Alfaflor offers you comprehensive wood treatment solutions, including three methods: autoclave treatment, application of intumescent varnish, or spraying our Eurobois product. With over 30 years of fire protection expertise, we can meet every project’s needs with certified M1 solutions. Whether for industrial, commercial, or private applications, our treatment methods provide reliable and long-lasting fire protection while preserving the aesthetics and durability of your wooden materials.

Autoclave Treatment of Wood

Alfaflor provides autoclave treatment services in partnership with specialists in M1-certified fire-resistant wood treatment. This process deeply impregnates wood with fire retardant products, delivering effective and long-lasting protection against fire risks.

What is autoclave treatment used for ?

Autoclave treatment is a fire protection method where wood is deeply impregnated with a fire retardant product under pressure in a sealed chamber. This technique significantly improves fire resistance, slowing flame spread and enhancing the safety of treated structures.

This method is particularly suited for wooden materials requiring deep, long-lasting fire protection, as it penetrates the wood fibers. Unlike surface treatments like spraying, autoclave treatment protects from within, creating a durable and effective barrier.

Advantages of autoclave treatment

1. In-depth protection : Complete impregnation of fire retardants into the wood for long-lasting fire resistance.
2. Ideal for dense materials : Effective for thick or dense wood thanks to pressure penetration.
3. Standards compliance : Fully meets fire safety standards, including M1 certification.
4. Durability : Wood treated by autoclave benefits from long-term fire protection, making it an ideal solution for permanent projects requiring enhanced safety.
5. Uniform solution : Pressure treatment ensures that the fire retardant product is evenly distributed throughout the wood, without altering its appearance or physical characteristics.

Your questions about autoclave treatment of wood

Can autoclave treatment be applied to already installed wood ?

No, autoclave treatment cannot be performed on already installed wood. The process requires immersion in a pressure chamber to allow the fire retardant to penetrate the wood fibers. It must be carried out prior to installation, either in a workshop or specialized facility, to ensure optimal and long-lasting protection.

Does autoclave treatment only protect against fire ?

Yes, this treatment is specifically designed for fire protection by delaying flame spread. It focuses solely on fire resistance and comes with certification in accordance with European fire standards.

Does autoclave treatment change the appearance or texture of the wood ?

Autoclave treatment may slightly alter the wood’s appearance due to the deep impregnation process. While it is designed to preserve the natural look of the wood, certain hardwood species may experience tannin reactions.

Intumescent varnish application

We also offer intumescent varnish application services, an innovative solution to enhance wood’s fire resistance. Through our specialized partnerships, we deliver high-quality treatment that complies with Euroclass B-s1, d0 standards, ensuring advanced fire protection.

What is intumescent varnish?

Intumescent varnish is a fire protection method that involves applying a special fire-resistant coating directly to the surface of a material. This coating reacts to intense heat by swelling to form an insulating barrier called “meringue.” This process aims to slow the rise in temperature of the treated materials and delay the spread of flames, thus improving their fire resistance, whether wood, metal, or other flammable surfaces.

This method is particularly suitable for surfaces that require effective protection without altering their appearance. Unlike other fire-retardant solutions, intumescent varnish forms an insulating layer on the surface while preserving the aesthetics of the material.

How does this fireproofing treatment work?

1. Application : The intumescent varnish is applied directly to the surface of the material to be treated using a paint gun. This treatment is adaptable to various supports such as wood. It may slightly whiten wood depending on the species.
2. Activation : When exposed to high temperatures in the event of a fire, the varnish begins to react. It swells to form a protective foam called “meringue,” which thickens as the heat increases.
3. Insulation : This intumescent foam creates a dense thermal barrier, which prevents heat from quickly penetrating the material. It thus protects the underlying structure against degradation by heat and flame.
4. Retardation : Thanks to this barrier, the combustion of the material is considerably slowed down, delaying the spread of the fire. This provides valuable time to evacuate the premises and allow emergency services to intervene, thus reducing the risk of major damage.

Advantages of intumescent varnish

• Reinforced protection : Intumescent varnish plays a crucial role in fire protection by helping to contain the fire and minimize material damage. By increasing the time required for materials to ignite, it extends the safe evacuation time for building occupants and gives response teams more time to bring the situation under control, reducing risks to people and property.
• Aesthetic appearance preserved : Unlike other more visible fire-retardant treatments, intumescent varnish is designed to be transparent and does not modify the original appearance of the treated materials. However, on wood, it may occasionally cause a slight color change without compromising the material’s natural appearance.
• Compliance with standards : Treatment with intumescent varnish allows compliance with the European standard Euroclass B-s1, d0, guaranteeing high fire resistance, low smoke generation, and no flaming droplets. This ensures both safety and regulatory compliance, essential for public and commercial projects.

Your questions about intumescent varnish

In what areas is intumescent varnish used ?

Intumescent varnish has applications in various fields. In construction, it is commonly used to enhance the fire safety of wooden and steel structures, providing effective protection against flames while extending the material’s durability. In industry, this varnish is applied to equipment exposed to fire risks, providing lasting and reliable protection. In interior design, it is ideal for decorative wooden elements, as it preserves their aesthetic appearance while ensuring fire resistance.

Is intumescent varnish resistant to humidity ?

Intumescent varnish is generally not designed to resist prolonged exposure to water or humidity. For materials exposed to wet conditions or outdoor environments, an additional water-resistant clear varnish may be applied over the intumescent layer, provided it does not compromise fire resistance standards.

How to properly apply intumescent varnish to wood ?

Our intumescent varnish wood treatment process uses a spray machine that ensures consistent and precise application to every wooden surface.

Process steps :

1. Surface preparation : The wood is carefully cleaned and prepared for better adhesion of the varnish.
2. Even application : Using state-of-the-art equipment, the varnish is sprayed evenly over the entire surface to ensure uniform thickness, essential for fire protection and aesthetics.
3. Final thickness check : A film thickness check is carried out to ensure compliance with safety standards.
4. Controlled drying : Each layer of varnish dries under specific conditions to ensure good adhesion. We respect the recommended drying times for long-lasting protection.

Why choose our wood treatment services?

Specialized partners with cutting-edge equipment : We specialize in two types of wood treatment: autoclave and intumescent varnish. These precise treatments allow deep and effective impregnation of flame retardants, guaranteeing long-lasting protection against fire.

Responsiveness and adaptation to your needs : At Alfaflor, we ensure fast and personalized project management. Thanks to our network, we adapt treatments to your requirements and respect deadlines for your projects.

Compliance with European safety standards : Our wood treatment techniques and our wood
fire retardant product meet rigorous European fire safety standards, including Euroclass certification. This ensures that your wooden materials provide effective fire protection while complying with current regulations.