Why is it important to test curtain walls with a non-rated wall?

Testing curtain walls with a non-rated wall is crucial for evaluating their actual fire performance. Curtain walls are typically non-structural and primarily serve as a facade; therefore, understanding how these walls react to fire in real-world scenarios is essential for safety. This type of testing provides data on how the materials and assemblies perform when exposed to heat and flames, which can help inform building codes and standards, as well as improve the overall safety of a building.

Evaluating fire performance can reveal potential weaknesses or failure points under fire conditions, which are vital for ensuring life safety and minimizing property damage. The focus on actual fire performance ensures that the materials used in curtain walls contribute effectively to the fire-resistance strategies of a building, thereby enhancing fire safety outcomes.