What is the Difference Between Fireproof and Fire Resistant?

You want to protect your home or commercial building from the threat of fire. As you shop for paint, foams, and other products to do this, you notice that some say "fireproof" while others say "fire resistant." It's very good that you picked this up because choosing the correct one is incredibly important.

Do these two terms mean the same thing? Actually, yes. Fireproof and fire resistant both describe the same thing. Technically, they are interchangeable.

What is Fireproofing vs What is Fire Resistant Material?

Fireproofing refers to the process or treatment applied to materials or structures to make them resistant to fire. It doesn't mean the material is completely fireproof, but it indicates it can endure fire exposure for a set period without losing strength or integrity. Builders often use fireproofing in buildings, pipelines, and industrial equipment to delay or prevent fire damage.

On the other hand, what is fire resistant material? Manufacturers design flame-resistant or fire-resistant materials to prevent the spread of fire and withstand heat.Flame-resistant materials should self-extinguish once you remove the source of ignition.

Chemicals treat these fire-retardant materials to make them slow-burning or self-extinguishing when exposed to an open flame. Many people view fireproof to be better than fire resistant, but this is a mistake.

Despite its name, even fireproof will not offer you absolute protection. In truth, there is no such thing as 100% fireproof. Given a certain amount of time and heat level, anything will burn eventually. What fireproof and fire resistant products do is give you time.

Examples of Fireproof and Fire Resistant Materials

While both fireproof and fire resistant materials aim to minimize fire risks, their properties and applications can vary significantly. So, what materials are fire resistant? Below are some common examples:

close-up-of-flame-testing-material

Fireproof Materials:

  • Concrete: Known for its excellent fire resistance, concrete does not burn and can protect structural elements from fire damage. It’s a common answer to the question, what material is fireproof?
  • Fireproof Coatings: These are specialized sprays or paints applied to surfaces to prevent or slow down combustion.
  • Steel (with fireproof coating): While steel can lose strength under extreme heat, fireproof coatings help extend its structural integrity.

Fire Resistant Materials:

  • Fiberglass: Commonly used in insulation, fiberglass is naturally fire-resistant and does not ignite easily. People often cite it when discussing what materials are fire-resistant.
  • Gypsum Board: Also known as drywall, gypsum boards contain water molecules that help resist fire.
  • Fire-Resistant Glass: Often used in windows and doors, this type of glass can withstand high temperatures for a certain period.

Remember, a few minutes can make all the difference between safely evacuating everyone and a disaster or needing fire department intervention. Don't be discouraged if a certain paint or foam can't make your wood deck completely fireproof, no matter what.

Be Safe with RDR Technologies

RDR Technologies specializes in fire retardants, fire suppressants, and other specialty chemicals, so we would love to speak with you about this in more detail. It is our mission to provide you with the best fire protection, which means purchasing the right products for the application and substrate.

The easiest way to contact us is by filling out this simple form. If you prefer, you can also call us at 405-306-3062. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask us your questions!

Jul 28th 2021 RDR Technologies

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