Does Fire Retardant Expire?

Whether you're in charge of a commercial property or simply want the best for your residential home, you need to concern yourself with fire protection. Fires happen in an instant, but fire retardant ensures the flames either die out or grow so slowly that you have ample time to react. Is spraying or painting fire retardent a one-time thing? Or, will it expire and you'll need to upkeep and maintain it? Before we get too much further, let's first back up and discuss exactly what fire retardant is.

What is fire retardant?

The average person may think water is the best way to combat a blaze, but this is not true. In fact, water is only reactionary. You see a fire and you pour or spray water on it. It is a much better idea to be proactive and stop a fire from spreading out of control before the fire ever starts. This is what fire retardants do. These are substances that are used to slow down or stop the spread of fire or reduce its intensity. This is commonly accomplished by chemical reactions that reduce the flammability of fuels or delay their combustion. Fire retardants may also cool the fuel through physical action or endothermic chemical reactions. Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the "fire triangle." A fire retardant removes one of these elements and so the fire either doesn't start or doesn't thrive.

Does fire retardant expire?

This question isn't as easily answered, because how long the protection lasts depends greatly on the substrate you're protecting with fire retardant. For example, fabrics that have been treated with flame retardants are usually certified for one year. If you wash them in your washing machine like any other article of clothing, the chemicals dissipate over time. You're washing it off! On the other hand, something like drywall or steel beams will last significantly longer. In fact, DC315 Thermal Barrier Paint for Spray Foam says its fire resistant property is not compromised after 50 years. PolaRoof RAC Fire Retardant Roof Coating is known for the fact that it produces a waterproof surface that will not be deteriorated by fungal growth or algae. It will not re-emulsify or wash away with rainwater.

Unopened containers of the retardant will last many years. Many products, like Contego HIGH SOLIDS Fire Retardant Paint/Primer for Steel, say there are no shelf life limitations. This makes it beneficial to purchase a large amount and use it on anything and everything for the next few years.

Fire retardants are also available as coatings or sprays to be applied to an object, like structural beams, walls, furniture, and drapes. All that is left to do now is shop online for fire retardant! It is our mission to provide you with the best fire protection, which means retardant that is effective and long-lasting. Don't just hope a fire never happens to you. Prepare your home or commercial property in a way that ensures everyone's safety!