Which type of barrier is used to prevent the spread of fire from one side of the wall to the other?

A fire wall is specifically designed to prevent the spread of fire from one side to another, thus playing a crucial role in fire safety and building design. It is constructed to withstand high temperatures and is often made from non-combustible materials. Fire walls serve as a physical barrier that compartmentalizes a building, limiting the spread of fire and smoke, which can provide valuable time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to respond.

In contrast, barrier walls and load-bearing walls may have structural functions but do not have the same fire-resistant properties as fire walls. A tempered wall also lacks the specific characteristics necessary to address fire spread, as it generally refers to glass that has been treated for impact resistance, not an effective fire barrier. By understanding the fundamental role of a fire wall, it becomes evident how vital it is in maintaining safety standards and ensuring the overall integrity of fire protection strategies within building design.