Every year, the U.S. faces devastating wildfires, leaving countless residents homeless and heartbroken as flames consume lives and properties. These destructions have forced homeowners to rethink their defenses because when embers rain down, traditional safeguards often fail. But what if your home could fight back?
Now it can. Firefree Coatings don’t just resist fire—they defy it. When flames strike, these coatings instantly expand, forming a rock-solid barrier that locks out heat and stops fire in its tracks. In this blog, we will inform you about how you can safeguard your home against devastating wildfires with Firefree Coatings.
How Do Intumescent Coatings Protect Your Home from Wildfires?
Ever wondered, “How do fire retardant coatings work?” or “Which parts of my home can they protect?”. When exposed to extreme heat, intumescent coatings undergo a chemical transformation. The coating swells, forming a thick, carbon-rich char that insulates the underlying material from flames.
This reaction absorbs heat, slows combustion, and prevents structural collapse, buying precious time during a wildfire. Additionally, these coatings are not limited to industrial use; they can be applied to wooden decks, siding, roofing underlayments, and even interior walls, making them a versatile solution for residential wildfire protection.
Roofing
Your roof is the most at-risk part of your home in a wildfire. Flying embers can quickly ignite materials such as asphalt shingles or wood. Firefree’s flame-resistant paint creates a heat-resistant shield to protect your roof. For optimal defense, use it with fire-safe materials such as metal, tile, or slate. If replacing your whole roof isn’t an option, applying Firefree Class A coating adds strong fire resistance.
Siding
Wood or vinyl siding can easily catch fire, allowing flames to spread quickly. While fiber-cement, stucco, or brick are safer choices, adding Firefree 88 (a fire retardant coating) gives even more protection. In high-risk areas, treating exterior walls with this flame-resistant paint seals gaps and blocks embers from entering your home.
Decks and Patios
Wooden decks are highly susceptible to ignition from airborne embers. Firefree Exterior System can be applied to decking boards, railings, and support beams, creating a protective char layer that resists combustion. For new constructions, consider fire-retardant treated wood (FRTW) or composite materials, then coat them with Firefree’s intumescent solution for enhanced durability.
Garages
Garages are often overlooked in wildfire preparedness, yet they pose significant risks due to the storage of flammable materials, such as car or bike paints, gasoline, and propane tanks. If embers breach the garage, these substances can accelerate the spread of fire, putting the entire home in danger. Firefree 88, an ICC-listed intumescent coating, provides a critical layer of defense when applied to interior structural supports, such as wooden beams or metal framing.
Steps to Apply Firefree Coatings to Protect Your Home
Firefree’s formulations, such as Firefree Class A and Firefree 88, are rigorously tested to meet ASTM E84 and ICC standards, ensuring reliable performance during wildfires. Here are the steps on how to apply these coatings:
- Clean the area (remove dust, dirt, and old paint).
- Repair cracks or damaged surfaces.
- Apply a primer if required.
- Use a brush, roller, or sprayer for even application.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and layers.
- Inspect annually for wear and tear.
- Reapply as needed (typically every 5-10 years).
Firefree’s Fire-Resistant Coating Solutions
Firefree Coatings is the industry leader in high-performance fire retardant and fire-resistant intumescent coatings. Our advanced solutions slow the spread of flames, reduce smoke and toxic gas emissions, and provide critical additional time for evacuation.
- Firefree Class A: This is a water-based, eco-friendly intumescent coating that meets ASTM E84 standards, including the 30-minute extended burn test. It’s ideal for wooden structures, decks, and interior walls, providing a thin yet highly effective fireproofing layer.
- Firefree 88: Designed for steel beams, concrete, and critical structural elements, Firefree 88 complies with IBC, FM Global, and UL standards. It has been tested under ASTM E119 and NFPA 276, ensuring it withstands prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
- Firefree Exterior System: The only ICC-listed, ASTM-compliant exterior coating for wildfire zones, this two-step system combines intumescent fireproofing with weather-resistant topcoats. It’s perfect for siding, fences, and outdoor structures, offering long-term durability against flames and harsh climates.
Conclusion
Protecting your home from devastating wildfires requires proactive measures, and Firefree Coatings offers a powerful solution to mitigate risks. By applying intumescent coatings to vulnerable areas like roofs, siding, decks, and garages, homeowners can create a fire-resistant barrier that slows combustion and prevents structural damage.
These coatings undergo rigorous testing to meet stringent safety standards, ensuring reliability in emergencies. Regular maintenance and the proper application of Firefree’s products enhance long-term protection, providing families with peace of mind in fire-prone regions. Contact Us Today!