Overview
Overview
Firefree 88 ® (“Ff88”) is a premium intumescent fire-resistant coating tested to comply with fire ratings performance prescribed under the International Building Code (IBC). These standards involve (i) fire resistant testing which measures a product’s ability to prevent fire penetration over a period of time, such as full scale ASTM E119, FM 4470 (NFPA 276), FM 4975, ASTM E 662-97, ASTM E 162-98, ASTM E 3675-98, ASTM E 814, ASTM E 1354-94, EN 13501-1, and (ii) other testing such as Room Corner Test (UBC 26-3, NFPA 286), and BS 476 measuring a product’s ability to limit flashover. Firefree 88 is specifically designed for use on wall, floor, ceilings, roof/ceiling, floor/ceiling assemblies, and individual structural members, providing reliable fire protection where it matters most.
Product Application
Ff88® is designed for interior use.
Surface Preparation: All substrates must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants. Metal surfaces require priming. Concrete and cement-based materials should be primed with high pH-compatible primers. Glossy or dense surfaces may need etching or a latex primer. Moisture content in wood should not exceed 12%.
Application Conditions: Apply when ambient and surface temperatures are between 50°F (10°C) and 95°F (35°C), avoiding conditions with relative humidity above 75% or imminent moisture exposure. Full curing may take up to 30 days, with drying times per coat varying based on environmental factors.
Application Methods: Ff88® can be applied using an airless sprayer (recommended), roller, or brush without thinning. Wet film thickness (WFT) must be monitored using a wet film gauge to achieve the specified dry film thickness (DFT). Multiple coats should be applied only after preceding coats are thoroughly dry.
Third Party Inspection: A third-party inspection by a certified agency is required to verify proper application and uniform thickness, ensuring compliance with life safety standards.
Finishing: Ff88® is supplied in white with a flat finish and can be tinted (maximum 8 oz tint per gallon) or top-coated with premium latex paints for desired color and finish. For exterior use/applications, Ff88® must be top-coated with Firefree Exterior (FfE) acrylic topcoat, which has passed the ASTM D2898 weatherization test. Substituting Firefree Exterior (FfE) or improper application voids any warranties.
Maintenance: Protect coated surfaces from damage; any compromised areas should be repaired and recoated to the original DFT to maintain fire resistance ratings.
Technical Specification
Firefree 88® Technical
Many building assemblies require an hourly fire-resistant rating that is tested and rated in accordance with ASTM E-119. For more information, please contact our Technical Department before applying our Firefree 88®. Building Codes: Installation must comply with the requirements of applicable local, state and national building codes.
Firefree 88® is a highly effective intumescent fire-resistant coating that has been rigorously tested to meet a wide range of fire safety test standards, and can be applied to various materials including wood, gypsum, sheetrock/plasterboard, lath and plaster, embossed / pressed metal tin, concrete/masonry, thin gauge metal, galvanized steel, aluminum, fiberglass, plastics and other composite advanced materials such as FRP, carbon fiber, GRP to name a few.
Additionally, Firefree Coatings requires that all surfaces to which the product was applied be third party inspected b y an accredited special inspection company as detailed under AWCI 12-B Protective Coating Inspector, CIP Level 1 – Level 3 or a Firefree QA/QC qualified inspector to verify that the product has been properly applied in the required uniform thin film thickness. The hiring of an independent inspector is the responsibility of the contractor or customer.
Key Certifications and Test Standards:
- ASTM E-119 full-scale fire tests on loaded building materials Including open wood joists (horizontal), Gypsum walls, ceiling assemblies, etc.
- ASTM E119 and CAN/ULC-S101: Achieved up to 2-hour fire-resistance ratings on wall assemblies, indicating the ability to maintain structural integrity under fire exposure as per these standards.
- Room Corner Tests: UBC 8-2 and NFPA 286: Successfully passed full-scale room corner tests, assessing fire growth potential in realistic scenarios without sprinklers.
International Standards Compliance:
- AS 1530.4 (Australian Standard): Met requirements for fire resistance of elements of building construction.
- EN 13501-1 (European Standard): MClassified for reaction to fire performance, ensuring compliance with European fire safety regulations.
Toxicity and Smoke Density Evaluations:
- BSS-7239-88 (Boeing Test): Passed toxicity assessments for combustion gases, indicating low toxicity levels during fire conditions.
- University of Pittsburgh’s Combustion Product Toxicity Test: Confirmed minimal toxic potency of combustion products.
- ASTM E662-97: Demonstrated low smoke density, ensuring reduced visibility impairment during a fire event.
BS 476 Part 6 & 7 (British Standards): Attained Class 0 classification, demonstrating excellent resistance to fire propagation and surface spread of flame on materials like timber and gypsum board.
These extensive certifications affirm Firefree 88® as a reliable solution for enhancing fire safety by limiting flame spread, reducing smoke generation, and maintaining structural integrity during fire exposure.
Assemblies / Drawings
Assemblies / Drawings
Firefree Coatings offers a comprehensive range of tested and certified assembly designs incorporating Firefree 88® for various construction applications. Our technical drawings cover structural assemblies with fire resistance ratings from 30 minutes up to 2 hours, compliant with relevant building codes and standards. Below are few examples of the most common assemblies/drawings.
Wood Assemblies:
- Floor-Ceiling Systems:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs WFC101, WFC102
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs WFC201, WFC202
- Roof-Ceiling Systems:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs WRC101, WRC102
- Wall Assemblies:
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs WW201, WW202
Gypsum Board Assemblies:
- Floor-Ceiling Systems:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs GFC101, GFC102
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs GFC201, GFC202
- Wall Assemblies:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs GW101, GW102
- Wall Assemblies:
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs GW201, GW202
Plaster Assemblies:
- Floor-Ceiling Systems:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs PC101, PC102
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs PC201, PC202
- Wall Assemblies:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs PW101, PW102
- Wall Assemblies:
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs PW201, PW202
Embossed Tin Assemblies:
- Floor-Ceiling Systems:
- 1-Hour Rated: Designs TC101, TC102
- 2-Hour Rated: Designs TC201, TC202
For detailed assembly drawings and technical support, please contact our technical services department. Reference the specific FF File Numbers provided when making your request to ensure accurate and efficient assistance. For the complete list, visit the Assemblies / Drawings Page.
Safety Data sheets and other manuals
Ff88® Product/Safety Data sheets and other manuals
Firefree 88® is a latex-based intumescent fire-resistant and retardant paint manufactured by Firefree Coatings, Inc. The product is a proprietary, non-hazardous mixture with no significant health, physical, or environmental risks identified. It contains low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at 36 grams per liter and is non-flammable, with a flash point above 121°C (250°F).
Handling and Storage: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; use personal protective equipment such as safety goggles and gloves. Ensure adequate ventilation during application, especially when spraying or sanding. Store the product between 50°F and 85°F, protecting it from freezing to maintain stability.
First Aid Measures: In case of eye contact, flush with water for at least 15 minutes. If inhaled, move to fresh air. For skin contact, wash with soap and water. If ingested, drink water and consult a physician without inducing vomiting.
Physical Properties: The paint is white with minimal odor, a pH of 8–9, and is miscible with water. It has a boiling point of 100°C (212°F) and a viscosity range of 110–120 KU.
Regulatory Compliance: Firefree 88® complies with regulations such as TSCA, EINECS, NICNAS, RoHS, and CEPA. It is not classified as hazardous under SARA Title III or CERCLA and has no transportation restrictions per ADR/RID, IMO-IMDG, and IATA/ICAO standards.
Disposal Considerations: The product is not considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of in accordance with local, state, or national regulations.
For technical inquiries or assistance not addressed in the application instructions, please contact our technical support team at support@firefree.com Provide detailed information and relevant documentation to facilitate an effective response.
