Fire Retardant Fabrics

What You Should Know About Flame-Retardant Curtains

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!

What Are Flame-Retardant Fabrics?

What Are Flame-Retardant Fabrics?

Flame-retardant fabrics are specially treated fabrics designed to resist or slow the spread of fire. These fabrics can be found in nature or are created through treatments, such as applying flame-resistant chemicals that help reduce the fabric's flammability and slow the spread of any fire that may occur. Flame-retardant fabrics are often used in various applications, such as upholstery, curtains, clothing, and bedding. 

The benefits of using flame-retardant fabrics are numerous. They can help to reduce the spread of fire and the risk of injury or death, as well as reduce the amount of damage that can occur from a fire. Flame-retardant fabrics are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, making them an economical choice for those looking to protect their property from fire-related damages.

What Are the Two Kinds of Flame-Retardant Fabric?

There are two main kinds of flame retardant fabrics: inherent and treated.

Inherent flame-retardant fabric is a type of fabric naturally resistant to fire, made from special fibres. The most common type is wool, often used in upholstery and clothing, and other types, such as cotton, silk, nylon, and rayon.

Inherent flame-retardant fabrics are an excellent choice for durable, long-lasting flame-resistant fabric. These fabrics are also resistant to shrinking and fading and are more cost-effective than treated fire-retardant fabrics.

Meanwhile, the Treated flame-retardant fabric is a type of fabric that has been treated with a chemical flame retardant. This fabric is often used in applications where extra fire protection is needed, such as upholstery, curtains, and bedding. 

Treated flame-retardant fabrics are usually made from polyester, nylon, or acrylic and are often treated with a flame-retardant finish. These fabrics are designed to be more resistant to fire than inherent fire retardant fabrics and are often more expensive than their counterparts. However, treated flame-retardant fabrics are often more durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for extra fire protection.

Which Kind of Flame-Retardant Fabric Should You Use?

When selecting a flame-resistant fabric, consider the environment in which the wearer will use it and the job it needs to perform. Choose a heavy-duty fabric for the specific environment that offers the best flame protection, insulation, or comfort.

It's also important to consider the fabric's flame resistance rating. Different fabrics are rated on a scale from 1-5, with 1 being the lowest level of flame resistance and 5 being the highest. The higher the rating, the better the fabric can withstand heat and flames.

Finally, you'll want to consider the cost of the fabric. Flame-resistant fabrics can be more expensive than other materials. However they are essential for protecting workers from the potential hazards of fire and heat.

Conclusion

When selecting a flame-resistant fabric, it's essential to consider all of these factors to ensure you're investing in the best possible material for the job. Taking the time to research and compare different fabrics is well worth it in the end. After all, your choice of flame-retardant fabric may well be the difference between life and death.

Direct Fabrics is the UK’s top authority on flame-retardant fabrics. We almost manufacture, supply, and install soft furnishings across the country. Send us a message now for a free quote! 

2 Conventional Tests to Identify FR Fabrics

2 Conventional Tests to Identify FR Fabrics

Flame retardant fabrics are essential to use for several residential and commercial applications. By law, many public places must have a certain level of FR fabrics to protect against the spread of fire.

Flame retardant fabrics gain their fire resistance through the application of various chemicals, which prevent them from burning. These chemicals are integrated into the material through methods like dipping, spraying, or impregnating the fibres.

Utilizing fire-resistant bedding offers multiple advantages. It not only plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of fire but also safeguards individuals and assets from fire-related consequences. Flame retardant fabrics are indispensable components of fire safety, finding utility in diverse applications aimed at shielding people and property from fire hazards.

March Test

In March, we conduct extensive testing on our FR fabric as the weather warms and days lengthen. Our goal is to ensure the material meets our rigorous standards.

The process begins with subjecting the fabric to high-temperature tests to assess its resistance to heat. We employ a specialized machine for this purpose and closely observe how the fabric responds to the heat.

Subsequently, we evaluate the fabric's resistance to fire using a dedicated machine that exposes it to flames. A series of tests gauge the fabric's reaction to fire.

Finally, we assess the fabric's resistance to water by applying water with a specific machine. This, too, involves a comprehensive series of tests to determine the fabric's response to water exposure.

Once our fabric successfully passes all these tests, we are confident in its readiness for use in our products. We take pride in providing our customers with the highest level of protection through our FR fabric.

FR Fabric Cigarette Test

Fire-resistant beddings and other FR fabrics undergo specific treatments to resist ignition and inhibit the spread of fire. They are integral components of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters, first responders, and industrial workers.

The cigarette test stands as a standardized method for evaluating the fire-retardant attributes of fabrics. During this test, a piece of the material is placed on a horizontal wire screen, and a burning cigarette is introduced, with the duration for the cigarette to burn through the fabric being measured.

The cigarette test serves as an indispensable tool for assessing the fire-retardant qualities of fabrics. It plays a critical role in ensuring that firefighters, first responders, and industrial workers possess the requisite PPE to shield them from fire-related risks.

Conclusion

Testing for fire-resistant bedding is of the utmost importance. Not only does it ensure the safety of those who will be using the material, but it also provides peace of mind to the manufacturers and retailers. By ensuring that the fabric is fire-retardant, they can be sure that they are providing a safe product for their customers.

As a hotelier, you should only get FR fabrics from a reputable company. Direct Fabrics is the leading supplier of fire-resistant bedding in the UK. So, order your fabrics from our shop now!