Why and how to fireproof wood ?

When a fire breaks out, the objective is to limit the damage and delay or avoid the collapse of buildings. For this, fireproofing the materials that compose or cover them is essential. There is no such thing as non-flammable wood; like any organic material, it burns. It is therefore necessary to fireproof wood by treating it to slow down its combustion. Fireproofing extends the resistance of wood to flames, thus increasing the time available to evacuate occupants and intervene on the fire.

Whether it is acacia, recycled wood, oak, wenge, or others, wood can be treated with a specific fire retardant product. These treatments are adapted to different types of wood, ensuring effective protection whatever the base material.

Definition of wood fireproofing

Wood (furniture, decoration, etc.) must be fireproofed in all establishments open to the public, according to standard M1 or M2, the fire-resistant standard used in France. Each establishment is required to have the treatment certificate to present to the safety commissions. Fireproofing involves applying a product that slows the spread of fire and reduces toxic smoke emissions, making wood safer in the event of a fire.

Importance of M1 and M2 standards and explanation

The M1 and M2 standards are reaction to fire classifications of materials, indicating their behavior in the event of fire. The M1 standard designates a non-flammable material, while the M2 standard corresponds to a hardly flammable material. These standards are crucial because they ensure a high level of safety in public places, thereby reducing risks for occupants. Materials classified M1 or M2 are subject to rigorous tests to assess their fire resistance and their contribution to the spread of flames.

The treatment is done using a liquid, odorless, non-toxic, and colorless product by spraying or dipping. The quantity of product is calculated according to the surface and thickness to be treated: a 400mL sprayer covers 3m². With our products, you can also fireproof cardboard, fire-retardant textiles, and fireproof artificial plants.

Steps and/or methods to follow to fireproof wood

By spraying

Spraying has the advantage of being quick and very easy to carry out :

1. Make sure beforehand that the wood is completely raw, clean, and dry. You can sand it if necessary to ensure that the wood will absorb the product well.
2. Treat the wood surfaces with the appropriate amount of product. To know the quantities of fire retardant to apply to your wood, you must take into account its thickness and dimensions. You will find the details on the product sheet.
3. Finally, leave to dry for at least 12 hours.
4. Your material is now treated.

Discover our Eurobois sprayer to buy online, delivered within 48 hours. The M1 certificate is provided.

How much should I use to fireproof wood ?

The quantity of product to use to fireproof wood depends on the thickness, surface of the wood, and its species. For example, a dense wood like oak will require a larger quantity compared to a lighter wood like pine. A precise estimate is available on the product sheets, allowing the necessary quantity to be calculated according to the specificities of each project.

By soaking

Depending on the size of the surface to be treated, it is also possible to do it by soaking :

1. The wood must be completely bathed in the product.
2. Then let it dry for 72 hours.

With fireproof varnish

Fireproof varnish is another method of treating wood against fire. This varnish forms a protective layer on the surface of the wood, delaying its combustion and reducing the spread of flames.

With fire retardant paint

Fire retardant paint works similarly to varnish, but it is applied as a colored topcoat. It protects the wood while providing an aesthetic finish.

1-hour fire-rated wooden panel

1-hour fire-rated wood panels are specially designed to resist fire for at least one hour. These panels are treated to prevent the spread of fire, providing an effective barrier in the event of a fire. They are particularly used in structures requiring high fire resistance, such as load-bearing walls and partition walls.

Do you want to fireproof your wood ?

With our expertise in flame retardant treatments and our in-depth knowledge of French fire standards, particularly the M1 standard, we advise you in choosing the most suitable solution for your wooden materials. We offer a complete service, including the analysis of your surfaces and the application of a fire-retardant treatment in our specialized workshop, to guarantee optimal protection against fires.

Do not hesitate to contact us to benefit from our know-how and secure your wooden materials.