How are fireproof fabrics treated?

30 Sep 2021

How are fireproof fabrics treated?

All you need to know about fireproof interior fabrics

In public places, as well as at home, it is important to ensure maximum safety in the living spaces and to prevent any fire risks. How? By choosing furnishings and upholstery made from non-combustible or fireproof fabrics.

The fabrics can be defined as fireproof if they provide high resistance to fire or if they have characteristics that reduce or delay combustion (in the latter case they are also called fire retardant). There are fully fireproof fabrics, which do not burn when directly exposed to flames, and partially fireproof fabrics, which only catch fire when the temperature exceeds very high thresholds, thus preventing and slowing down the spread of fire. According to their specific characteristics they can then be divided into:

  • fabrics that are inherently flameproof, i.e. naturally fire resistant due to their composition and chemical structure (real leather, wool)
  • Flammable fabrics subjected to fireproofing processes, i.e. with the addition of specific substances (e.g. ammonium sulphate or sodium borate) which shield the fabric from the flames or delay their combustion. In this case, fabrics may lose their flame retardant properties after a certain period of time.
Classes of reaction to fire

Depending on their degree of participation in the combustion, textiles can be assigned to reaction classes ranging from 0 to 5 (the higher the class, the easier it is for flames to develop). Non-combustible materials are marked with class 0, while non-flammable combustible fabrics belong to class 1. Upholstered products, such as armchairs or sofas, are classified with reaction classes 1IM, 2IM, 3IM, as their degree of flammability increases. However, please note that the fire reaction class does not relate to the materials themselves but to their actual use: the same fabric used as curtains or wall coverings may belong to different classes.

Why choose fireproof fabrics?

Choosing fireproof fabrics is of fundamental importance in places open to the public (e.g. restaurants, cinemas, gyms, schools, hospitals) and in accommodation facilities to ensure greater safety in the event of fire spreading, as a form of prevention and limitation of possible damage. In these facilities, the use of fire-resistant fabrics is required by law and applies to curtains, armchair, sofa and chair coverings, as well as mattresses, sheets, blankets and bathroom linen. Sometimes a small distraction or forgetfulness can have serious consequences, not only in public places but also in the home. This is why fireproof textiles are increasingly being used to furnish private homes in areas that are more susceptible to fire, such as kitchens, bedrooms or living rooms near stoves or fireplaces.

Discover all the flameproof fabrics from Eurotessuti!

Eurotessuti catalogue offers a wide range of top quality fireproof fabrics in a variety of colours and textures, to meet any need and always available in stock. Always attentive to innovation and Made in Italy design, the company offers fabrics with flameproof properties tested in certified laboratories, to furnish with style while ensuring maximum safety. Among the coated fabrics treated to resist fire you will find:

  • fabrics compliant with fire class 1, such as ALBA fabric for curtains and drapery, available in various colours
  • Class 1IM fireproof fabrics, such as the JAMES article in polyester microfibre, easy to clean thanks to its water-repellent treatment, or the VIKI fabric, polyester velvet perfect for sofas, armchairs, beds and cushions in a classic or modern style
  • fabrics for wall coverings, such as the ALESSIA article, classic polyester microfibre, water-repellent, suitable for various uses
  • California fabrics compliant with the inflammability assessment of upholstered furniture according to TB117:2013
  • FTP fabrics for marine use, such as easy-care STELLA coated fabric
  • BS5852 fireproof fabrics specifically treated for the UK market
  • treatments suitable for other standards can be applied on request