Fire Retardant for Builders and Contractors

Fire retardancy is being requested and required on more building projects. But Fire Retardant (FR) lumber is extremely pricey, and sometimes the fire marshal doesn't tell you it is required until the structure is almost completed. Do you tear everything down, rebuild with FR lumber and eat the cost? No!

Fire'z Off is an ASTM E84 qualified treatment for construction materials, with a Class A rating. Just spray the wood as needed, keep a record of the areas treated, and you are good to go. If there is a question if the fire marshal or inspector will accept it, just show him the product sheet and MSDS.

Easy to apply with common pressurized sprayers and nozzles, Fire'z Off requires no mixing or measuring. Just 5 gallons of Fire'z Off will help protect up to 2500 square feet of surface area. It even helps deter mold growth and termites.

Fire'z Off is a completely 'green' product - it is non-toxic and eco-friendly, with no residual toxins or harmful fumes.

Several insurance companies have already agreed to give discounts to property owners for having their roof decks and framing treated with Fire'z Off. If a new home construction has been treated (sheathing and framing), some have even agreed to extend the 'new house discount' indefinitely - paying for the whole treatment several times over!

• Helps prevent flame spread and smoke development
  
• Discourages mold growth and termites
  
• Non-corrosive and non-staining
  
• Non-toxic and eco-friendly - no PBDE's
  
• NFPA 255 & ASTM E84 tested - Class A Rated
• NFPA 701 for Textiles and Films

To learn more just contact by email or call RDR Technologies at 405-702-0055, ext. 2

You may order direct - just call us at 405-702-0055, ext. 2. We can also ship overnight anywhere in the country.

Tips for Applying to Construction Projects

• You can use nearly any type of applicator - garden sprayer, backpack sprayer, commercial sprayer, paint sprayer, brush, roller, etc.
  
• When using sprayer, a fan nozzle works well because it gives even coverage and is easy to see, and little is lost to wind.
  
• Construction: Fire'z Off may applied at the lumberyard, to create Fire Retardant Treated (FRT) Wood. Normally, FRT wood can command a 50-100% premium over regular wood, but Fire'z Off adds just pennies per foot to the cost.
  
• Construction: Fire'z Off may also be applied on site. Because it is non-toxic, no respirators are necessary, but you may want to use goggles and a simple mask. It's not toxic or irritating, but it doesn't taste good.
  
• When applying with a sprayer, always use smooth, even strokes, and try not to overlap too much. A second application may be necessary depending on the material being treated. Testing a small sample is always advised.
  
• One quart will treat approximately 100 square feet. One gallon will treat 400-500 square feet. Five gallons will treat 2000-2500 square feet.
  
• You need to get the material WET - a light misting usually isn't enough.
  
• Construction: we offer Fire'z Off in a green tint for construction projects using wood. This makes it a little easier to see where you have already treated, and leaves a light green sheen when dry. You have to be looking for it to really notice it.
  
  • Always keep in mind the surface that you are treating, and adjust your application accordingly.
    
  • Absorbency
    
  • Porosity
    
  • Weight and thickness
    
  • Natural vs. synthetic
    
  • Naturally occurring oils, like cedar shakes
    
  • Fire risk/exposure
• When applying to new roof deck, apply to underside before laying down. If applying to existing roof deck, go ahead and spray the top side - it will soak in. You can lay the felt down immediately after application. It dries quickly and discourages mold growth.
• When applying to exterior surfaces exposed to the elements, you will need to apply some type of sealer or topcoat to keep the product from leaching out.

Working with Varnishes and Sealers - Fire'z Off is a solution of several different powders and agents in a water-based solution. When using Fire'z Off on outside wood directly exposed to the elements, it can lose effectiveness in one-to three years, requiring retreatment. Using a sealer, especially on outside wood, can greatly enhance the longevity of the retardant.When spraying untreated wood, allow to completely dry, then apply sealer, like Thompson's Water Seal.

On interior woods, it can be a little tricky when using an acrylic sealer, so be sure to test your process on an out-of-the-way area first. Fire'z Off may 'bloom' or whiten when covered with acrylic sealer. But this can be avoided. The recommended procedure is to treat the wood with Fire'z Off, allow to dry, and wipe the surface with a damp towel to remove any surface residue. Allow to dry, then apply your sealer.

This does not appear to happen with regular solvent-based stains and varnishes, only with certain water-based sealers, primarily water-based polyurethane.

Wiping with a damp towel does not lessen its effectiveness, because Fire'z Off soaks into the wood and bonds with the fibers.