When business owners are confronted with their need to have their business site flameproofed, a question often arises: Is flameproofing and fireproofing the same thing? Often the terms are used interchangeably, but there are some subtle (and significant) differences between the two terms. While both of them have to do with keeping a building protected from fires, there are differences. Today we'll clear up any misconceptions.
In a very general and broad sense, fireproofing has to do with the building structure itself; flameproofing has to do with the items inside the building. Here are some specifics:
Fireproofing is the treatment used that will prevent a building's structure from weakening during a fire. Flameproofing is the treatment that is applied to objects inside the building itself, such as fabrics, wood, curtains, and other decorative, flammable items.
Fireproofing a building is done in order to prevent it from collapsing during a fire. Flameproofing objects is done in order to prevent fires from spreading as well as to reduce smoke and other dangers to patrons during a fire.
Because fireproofing is done to the building's structure, customers can't see the parts of the building that are fireproofed. Items that have been flameproofed and treated with fire retardants are typically things that customers can see.
Another important distinction between fireproofing and flameproofing has to do with liability. In the case of fireproofing, it is typically the landlord or building owner's job to make sure the structure itself is fireproofed. However, the business owner and/or lessee is responsible for flameproofing since it pertains to decorative objects inside the building, usually brought in by the business owner.
Flameproofing is a chemical treatment that is applied to fabrics; therefore, the process needs to be repeated once objects are washed or dry-cleaned. On the other hand, fireproofing is an element of the building construction code and must be addressed when the building is altered.
Fireproofing is performed on structural beams, so the treatment needs to occur when those surfaces are exposed, during the building process. Flameproofing can be performed at any time, as long as the items are accessible.
Certified Flameproofing is a flameproofing business, in contrast to a fireproofing business. We are able to treat all exposed, decorative items that are required by the FDNY to be flameproofed. We soak or coat applicable items with fire retardants so that, should a fire occur, those objects will not support combustion. As an industry leader for more than 60 years, we are happy to use our expertise to make sure your business meets all flameproofing codes. If you have flameproofing needs, please call us today to discuss. We are more than happy to also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate. We'd love to hear from you today: 1-800-590-5530.