Norwegian fire protection specialist Bridgehill has launched a specialized fire-resistant membrane designed to enhance safety for rooftop PV systems. Known as Fireblock, the product acts as a passive shield to prevent heat transfer and flame spread in commercial and industrial settings. Utilizing intumescent technology, it creates a thermal barrier that significantly lowers temperatures reaching the roof structure during a fire. Beyond safety, the membrane’s high-albedo surface can improve the energy yield of bifacial solar modules, making it a dual-purpose solution for modern sustainable infrastructure.
Bridgehill, a company renowned for its advanced fire blankets, developed the Fireblock membrane to address the growing demand for fire safety in the solar industry. The membrane is suitable for both flat and pitched roofs and can be integrated into new construction projects or retrofitted onto existing buildings. This flexibility allows property owners to meet stringent insurance and safety regulations without extensive structural modifications.
The technology behind the membrane relies on a sophisticated chemical reaction. When exposed to extreme heat, the material triggers an intumescent process where an acid-generating component causes a carbon-rich layer to dehydrate and expand. This reaction, aided by a blowing agent that releases gas, forms a robust, mechanically stable insulating barrier. During internal testing, Bridgehill recorded surface temperatures exceeding 900°C, while the temperature on the underside of the membrane remained at approximately 150°C after 25 minutes of simulated fire exposure.
This thermal performance is crucial for protecting the structural integrity of the roof, including load-bearing elements, insulation, and technical installations, from catastrophic damage. Additionally, the membrane maintains its water-repellent and waterproof properties even during a fire. This feature is particularly valuable as it helps minimize secondary property damage caused by water used during firefighting efforts.
In addition to its safety features, the membrane offers performance benefits for solar energy production. Its white surface features a high albedo, allowing it to reflect significant amounts of light onto the rear side of bifacial solar modules. This reflection can lead to a measurable increase in total energy yield, providing an economic incentive alongside its protective capabilities.
The Fireblock membrane is currently entering its final market launch phase, with a projected installation cost of approximately €30 per square meter. Bridgehill is expected to release comprehensive country-specific certifications, test reports, and installation guidelines in the near future.
For flat roofs, the membrane can be installed directly beneath PV systems over existing waterproofing or placed between insulation and waterproofing layers during new construction. On pitched roofs, the product can be integrated with bitumen sheets or applied as a retrofit solution over existing roof coverings, providing a continuous fire-resistant barrier that fits standard architectural designs.