Fire ratings for tiles
Q. Are ceramic and porcelain tiles non-combustible?
Yes. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from inert, mineral-based materials and are fired at temperatures exceeding 1200°C, making them non-combustible. They do not ignite, burn, or contribute fuel to a fire.
Under NCC Volume One, Clause C1.10 – Fire Hazard Properties, item (c)(i), ceramic tiles (and similar materials such as concrete or terrazzo) are exempt from fire hazard property testing. This means that tiles are deemed to satisfy the fire hazard requirements for internal linings, wall and ceiling finishes, and floor coverings.
Q. Do tiles need a fire rating or fire hazard test?
No. Because tiles fall under the NCC exemption for non-combustible materials, they are not required to undergo separate fire hazard testing for:
- Flame propagation
- Smoke development
- Heat-release characteristics
This exemption applies specifically to the tile material itself.
Q. Do tile adhesives and grouts comply with fire requirements?
Most cement-based adhesives and grouts are non-combustible once cured and are suitable for use with tiles in areas where non-combustible materials are required.
However, adhesives and grouts are not part of the NCC’s deemed-to-satisfy exemption, and compliance should be confirmed via each product’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
Q. Can tiles be installed near fireplaces, cooktops, or heat sources?
Yes. Tiles are stable under high temperatures and will not warp, melt, or ignite. They are commonly used:
- Around fireplaces
- Behind cooktops (as splashbacks)
- In outdoor kitchen and BBQ areas
Important: While the tile surface is non-combustible, the substrate behind the tile must also comply with NCC requirements for installation near heat sources.
Q. Do ceramic or porcelain tiles produce smoke or toxic fumes in a fire?
No. Tiles are inorganic and do not release smoke, toxic gases, or combustible fumes when exposed to fire or high heat.
Q. Do tiles provide a fire-resistance level (FRL)?
No. Tiles do not provide a structural fire-resistance level on their own.
FRL requirements apply to walls, floors, and structural building elements, not surface finishes. While tiles can be installed on FRL-rated walls or floors, they do not increase the FRL of the substrate.
DISCLAIMER All material on this website is published in good faith, however Skheme Pty Ltd does not warrant or represent the origin, validity, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, authenticity or reliability of, nor accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, in any material on this website or in any accompanying or other material, including advertisements, whether oral, visual, written, printed or electronic. Skheme Pty Ltd is not liable for any losses, claims, damages, demands, costs and expenses of whatsoever nature arising in any way, including those caused by negligence, out of or in connection with the use of this website, or any accompanying or subsequent information, or by reason of any reliance upon its contents by any person, company or organisation. All access to, and use of, the information is at the user’s risk. All technical details, recommendations and other information contained on this website represent the best of our knowledge and experience at the time of publishment. It is your responsibility to ensure that our products are used and handled correctly and in accordance with any applicable Australian Standard, our instructions and recommendations and only for the uses they are intended. Country specific recommendations, depending on local standards, codes of practice, building regulations or industry guidelines, may affect specific installation recommendations. The supply of our products & services is also subject to certain terms, warranties and exclusions, which may have already been disclosed to you in prior dealings or are otherwise available to you on request. Skheme reserves the right to alter, amend, vary or otherwise change any information on this website at any time and without prior notice to you to reflect our ongoing research and development program. The provision of any URL or link is done for the convenience of users of this website. It does not constitute an endorsement by the Skheme of that URL or link or the information at that Internet site. Potential customers should speak to a Skheme consultant regarding the qualities, colours and textures of all Skheme products before purchase.