Fire retardant coating is a special material that is designed to protect any structure from the damaging effects of fire. It is most often used in construction and industry (heavy, aviation, ship). However, you should understand what types of protective materials are, how they work, and how they should be applied.
Advantages of presented coatings
First of all, let's find out what advantages they have. Fire retardant coating has the following advantages:
1. Affordable price.
2. Effective protection of structural surfaces from the negative effects of high temperatures.
3. Possibility of using materials for metal or wood products.
4. Choice of protection by type of application.
5. Additional functions of the compositions, for example, the ability to protect the structure from decay or damage by insects, cracking, the ability to change the color of the treated surface, which allows you to additionally decorate it.
The principle of the protector
So, the fire retardant coating is very important for maintaining the integrity of the structureduring a fire. Naturally, it should be used when the product is ready for final finishing. During a fire, the composition is able to prevent the structure from igniting for a long time. The fact is that it contains special substances - flame retardants - which are not amenable to combustion.
When the protected surface is heated, they begin to act. In this way, the building owner can provide a reliable barrier to the spread of fire throughout the structure and buy the time it takes for the fire brigade to arrive.
Varieties of tread materials
Fire retardant coating may vary. There are these types of materials:
1. Impregnations or varnishes. They can be applied with a conventional brush or roller. In addition, a spray gun is also used for this purpose. Most often they have a liquid consistency. Their feature is that they are used to protect the tree and can perform other functions. So, impregnations help maintain the integrity and structure of the structure. Varnishes provide a change in their decorative properties. In addition, the product protects the surface from rapid ignition.
2. Coatings. Their feature is that during interaction with high temperature they are able to form a thick protective screen of non-combustible foam. Under normal conditions, this coating is almost imperceptible and reflects heat well.
Where exactly are the substances presented?
Naturally, such coatings can not be used everywhere, although the range of their application is very wide. For example, wood is most often treated with such varnishes or impregnations. You have already read about the advantages of such a finish above. In addition, such processing is necessary in the process of laying communication cables (electrical). In addition to being insulated, they should be painted over with a special flame retardant.
Naturally, a fire-retardant coating is produced for metal structures that are used in the construction of residential buildings or industrial buildings, and are also amenable to periodic heating. For example, materials that are used in the construction of aircraft engines and various mechanisms should be processed.
Interestingly, even home furniture, curtains, carpets, daily utensils can be impregnated with flame retardant. Naturally, this should take into account how safe the selected composition is.
Features of protection of wooden structures
So, wood processing is one of the stages in the construction of any building. Otherwise, the materials may crack, be damaged by insects, or catch fire quickly. To prevent such troubles, there are various fire retardant impregnations or coatings. Moreover, they can be both colorless and have a shade. Decorative varnish with flame retardant properties can be used for processing solid wood, plywood, and chipboard. Moreover, the tool is used insideindoors, and outside.
For the treatment of wood structures, not only flame retardants can be used, but also conventional paints, in which they are located. In order to more reliably protect the structure from dangerous heating, it is advisable to use deep impregnations that penetrate inside the product.
You can treat the surface of the structure with a brush or spray. The second method is considered more economical and also effective. Lacquer should be applied in dry weather so that it dries faster. Please note that the surface will have to be painted over several times. However, each subsequent coat must be applied at least 3-4 hours after the previous treatment.
Fire retardant coating of wooden structures is not only cost savings, because products can last much longer, but also the confidence that you will save your property in time, and maybe life in case of fire.
Features of processing metal products
It is difficult to classify metal structures as flammable, but under the influence of high temperature they can melt, deform and even burn out. Naturally, in this case, the integrity of the entire building is at risk. Therefore, flame retardants must be used to protect structures made of metal or concrete. They will ensure the impossibility of the transition of open fire from one room to another and significantly reduce the risk of destruction of the building.
Most often in such cases, water-based paint is used, which, when exposed to hightemperature foams and forms a durable non-combustible layer of foam. It should be used both inside the building and outside. It should be noted that such a product is not toxic and is mandatory for use in those buildings that are at high risk of fire. In addition, these fluids have good adhesion.
It is very important to use a fire retardant coating for air ducts. It is through this design that a fire can spread quickly. In this case, it is better to use an inorganic thermal insulation coating that does not change the appearance or properties of the ducts.
That's it. Be careful!
