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Fireproofing is the use of any number of methods to attempt and make a building, object, or area as resistant to fire as possible. The most common method for fireproofing is the use of some type of spray-on flame retardant, a substance that is almost completely inflammable applied to various types of material. Flame retardant may be all-purpose or designed only for certain types of surfaces.
Fireproofing may also involve the addition of flame retardant to paint before it is even applied to wall surfaces, or fireproof caulk that expands when exposed to fire or smoke, choking off the fire's air source and protecting people and property from smoke and ash.
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| Types of fire proofing: |
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| Passive fire protection |
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construction components are used to resist, retard and isolate a flames and the associated smoke and fumes: they do not in themselves extinguish flames hence they are classed as 'passive protection'.
A key design requirement for passive fire protection systems concerns public safety - the guarantee of a specific resistance / retardation time increases the time available for the evacuation of a building. Times vary between 30 minutes up to 4 hours retardation, dependent on the particular product and application.
The flame retardant and smoke stopping capabilities of these construction components also enables rescue and emergency services to undertake their jobs in a more controlled environment. Finally damage to the building, contents and surroundings by flames or smoke may be significantly reduced by a passive fire protection system.
Total Solutions provides a wide range of components to protect the weak points of a building which would otherwise allow the free and uncontrolled passage of fire, smoke and fumes.
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| Intumescent |
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products are those which expand (or intumesce) to several times their original size when activated by high temperatures. This action prevents the spread of flames and smoke to other parts of a building. Passive fireseals and pipe clamps contain intumescent compounds.
Intumescent seals have to be independently tested and certified to national standards to ensure that they will operate as claimed in the event of a fire - for example retain their integrity for 30 minutes.
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| Fire rated |
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products are flame resistant / fire retardant and offer some passive resistance but are not intumescent and do not expand when heated. These may still be preferable for general construction purposes than standard products which have no rating of any kind.
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| Non Rated Products |
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such as metal letterplates or louvre covers are not fire rated but intended to be used in conjunction with products which are, such as intumescent letterbox liners or intumescent grilles.
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