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DBI is an accredited testing institute with many years of experience in carrying out fire tests of building materials and structures. We can support manufacturers throughout the entire process – from product development using small-scale fire tests and computer simulation, to full-scale fire test and classification.

We are accredited to carry out full-scale facade tests according to the Nordic standard SP Fire 105, and our test hall is ready for expected requirement in the forthcoming European standard.

Laptop showing a DBI guide on efficient fire testing on a desk by a window.

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Want to know what to consider before a fire test and how to make sure your projects get to market faster? Download the free guide to a more efficient testing process.

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Full-scale facade fire test with intense flames in DBI’s test hall.

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Consent and terms
Large-scale facade fire test at DBI, documenting fire performance of existing facade systems, paints and coatings for maintenance and refurbishment.

Verify the fire performance of existing facades

Fire testing is not limited to product development. Existing facades may also require assessment, for example to verify fire performance after years of weather exposure, potential leaching of fire-retardant treatment, or changes to the facade system.


At DBI, we test and evaluate existing facade systems to determine whether they continue to meet the required fire performance criteria.

The results provide valuable documentation for building owners, manufacturers, and system suppliers, and support decisions on maintenance, refurbishment, or replacement.

Looking for fire testing of paints and coatings?

Paints and coatings on facades can significantly influence how surfaces contribute to fire development in buildings.

Our team of fire safety and chemical engineers can help you develop the right solution for your project through a comprehensive range of fire testing and performance evaluations.

Research-based fire testing services

At DBI, our fire testing services are closely linked to our research projects that investigate the fire performance of bio-based facade systems, innovative materials and future construction solutions. The knowledge generated through these projects is directly applied in our testing and assessment services, enabling us to support manufacturers and developers with reliable research-based expertise.

Explore our facade-related research projects and services:

Wood samples submerged in water for FireTechWood Facades, testing leaching of fire retardants and long-term fire performance of treated wood facades.
Project: FireTechWood Facades

Research project on long-term fire performance of fire-retardant treated wood facades.

Project: FireTechWood Facades
Facade fire test in BioFacades:UpHigh, documenting fire-safe design solutions to limit fire spread in untreated wood-cladded facades.
Project: BioFacades:UpHigh

Research project on fire-safe design solutions to limit fire spread in untreated wood-cladded facades.

Project: BioFacades:UpHigh
Small-scale fire test in DBI’s mini-SBI equipment, providing indicative data on fire performance for product development and material selection.
Small-scale fire testing

Indicative tests are a cost-effective method to gain knowledge about the fire-technical performance of your product.

Small-scale fire testing
Two DBI employees standing in front of a test setup after a facade fire test.

Facts about the facade hall

  • Size: 15 × 18 metres with a 13-metre ceiling.
  • Suitable for both the Nordic SP Fire 105 standard and the expected upcoming European facade test standard.
  • Two flexible test rigs that can be adapted to many different configurations.
  • Advanced smoke monitoring: Temperature, toxic gases, CO2, HRR (Heat Release Rate) and oxygen consumption.
  • Separate drying area for facades and structures that need curing before testing.
  • Fire sources: All types – e.g. oil, wood and more.
Full scale faacde fire test in DBI's test facilities

5 reasons why DBI is the right choice for your next fire test

1. Fast and safe to market

Our skilled experts guide you from the very first design ideas and help identify and solve potential fire safety challenges. We often recommend starting with one or more small-scale tests before investing in a full-scale classification test. This allows you to explore different construction variants and gain a solid foundation for deciding when a full-scale test is the right next step. The process is efficient and shortens your products’ time to market.

2. The future-proof choice

With our testing facilities and expertise, you can future-proof your fire test results. We are accredited to carry out full-scale facade tests according to the Nordic standard SP Fire 105. However, our test hall is ready for the future as it easily accommodates test specimens up to 8 metres in height, which is expected to become the requirement in the forthcoming European standard. DBI is part of the standardisation committee developing the new standard, ensuring we are always up to date with the latest knowledge in the field.

3. Flexibility and endless possibilities

The facade hall gives you the freedom to build your façade at the pace that best suits your project. With 2 test rigs, there is plenty of time to let the construction dry when needed. If you’re on a tighter schedule — for instance, travelling from abroad — we can optimise the process to save valuable time. The hall can handle a high fire load and is also ideal for special projects that require excellent extinguishing capabilities under controlled conditions. Our team of skilled technicians and builders have extensive experience setting up fire tests and can assist in building all types of materials and constructions.

Full scale facade fire test with flames

4. Final report and documentation within 30 days

Following a successful test, we will provide a complete report within 30 days — containing all the information you need for the final approval and certification of your product. The fire test is, of course, thoroughly documented and recorded using 3 video cameras.

5 Central location near Copenhagen Airport

Our testing facilities are conveniently located just outside Copenhagen, close to both the airport and the motorway. This makes it easy for you to get here — no matter where in Denmark or Europe you’re based. We work with many international customers who value the excellent accessibility of our facilities.

A DBI furnaces after a fire test, where a technican is pouring water on the burning test item.

See some of our fire test furnaces in this video

Our 3,000 square meter headquarters near Copenhagen houses a modern fire laboratory with various furnaces for almost all types of fire tests.

This makes it possible for us to conduct almost all types of fire tests, from small-scale to full-scale, with items as high as 4.48 meters.

Watch the video of some of our fire testing facilities.

Let us talk about your fire testing project

Christina works closely with our fire testing engineers, and she will be happy to assist you with your enquiry and connect you with the right team.

Christina Hald
Christina Hald
International Sales Manager Nordic & Baltic
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Christina Hald

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Map of Copenhagen with markers for DBI Headquarter in Hvidovre and Copenhagen Airport.

Location

Our headquarters and test facilities are centrally located in Copenhagen, Denmark – close to the motorway and only a 15-minute drive from Copenhagen Airport.


Address: Jernholmen 12, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark

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