Give it the Right Fire Treatment

Intumescent paints are an important element of passive fire protection and can be applied to a variety of combustible building materials in order to bring them into compliance with fire regulations.

Intumescent paint reacts when its temperature attains or exceeds 120°C, and the process results in a soft charring effect at its surface (which insulates and reduces transmission of heat into the substrate) and the release of water vapour (which helps to cool the substrate).

When timber and wood surfaces are exposed to flames, the intumescent expands to create a fireproof layer on the substrate. A range of timber substrates can be coated with intumescent paint in order to comply with fire regulation standards. These building elements include frames, staircases, floors, ceilings, cladding, and doors made of wood or wood derivative. Intumescent paint can be applied directly onto the surface of timber structures, either by brush, roller, or spray. There are several varieties of clear intumescent paint that can be used on wood in order to preserve their appearance. One example of intumescent paint is the patented HW coating system from Envirograf.

Fire Test Performance

Tested on a wide range of wooden doors, achieving 60 minutes integrity and either 30 or 60 minute fire protection and insulation according to BS476 Part22. Up to 60 minutes fire protection achieved on open joists and floorboards according to BS476 Part 20. 90-minute fire rating achieved on timber mouldings and carcasses according to BS476 Part 20. Tested on a range of timber types, including plywood and MDF, complying with BS476 Parts 6 & 7, Classes 0 & 1 (Spread of Flame). Tested to European Standard EN13641, achieving 66 minutes integrity. Complies with Classification B/S1/d0 of European Standard EN13823, single burn test (SBI) and EN11925-2 (ignitability).

Westminster Choir School, London

In the shadow of the great abbey is Westminster Choir School, dating back to 1170. The school is renowned for its choral excellence, and it has followed centuries of traditional values in education. The present boarding school in Dean’s Yard dates back to 1915 and it currently houses 38 people (choristers and staff). The school recently underwent an extensive internal refurbishment programme. In order to provide fire protection and retain the original character and elegance of the woodwork, Fire Prevention Products (London) Ltd were consulted. As most of the wood is very old and possibly contains layers of polish, FPP recommended the use of Envirograf® Product 42 HWAP adhesion primer to provide a solid foundation to the surface. The contractors needed an acceptable level of fire protection to Class 0 and Class 1 spread of flame, so the Envirograf® Product 92 ES/VFR coating system was used. This was subsequently coated over with the strong and resilient protective top coat Envirograf® Product 42 HW05, which will give the surfaces many years of tough protection.

Clifton Hill House, University of Bristol

To keep the appearances and to be able to use upper floors at University of Bristol, the open joists and floor boards were again coated with 3 coats of HW02/E at 8sq m per litre per coat and brown AM mastic between joints which had shrunk over the years, giving 60 minutes integrity, insulation and load bearing. Envirograf were also asked to upgrade the doors and to treat the window frames and used HW02 to fire protect these substrates. This allowed Clifton Hill House to achieve 60 minutes integrity, meaning that in the event of a fire the building will maintain its integrity and the fire will not easily spread.

City of London Freemen’s School

City of London Freemen’s School

Unprotected doors installed within the 18th Century building of Freemen’s School, Surrey required upgrading to fire rated standard to comply with Building Regulations. Doors designed with historic fabrics could not be replaced and therefore it was recommended to upgrade the surface using intumescent paint. An application of Clear HW02 coating was applied to the mahogany doors situated in the hallway area to protect the risk side of the door, and also preserve the original fabrics. White fire escape doors were also coated in White HW02 coatings, including the architraves to protect the fire escape route.

More at  www.envirograf.com

Assured protection for your building projects

TREATED TIMBER

Vacsol™ 6118 is a water-based low pressure wood preservative

4 Is metal free and VOC free 4 Suitable for Use Class 1, 2 and 3 (coated) joinery and construction timbers 4 BPR (Biocidal Products Regulation) Authorised

FIND OUT MORE

w:trustvacsol.com e: timberprotectionadvice.ukca@lonza.com

VACSOL™ Aqua 6118 is a BPR Authorised product. Use wood preservatives safely. Always read the label and product information before use.