What is the Difference Between Fireproof and Fire Resistant?

You want to protect your home or commercial building from the threat of fire. As you begin to shop for paint, foams, and other products to do this, you begin to notice that some say "fireproof" while others say "fire resistant." It's very good that you picked up on this because it's incredibly important you choose the correct one when it comes to something as serious as the threat of fire. Do these two terms mean the same thing? Actually, yes. Both fireproof and fire resistant can be used to describe the same thing. Technically, they are interchangeable.

Flame resistant or fire resistant materials are designed to prevent the spread of fire and withstand heat. Flame resistant materials should self-extinguish once the source of ignition is removed. These fire retardant materials are chemically treated to be slow burning or self-extinguishing when exposed to an open flame. Many people view fireproof to be better than fire resistant, but this is a mistake. Despite its name, even fireproof will not offer you absolute protection. In truth, there is no such thing as 100% fireproof. Given a certain amount of time and heat level, anything will burn eventually. What fireproof and fire resistant products do is give you time.

Fire retardant sprays, foams, and paint are available for virtually any surface including wood, fabrics, steel, drywall, and plastic. These products work by inhibiting or delaying the spread of fire by suppressing the chemical reactions in the flame or by the formation of a protective layer on the surface of a material. These substances either slow down or stop the spread of fire, or reduce its intensity. This is commonly accomplished by chemical reactions that reduce the flammability of fuels or delay their combustion. Fire retardants may also cool the fuel through physical action or endothermic chemical reactions. Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the "fire triangle." A fire retardant that is fireproof or fire resistant removes one of these elements and so the fire either doesn't start or doesn't thrive.

Keep in mind, when it comes to a fire, a few minutes can make all the difference between getting everyone out in time and having the fire department arrive or a catastrophe. Do not be discouraged because a certain paint or foam won't make your wood deck completely fireproof no matter what.

RDR Technologies specializes in fire retardants, fire suppressants, and several other specialty chemicals, so we would love to speak with you about this in more detail. It is our mission to provide you with the best fire protection, which means purchasing the right products for the application and substrate. The easiest way to contact us is by filling out this simple form. If you prefer, you can also call us at 405-306-3062. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask us your questions!