Fireproofing
Fires is one of the greatest concerns in the minds of architects, construction workers, and homeowners. That's why fireproofing is so widely practiced. Fireproofing is the method of making materials that would normally burn quickly in a fire noncombustible. There are several methods of fireproofing construction materials and textiles, making their combustibility levels as low as possible.Methods of Fireproofing
- Passive Fire Protection: a type of fireproofing refers to the use of fire-resistant material during construction. Fire protection is built into the actual construction by using materials such as gypsum, cement, ammonium phosphate coverings over wooden framing, protected steel, reinforced concrete, brick, perlite, vermiculite, and mineral fiber. These materials can withstand the highest temperatures and are therefore protective in the event of fires. Because passive fire protection is built into the construction of the structure, it is always ready to offer protection against fires.
- Active Fire Protection: a practice that refers more to putting a stop to fires rather than preventing or protecting against them. Sprinkler systems are the most common form of active fire protection; however, they are not full-proof and there are no guarantees that the sprinkler system will function when necessary. Active fire protection is best when used in conjunction with passive fire protection.
- Spray-On Fireproofing: a type of fireproofing that refers to spraying elements or chemicals onto construction materials in order to improve their resistance to fire. Spraying a portland cement or a gypsum-based spray on some materials increases their chances of surviving fire and heat, while decreasing their chances of weakening, burning, or melting under intense heat. The amount of spray-on fireproofing needed will depend on the weight and size of the structure.
- Soaks: a practice that prevents textiles from burning as quickly as they otherwise would. Soaking certain textiles in a fire-resistant solution is quite helpful in the process of fireproofing your home. Boric acid, borax, chlorinated paraffin, and chlorinated rubber are a few common elements used in the soaking of textiles for fireproofing purposes. In the event of rain, washing, and dry cleaning, these fire proofing elements lose their effectiveness; as a result, waterproofing the soaked, fireproofed textiles is also a common practice.
Modern Fireproofing Techniques
Today, developments have been made in the practice of fireproofing. Building structures with columns that circulate water and exterior fireproofing tactics in urban areas to prevent neighborhood fires are becoming developed in efforts to attain the most effective approaches to fireproofing.