THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRE-RESISTANT & FIRE-RETARDANT FABRICS

Fire-resistant means that the material is naturally made from non-flammable fibers: glass fiber, asbestos, ceramic or carbon fiber,... They can resist flames because of their chemical composition. They are resistant from the start and do not undergo additional treatment. Generally speaking, washing the material does not affect the materials fire resistance. 

They are widely used in industry, projects... to make fire screens in buildings, factories, commercial centers... cover insulation pipes or cover goods to prevent fires and explosions, shield areas of welding or electrical sparks from machinery.

Two Types of Fire-Retardant Fabrics

Unlike the above type, fire-retardant fabrics are designed to self-extinguish when exposed to an open flame. They are chemically treated to slow down the burning process or to never burn at all. A fabric is considered flame-retardant if it takes a long time before it burns compared to other types of similar materials.

These fabrics are now very common in our daily lives: cotton, polyester, synthetic fabrics, nylon, velvet, linen...

Chemically-Treated Fabric - Textiles under this category are originally flammable materials treated with chemicals to make them flame-retardant. They are treated with flame-resistant chemicals through different methods. They can prevent the start of a fire, suppress it, or slow down its spread.

Fire-retardant textiles have revolutionised the way people live. When a property burns down, any curtains inside it are usually the main spreaders of fire because of their ignitability. However, the development of fire curtains made from flame-retardant fabrics has helped lessen the frequency of property fires. 

These fabrics help keep fires at bay longer and make buildings safer.

Remember, understanding these differences can be a lifesaver. Whether you're selecting materials for an industrial project or simply curious about fabrics, it's important to know your fire-resistant or your fire-retardant. Stay informed and stay safe.