Their primary purpose is to provide a means of delaying the spread of fire, thus enhancing the overall safety of the structure and its occupants. This is achieved by using materials and construction techniques that are resistant to fire, allowing for a controlled environment where the fire can be contained.

By creating compartments within a building, fire barriers help to prevent fires from spreading unchecked from one area to another, giving occupants more time to escape and allowing fire response teams to work more effectively. This containment is crucial in minimizing fire damage and protecting life safety during an emergency situation.

In contrast, while decorative features may enhance the aesthetic of a building, they do not serve a functional purpose related to fire safety. Similarly, increasing energy efficiency and supporting structures in high winds fall outside the scope of what fire barriers are intended to achieve.