What You Should Know About Flame-Retardant Curtains
In the past, furnishings were made with materials that were not flame-retardant. This means that if something caught on fire in your facility, it would be easy for the flames to spread and cause damage to other areas of your property. But not with flame-retardant curtains.
These products are designed to resist any fire that may start so that it does not spread and cause further damage to your property. Items like curtains can be made with flame-retardant fabrics, which can help to prevent fires from spreading.
This article will discuss some important things you should know about FR curtains.
Flame-Retardant Curtains: What Are They?
Flame-retardant curtains are designed to resist fires, which can help to prevent them from spreading. These curtains are made with materials resistant to catching fire and burning quickly. Therefore this can help to slow down the spread of a fire, which can help to prevent it from getting out of control and burning your property to the ground.
It is important to note that FR curtains are not fireproof. While they may help prevent fires from spreading, if a flame does come in contact with the curtain, it will still catch fire if not properly maintained.
Types of FR Curtains
- Flame-Retardant Curtains (FR): The fabric of this curtain is treated with a flame-retardant chemical that helps to prevent it from catching fire and burning quickly. These curtains should be properly washed and dried according to instructions to maintain their flame-retardant properties.
- Durably Flame Retardant (DFR): These fabrics are treated with a chemical that makes them more durable, allowing them to withstand up to 25 washings without losing their flame-retardant properties.
- Inherent Flame Retardant (IFR): These woven curtains are made to resist fire even when washed and dried. They can last when instructions are strictly followed.
What Can Make Flame-Retardant Curtains Ineffective?
Aside from washing without proper care instructions, a few things can make a fire-retardant curtain ineffective. This may include accumulated dust, dirt, oil and debris that can trap heat in the curtains and cause them to melt or smoulder.
Are There Standards for Effective FR Curtains?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a set of standards that must be followed to make a fire-retardant curtain effective. These standards include the use of a flame-resistant material and a fire-retardant coating. The curtain must also be treated with an approved fire retardant, according to NFPA’s guidelines.
The NFPA 701 Test
NFPA 701 is a fire test used to determine the effectiveness of flame-resistant products, such as curtains. Also, the curtain must meet the NFPA standard to be considered effective. Compliance with this standard ensures that your fire-retardant curtain will not melt or smoulder when exposed to high temperatures.
Conclusion
Flame-retardant curtains and other items can be important to your fire safety plan. They can help to prevent fires from spreading, which will keep your facility safe. Therefore, FR curtains can help to protect you and your family from injuries caused by smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.
Make sure to pick the right flame-retardant curtains for your facility. Direct Fabrics can help you find the right flame-retardant curtains and other items for your facility. If you have any questions about FR curtains or other products, contact us today!