Fire Shield FAQs

If you are considering applying a fire shield on some part of your home or commercial building, you may have some questions. Here are some answers to common questions about these flame retardant chemicals and their use.

Does It Work on All Surfaces?
The short answer to this questions is no. a fire shield has to be able to be absorbed by the material. It works on many fabrics and woods as well as other porous materials, but may not work on all. To find out if it will work on yours, drop a drop or two of water on the surface and see if it soaks in or beads up. If it soaks in, you can effectively apply a retardant.

Are These Products Safe?
Some are safe to use in places people spend a large portion of their day, some are not. Look for a non-toxic, non-allergenic product if you are interested in having one installed. Make sure you use adequate ventilation when you are applying the product as you would if you were painting a room.

Can I Use This Product Myself?
Some fire shield products are designed for the do-it-yourselfer, while others are designed for professional application. You will need to look on the product label or website to determine the answer to this question. The ease of application will depend on the product you purchase. Many are as simple as spraying using an aerosol-type sprayer, with no mixing or measuring required. Some are more complicated.

Is the Application Permanent?
Many products are permanent when they are applied as directed. They do not wear off. However, when applied to fabrics, they can wear off a little because of the soap and extended time in the water. This may require reapplication.

What Are the Benefits of Using One?
A fire shield’s primary benefit is, of course, protection from fires and the potential spread of fires. This means when they are used in areas that are prone to fires, like curtains or roofs, they can protect the building from the likelihood of starting and spreading an inferno that could destroy the property. Some also include sun shields that protect against sun fading and sun rot, which is particularly important with colored woods and fabrics exposed to the sun.

These products are invisible, odorless, and colorless, so they do not destroy the ambiance in the building where they are used. Once they are applied, no one will know they are there. They can treat both natural and synthetic materials, provided they can soak in, and they will not wear off with typical use. They also do not block the ability of fabrics to “breathe,” which can be important in some applications.

Are There Any Dangers?
While these products are non-toxic, you do not want to spray them in your eyes, spend too much time breathing them, or allow anyone to swallow them, as this could cause uncomfortable side effects. You will want to keep your fire shield out of the reach of small children. Otherwise, most products are fairly safe to use, but always consult the warnings on the product itself.