Fireshield

Fire Protection Coating
At Cape Reed International, we take pride in presenting an exceptional fire-retardant coating known as Cape Reed Fireshield. This revolutionary product is designed to provide robust fire protection for a variety of natural materials, including thatch, barasti, and timber. In a world where fire safety is of paramount importance, Cape Reed Fireshield stands as a beacon of security, offering enhanced resistance to fire and peace of mind for homeowners, builders, and architects alike.

Cape Reed Fireshield is a game-changer in fire protection coating. Developed by the industry leader in fire retardants, this product boasts a formulation that has been rigorously tested and proven effective. The manufacturing process adheres to the stringent ISO 9001:2000 certification and follows OECD guidelines meticulously during both manufacturing and application phases.

Compliant with Global Standards
Cape Reed Fireshield isn’t just another product – it’s a solution that adheres to international standards. It complies with all relevant requirements and regulations for construction with natural materials, ensuring that your projects meet the highest safety benchmarks. This fire-retardant coating has achieved certifications from prestigious international entities, including:

UKAS Accreditation
Dubai Civil Defence Approval
UAE Civil Defence Compliance
B-roof (t1) Classification

Eco-Friendly and User-Friendly
Cape Reed Fireshield sets a new standard for fire retardant coatings by being both environmentally friendly and user-friendly. This water-based coating doesn’t contain any toxic elements. Its user-friendly nature ensures ease of use, allowing builders and contractors to apply it with confidence.

Fireshield for Thatch: Enhanced Protection
For those seeking enhanced fire protection for thatch, reed, barasti, or brezo style roofs and structures, Cape Reed Fireshield offers Fireshield FRC 101. This specially formulated coating appears milky white upon application and is clear when dry. With just a simple spray, structures benefit from three years of robust fire protection.

Fireshield for Timber: Fortified Fire Resistance
Timber structures find their ultimate defense in Cape Reed Fireshield FRC 101. This specialized formula is engineered to safeguard both hard and soft wood substrates, excluding flooring. Upon drying, it transforms into a clear finish that seamlessly integrates with the aesthetic of the structure. This potent coating grants three years of fire protection.

Unveiling the Specifications
Cape Reed Fireshield proudly aligns with all essential standards and requisites for construction with natural materials. Notably, it boasts an impressive overall B-Roof (t1) fire rating, underscoring its unparalleled fire resistance capabilities.

Cape Reed Fireshield emerges as a cutting-edge fire-retardant solution that redefines fire protection for natural materials. With its advanced formulation, compliance with international standards, and commitment to environmental and user-friendliness, it’s a formidable choice for safeguarding both thatch and timber structures.

The Fireshield range empowers builders, architects, and homeowners to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also fortified against the threat of fire. Choose Cape Reed Fireshield and elevate your fire resistance to unparalleled heights.

Fire Retardancy of Cape Reed Fireshield FRC 101

Cape Reed Fireshield is a surface-active mechanism fire retardant coating, forming a continuous protective layer. This even coating is crucial for effective fire retardant.

Dehydration as the Primary Mechanism:
When exposed to high heat, FRC 101 likely undergoes dehydration. Specific components within the coating might break down, releasing water vapor.

This released water vapor has a two-fold effect:
Reduced Fuel Source: The water vapor helps dry out the reed material, making it a less readily available fuel source for the fire.
Char Formation: The dehydration process might also promote charring of the reed. As water evaporates, the remaining cellulose fibers in the reed may decompose and form a char layer on the surface. This char layer acts as an insulating barrier, protecting the underlying reed from further burning.

Surface Active Advantage:
The surface-active properties of FRC 101 ensure the fire-retardant coating stays in place during a fire. This continuous layer is essential for maintaining the dehydration and char formation effects throughout the fire event.

Overall Benefit:
By primarily relying on dehydration and char formation, Cape Reed Fireshield FRC 101 can significantly increase the fire resistance of thatched roofs and other natural structures. The surface activity ensures the coating remains effective, providing crucial protection during a fire.

Wood: A timeless Construction

Wood has been a cornerstone of human construction for millennia. From humble beginnings as shelters and tools, it has evolved into a versatile and respected structural material. This enduring popularity stems from its unique combination of properties: strength, workability, natural beauty, and sustainability.

Wooden structures encompass a wide range, from simple cabins to intricate architectural marvels. This introduction will delve into the characteristics of wood that make it such a compelling choice, explore traditional and modern construction techniques, and touch upon the enduring appeal of this natural material.

Wood: Advantages and Disadvantages

Wood’s popularity as a building material comes from its many advantages, but it also has some drawbacks to consider.
Here’s a breakdown of both:

Advantages:

• Renewable and Sustainable: Wood comes from trees, a naturally replenishable resource. With responsible forestry practices, wood can be a sustainable choice.
• Natural Insulator: Wood’s cellular structure makes it a good insulator, helping to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Strong and Versatile: Different wood types offer varying degrees of strength and can be shaped, joined, and treated for diverse construction applications.
• Workable: Wood is relatively easy to work with compared to other materials like steel or concrete, allowing for flexibility in design and construction.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Wood’s natural beauty adds warmth and character to any space.

Disadvantages:

• Susceptible to Fire: Untreated wood burns readily, requiring fire retardant treatments for safety in building applications.
• Moisture Sensitivity: Wood can warp, crack, or rot due to moisture fluctuations. Proper ventilation and treatments are necessary to combat this.
• Maintenance: Wood requires periodic maintenance like cleaning, staining, or sealing to maintain its appearance and longevity.
• Cost: Depending on the type and quality of wood, it can be a more expensive material compared to some alternatives.

By understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of wood, you can make informed decisions about its use in construction and other applications.

Fire Reaction and Classification of Wood

Untreated wood generally falls under Class A in the North American NFPA system and various classifications (B, C, D, or E) in the European EN 13501 system.

• North America (NFPA): Untreated wood is classified as Class A. This means it ignites easily, burns fast, and contributes significantly to fire spread.
• Europe (EN 13501): The specific class for untreated wood depends on factors like wood type and density. It can range from:
  • Class B: Combustible with limited fire contribution (denser hardwoods like oak)
  • Class C: Combustible with moderate fire contribution (most softwoods like pine)
  • Class D: Combustible with high fire contribution (lighter, less dense wood)

How Does Wood Burn?

Wood burning is a fascinating process that involves a series of chemical reactions. Here’s a breakdown of the science behind a crackling fire:

1. Initiation: It all starts with heat. To get wood to burn, you need to raise its temperature to a point where it breaks down. This is typically around 482°C (900°F) and is called the ignition point.
2. Pyrolysis: As the wood heats up, it undergoes a process called pyrolysis. This is where the wood’s internal structure starts to break down. Water vapor evaporates first, followed by the breakdown of cellulose (the main component of wood) into combustible gases, tars, and char. Char is the leftover solid material that’s mainly carbon.
3. Oxidation: This is where things get fiery! The combustible gases released during pyrolysis mix with oxygen in the surrounding air. When the temperature is high enough, these gases ignite, creating the flames we see.
4. Combustion: The burning of the gases releases heat, which further breaks down the wood, releasing more gases and perpetuating the burning process. This is a self-sustaining cycle if there’s sufficient heat and oxygen.

Importance Of Fire Retardant In Wood

Fire retardant plays a critical role in enhancing the safety of wood structures. Here’s why it’s important:

• Increased Fire Resistance: Untreated wood ignites easily and burns rapidly. Fire retardants act as a chemical barrier, making wood more resistant to catching fire and slowing the spread of flames. This precious time allows occupants to evacuate safely and firefighters to extinguish the blaze before it engulfs the entire structure.
• Reduced Smoke Production: During a fire, untreated wood releases thick, toxic smoke that can impede visibility and endanger lives. Fire retardants can help reduce smoke production, giving occupants a clearer path to escape and firefighters better visibility to navigate the burning building.
• Preserves Structural Integrity: Fire exposes wood to intense heat, weakening its structural integrity. Fire-retardant treated wood (FRTW) can maintain its strength for a longer duration during a fire, potentially preventing collapse and further damage.
• Compliance with Building Codes: Most building codes mandate the use of FRTW in specific areas of construction, especially in public buildings and areas with high fire risk.

Overall, fire retardant in wood significantly enhances fire safety in buildings. It provides valuable time for escape, reduces smoke inhalation risks, and helps maintain structural integrity, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.