The Effect of Flame Retardant Paints on Fire, Safety and Security

Considering how fast fire spreads, we know that taking steps to protect buildings in the first place is absolutely crucial, and paint has a significant role to play in achieving this.

Paint is often the first line of defence against the spread of a fire once it has got going, applying the right fire-safe and flame-retardant paint is vital. Here at Crown Paints, we are on hand to help.

Paint is a key factor of any fire risk assessment, with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales) and the Fire Act (Scotland) both outlining the potential hazard of flame spread on painted surfaces. As a result, the onus is now on building owners to demonstrate a duty of care regarding fire safety in their properties. But by using our specialised paint products and other safety precautions, fire risks can be minimalised.

Our expertise in this field has property owners covered. Firstly, our Crown Trade Timonox range is a powerful tool for those looking to improve fire safety. Multiple layers of conventional paint can combine to make a previously non-combustible surface extremely dangerous, where a fire can burn and spread rapidly. The Crown Trade Timonox range of specially formulated flame retardant paints combats this by drastically improving the fire rating of painted surfaces.

The range has numerous applications where it can be applied to corridors, halls, stairwells, and communal areas, making it ideal for local authorities, housing associations, hospitals, and schools which are looking to add an extra layer of protection to their buildings. By implementing the Timonox range of flame retardant paints, building developers can reduce the risk of fire, but also reduce the chance for loss of life, injury, and damage to property in the event of a fire.

Its formulation offers unparalleled flame retardant properties, with the Timonox range having the added bonus of being both cost-effective and compliant with all current BS and European fire test standards. The paint goes under an intense level of scrutiny to ensure it meets requirements, with our meticulous approach meaning it will meet all future regulations. But we go beyond simply supplying paint with an informative process which outlines the correct paint needed for the job.

The specification of Timonox paint systems is complex and its correct use depends on legislative requirements and guidance. For developers looking for the right specification, there is a need to understand existing coating history as well as the adhesion of any such decoration. For example, the Crown Trade Timonox Upgrade Basecoat is formulated to produce a thick insulating char layer in the event of a fire, and must be overcoated to provide a durable decorative finish.

The use of the primer or base coat will depend on the individual site conditions and coating history. All coatings are water borne or solvent free.

Additional performance attributes of a paint coating are also important to consider, especially in high traffic areas such as stairways and corridors. Products which combine flame retardance properties with excellent stain resistance and scrubbability, or resistance to graffiti, can provide all-round high-performance for a long-lasting finish. And with flame retardant Timonox paint finishes available in a vast range of tintable shades, there’s no need to compromise on aesthetics either.

Using an evidence-based approach, we implements a 10-step process to bring peace of mind with Timonox and its implementation. An expert specification technical team will visit the site, and test adhesion and take samples. We then make sure these are analysed, and give our client a Timonox Specification which will then be generated with a unique trackable reference. This is then supplied to the contractor who gives sign-off to the specification, with the final steps including documentation confirming its application being provided and visible signage supplied for the site to inform the public that residents are protected.

When it comes to bolstering a building’s defence against fire, these are crucial steps. Simply providing developers and tradespeople with a flame-retardant product is not enough. And we know this. This is why we go beyond what other paint manufacturers do and give a comprehensive assessment of the system required to provide maximum protection. In doing so we are providing an extra level of care which will put in place another line of defence for when the unthinkable happens.

Current regulations in place are absolutely necessary for protecting the public and are vital to ensuring buildings are safe and give as much resistance as possible when a fire does break out. When it comes to it, they can be the difference between life and death. The onus for making sure these regulations are met falls on property owners. But that doesn’t mean they should go it alone, and at Crown Paints we believe we have a responsibility to help them carry that burden.

Read more about the our Timinox range of flame retardant paints here.