Fire safety is an important factor to consider in building design and construction. Whether it’s for commercial or residential properties, ensuring protection against fire hazards is an essential step. Fire retardant Coating (Class A), certified by ASTM E84, is a solution that has become popular among many for enhancing fire resistance.
However, wildfires are a common concern among many, especially if you live in wildfire-prone areas in the US. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), 5,260 fires burned 1,659,645 acres from January to March, which averages to 315.52 acres burned per fire.
This shows the significant scale and impact of wildfires, underscoring the importance of these coatings in reducing the destruction they cause. But how do these coatings work & why is this testing standard needed? Well, in this blog, we are going to discuss the same.
What is ASTM E-84 for Fire Retardant Coating?
Intumescent coatings, especially those classified as Class A according to ASTM E-84, play a vital role in enhancing the safety and compliance of your project. But what exactly is ASTM E-84, and how does this safety standard ensure compliance in application? The ASTM E-84 test, developed by the American Society of Testing and Materials, is a crucial evaluation that measures the burning characteristics of materials.
It specifically provides comparative measurements of surface-level flame spread and smoke density, which are essential for assessing fire safety. The development of fire tests such as ASTM E-84 was spurred by historical fires highlighting the need for better safety standards, such as the devastating 1942 Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire.
This test is widely applicable across various industries, particularly in projects that involve building renovations, maintenance, or new developments. Ensuring materials like paints or intumescent coatings meet the safety standards set by the ASTM E-84 test is integral to project compliance and safety. According to the International Building Code, this test is mandatory for interior wall and ceiling finishes.
How Does Class A Fire Retardant Coating Work?
Class A fire retardant coating is designed to significantly reduce the spread of fire and lessen its impact through a combination of mechanisms:
Intumescent Properties
A primary characteristic of Class A fire retardant coating is its ability to intumesce or expand when exposed to high temperatures. This intumescence occurs as the coating reacts to heat, swelling several times its original thickness. The resulting expanded layer forms a dense, insulative char that protects the material beneath from the flames. This char layer effectively delays the time it takes for the fire to reach the material underneath, providing crucial extra minutes for fire response and evacuation.
Flame Retardant Additives
The coating includes specific additives formulated to suppress the chemical reactions necessary for a fire to continue burning. These additives release compounds that either cool the fire or disrupt the free radicals driving the combustion process. By interfering with these chemical reactions, the coating helps to stall the spread of fire, providing additional protection to structures.
Thermal Insulation
Beyond its intumescent effect, Class A fire retardant coating also enhances thermal insulation. This feature creates a protective barrier that reduces the heat transfer rate to the protected surface. By keeping the underlying materials cooler, the coating prevents them from reaching the temperatures required for ignition, further safeguarding the structural integrity during a fire.
Smoke Reduction
Another significant advantage of Class A fire retardant coating is its ability to decrease the smoke and toxic gasses produced during a fire. This characteristic ensures occupants’ safety and evacuation efficiency in burning buildings. Lower smoke production means better visibility and less inhalation of harmful substances, which are often referred to as primary dangers in fires.
How Are Intumescent Coatings (Class-A) Tested According to ASTM E84 Standards?
Before these intumescent coatings get classified as Class A according to ASTM E84 standards, they must undergo comprehensive testing in specialized laboratories such as a QAI (Quality and Accreditation Institute) Laboratory, CAL FIRE-approved testing Laboratory, an IAS-recognized fire testing laboratory, and others.
During the test, the coated material is exposed to controlled fire conditions, and various parameters such as flame spread index and smoke development index are measured. Based on the test results, the coating is assigned a Class A rating if it meets the specified criteria for fire resistance.
Why Fire Retardant Coating Class A’s Working Principle Makes It a Preferred Choice?
When it comes to ensuring safety in various applications, opting for fire retardant coating, specifically Class A as per ASTM E84 standards, offers many benefits. Let’s discuss why choosing such coating is not only advantageous but also a wise investment across different scenarios.
Cost Efficiency
The claim of being the most economical fire retardant coating, saving approximately 35%, can’t be overstated. This aspect alone makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious projects without compromising safety standards. With the rising costs of construction materials and stringent regulatory requirements, a cost-effective solution like this can positively impact your budget.
Comply ASTM Standards
These coatings not only meet but exceed ASTM E84 requirements. This includes the 30-minute extended test, which is crucial in determining the coatings’s ability to withstand fire over an extended period. By adhering to such rigorous standards, users can trust in the reliability and efficacy of the product, ensuring peace of mind in fire-prone environments.
High Performance
These coatings offer high performance in fire suppression. Their ability to meet ASTM E84 requirements at recommended application rates underscores their efficacy in containing and inhibiting the spread of flames. This is particularly crucial when rapid fire spread can lead to several consequences.
Ease of Application
The self-priming nature of the coating streamlines the application process, saving both time and resources. With a smooth architectural-grade finish and exceptional adhesion, the application becomes hassle-free. Users can achieve optimal results with minimal effort, whether by a brush, a roller, or a sprayer.
Environmental Considerations
In today’s eco-conscious world, the eco-friendliness of these coatings sets them apart. With low VOCs significantly below regulatory limits, these coatings offer a safer alternative with minimal chemical exposure. This benefits the environment and ensures the well-being of occupants in the coated spaces, making it a sustainable choice for the long term.
Versatility
The ability of these coatings to be applied to various combustible materials further enhances their utility. From wood substrates like OSB and plywood to dimensional lumber and wood paneling, the versatility of these coatings makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, these coatings offer a reliable solution to reduce fire risks effectively.
Conclusion
Fire retardant coating (Class A – ASTM E84) offers a complete solution to enhance fire resistance in building structures. It reduces fire spread and damage through intumescence, flame retardant additives, thermal insulation, and smoke reduction. Adhering to ASTM standards, it provides cost-efficient, high-performance, and environmentally friendly protection, making it a preferred choice for various applications.
Firefree Coatings’ Class A fire retardant coating is a renowned high-quality, water-based, non-toxic, thin-film intumescent flame-resistant coating. Our products are tested to meet ASTM E84 standards and set the industry standard for noncombustibility. Our coatings are recognized for their lower VOCs and offer superior fire protection, enhancing safety in diverse applications. Call us today!
