These three terms are often mixed up. This guide explains each in plain words.
Fire proofing
Also called passive fire protection. It is a coating or treatment that slows the spread of fire and keeps structural elements such as steel from failing for a set time. See fire proofing.
Fire retardant
Products that reduce flammability and delay flame spread on materials such as paint surfaces, wood, fabric, plastic and wallpaper. See fire retardant.
Fire treatment
The process of applying fire retardant or fireproofing to a material or structure so it resists ignition and slows fire.
What none of them do
None of them prevent fires. They lower flammability and slow fire spread.
Evora Technical Services in the UAE
Evora Technical Services (Evora UAE) is approved by Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and works across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Our office is in Al Garhoud, Dubai, open Sunday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 2:00pm. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 6700 119 or use our contact page. You can also read our guide to fire proofing contractors in the UAE.
FAQ
Which one do I need for steel beams?
Fire proofing, such as intumescent paint or cementitious fire proofing.
Which one do I need for curtains or wood?
Fire retardant treatment.
How to decide which one you need
Fire retardant treatment, also called fire treatment, is applied to materials that burn, such as wood, fabric, plastic, wallpaper and thatch. It reduces how easily the material ignites and how fast flames spread.
Fire proofing protects structural elements such as steel and concrete for a rated time. Intumescent paint and cementitious fire proofing are the two main systems. Many buildings need both, so we advise which one applies to each surface.
- Timber, furniture, curtains, upholstery, wallpaper, thatch: fire retardant treatment.
- Structural steel beams and columns: intumescent paint or cementitious fire proofing.
- Cables on trays and risers: fire retardant cable coating.
More questions
Is fire retardant the same as fireproof?
No. Fire retardant treatment slows ignition and flame spread, but the material can still burn under enough heat.
Does fire proofing stop a fire?
No. It protects the structure for its rated time so the building keeps its strength and people have more time to leave.
Related: fire retardant, fire proofing, FAQ.
Evora is approved by Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and works across the UAE. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 6700 119 or request a quote.