What is fire retardant?
A fire retardant is a treatment or coating that makes a material harder to ignite and slows how fast flames spread. It does not make a material fireproof. It gives people more time to get out and gives firefighters more time to respond.
Fire retardant vs fireproofing
The two terms are often mixed up. Fire retardant treatment is used mainly on combustible materials such as wood, fabric, thatch and wallpaper, to slow ignition and flame spread. Fireproofing is used on structural steel and concrete to keep the structure standing during a fire. See our fireproofing services for steel and concrete.
Types of fire retardant treatment
- Fire retardant for wood: timber, furniture, doors and joinery.
- Fire retardant for fabric: curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings, including fire retardant spray.
- Fire retardant for thatch: thatched roofs and palm leaf structures.
- Fire retardant wallpaper: wall coverings in corridors and public areas.
- Fire retardant cable coating: electrical cables.
- Fire retardant paint: walls and ceilings.
Where is fire retardant treatment needed in the UAE?
Hotels, restaurants, offices, retail, schools, hospitals, villas and event spaces all use combustible materials. Civil defence requirements and the approved fire strategy of a building decide what must be treated. Evora is approved by Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.
How to choose a fire retardant company
- Check the company is approved by the civil defence authority for your emirate.
- Ask which material and area the treatment is for, and which standard it must meet.
- Ask how the treatment is applied and when it needs to be re-applied.
- Ask for a written quote that lists the areas and the treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does fire retardant spray make fabric fireproof?
No. It makes the fabric harder to ignite and slows flame spread. Treated fabric can still burn if exposed to enough fire.
Does treatment change how wood looks?
Many treatments keep the natural look of wood. We advise the right one for your timber and finish.
Can you treat items that are already installed?
In many cases yes. Send us the material, the area and photos, and we will advise.
Get a quote
Call +971 52 6700 119 or send us your project details. See our fire retardant services.