Wood is the most common building material. It allows us to design almost any design, create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. In addition, wood is a natural material that positively affects human health. However, there are times when such structures are at risk. For example, in case of fire. Therefore, fire protection of wooden structures is a desirable procedure.
Is wood required to be protected in this way?
The answer is yes. even the simplest treatment enhances combustion resistance. At the same time, you not only protect your home from destruction, but also insure your own life. And even small expenses on flame retardants will help to save much more money in case of fire.
Fire protection of wooden structures can cost a lot. It all depends on the type of product chosen, its properties and manufacturer. In order to make the right choice, you should first understand the classification of flame retardants and the features of their use.
Benefits of the procedure
Before you make fire protection of wooden structures, you need to consider its advantages:
1. The relative cost of processing. Whatever price you have to pay for the tool, it will cost you less than a ruined house.
2. A large selection of tools. Moreover, both by type of application and by properties. That is, different designs can be processed with different compositions.
3. Ease of use. Fire protection of wooden structures can be done with your own hands. This will also significantly save your money.
4. High efficiency. In the event of a fire, your structures may become charred but will not catch fire.
5. Wide availability. You can purchase the necessary composition in any hardware store.
Processing tasks and its scope
Before the fire protection is carried out, you need to find out exactly where it can be used, and what it should provide. The main tasks of the procedure are:
- Protection of wooden structures from fire.
- Stopping the spread of open fire.
- "Passive" localization of the fire at the very beginning, that is, without the use of any additional means.
Fire protection is used for almost all wooden structures:
- Roof systems.
- The floor and walls, both inside and out.
- Lumber intended for storage in warehouses.
In principle, such protection is used both in private and in multi-story buildings.
Types of funds
Now we will deal with the classification of the substances presented:
1. Fire retardants. These chemicals are used to prevent wood from burning. They are phosphate and intumescent. Their feature is that during heating they form a film and inert gases that absorb excess heat and do not give oxygen access to the source of ignition.
2. Lubricants. They consist of a binder component, often inorganic (alabaster, lime or clay), as well as a refractory filler (mica, asbestos). In order to prevent a fire, this material should be applied in a thick layer. Naturally, this method has one drawback: the surface does not have a decorative look.
3. Fire retardant paints. These products are applied to the wood with a sufficiently thin layer. This creates a film of 1 mm, which when heated to a high temperature has the property of foaming and blocking the access of oxygen to the structure. Varnishes have the same characteristics, but they do not spoil the appearance of wood. On the contrary, they can significantly improve it.
4. Impregnation. In the composition of these funds can be noted both organic components and combustible solvents. Therefore, you should be extremely careful when working with them. Fireproof impregnation for a while is able to stop the spread of fire.
5. Combined substances. They can effectively protect the tree not only from fire, but also from pests (bugs, rodents and others).
This classification is the main one and makes it possible to determine exactly the tool that suits you the most.
How to choose a substance?
Before the fire protection of wooden roof structures or other parts of the structure is carried out, it is necessary to purchase a suitable composition. So, during the selection, pay attention to the following criteria:
- The ability not to affect the appearance of the machined structure. It all depends on your needs. For example, the fire protection of wooden roof structures can be any, because it is not visible in those rooms where you are constantly located, and does not spoil their appearance.
- The product must be approved for indoor use. That is, it should not contain any toxic elements that can cause health problems.
- Fire protection should not impair the natural properties of wood.
- Please note that the funds presented can negatively affect metals.
- Naturally, attention should be paid to the consumption of the composition per 1 sq. M. How much money you spend depends on it.
Naturally, you should buy it only at certified points of sale. Each staff must have the necessary supporting documents confirming its quality.
Useful tips for use
In principle, the funds presented can be used almost everywhere. However, there are certain warnings:
- Do not apply on wet or frozen wood. This will not give the desired effect.
- Do not cover the surface that has already been painted with other coatings.
- Fire retardant impregnation for wood cannot be used for applying to other types of building materials (metal, concrete, brick, plastic).
- Carry out fire protection work only in the warm season.
Features of applying the composition
First of all, remember that you should work in protective clothing so that the impregnation does not fall on bare parts of the body. The fact is that it can cause burns or other damage. Before you begin, you need to collect the necessary tools. It all depends on the type of fire protection. For example, you can use a regular brush or sprayer. You can also apply a regular dive for a short period. However, these methods do not provide deep impregnation.
Soaking methods are best. This will provide deeper penetration. Naturally, this method is more time consuming and time consuming.
Apply the product in compliance with the flow rate. Before this, it should be diluted according to the system specified in the instructions. This will ensure the effectiveness of the substance indicated in the instructions. Do not work in rainy weather.
Before applying varnish or paint, the structure should be cleaned of debris and dust. If there are any irregularities, then they need to be processed especially carefully.
How often should the remedies be used?
Fire retardant wood impregnation should be done periodically. The fact is that the service life of the impregnation can vary from 1 year to 30 years. The coating should be checked once every 12 months if the structure is open, and during the next repair, if it is closed.
If there are chips on the wood surface, peeling or washing away the protective coating, and they occupy more than 25% of the area, then you need to repeat the application. Try to use the same tool that was used previously. If you bought something else, then you need to check the compatibility of these two substances. And it’s better to remove the old layer of fire protection altogether.
That's all. Impregnation with a fire retardant in wooden structures can one day save your life. Try to be careful. Good luck