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If you have recently installed spray foam insulation in your house, shop or business, chances are pretty good you will need to coat it with fire retardant paint. The fire marshal is usually happy to explain that to you, and not let you back in the building until it is painted.We get a lot of business from people who didn't know they had to paint their foam. I love those folks.What Is Spray Foam Insulation?Spray foam insulation (SPF) is a versatile material made from a blend of isocyanate and pol …

Landscaping adds beauty, value, and functionality to outdoor spaces. However, with growing concerns about wildfires and fire safety, homeowners and property managers are seeking smarter solutions to reduce fire hazards. One area often overlooked is mulch—a common but flammable landscaping material.  Fortunately, fire retardants for landscape mulch offer a practical way to minimize ignition risk while supporting the principles of fire resistant landscaping. Is Mulch Fire Resistant? In …

The legalization of marijuana has sparked a building boom for grow houses across the country. These can be multi-million dollar builds, but often, fire code is the last thing that people consider. That's where we come in. When you are working with your architect and your fire marshal or building inspector, be sure to bring up this topic early. What often happens is the grow rooms get built, outfitted with lights, misters, fans, etc., plants are growing, and the fire marshal comes in and say …

There are basically two types of fire retardant - intumescents and non-intumescents. Here's the simple explanation.  Intumescents swell up when exposed to heat. Non-intumescents don't. More complex explanation. When exposed to flame or heat above around 325°F, intumescent coatings swell up and form a thick layer of char. The heat causes a chemical reaction that generates gas that fills tiny little pockets in the coating - almost like foam. That foam insulates and protects the substrate …

When dealing with fire retardants, there are typically two standards - time ratings and class ratings. Class ratings are usually Class A, B or C, with 'A' being the best. This is usually measured with the test for ASTM E84, which measure Flame Spread and Smoke Development. It most often applies to NON-structural building materials, like plywood, fascia, wall coverings, and things like that. Time ratings are usually 1, 2 or 3 hours, and apply to STRUCTURAL things like beams, joists, flo …