What is Fireshield Intumescent Timber coating?
When it comes to protecting interior timber surfaces from fire, Fireshield® TimberClear intumescent coating is designed for this. Applied as the initial coat in a two-coat system, this specialised clear intumescent coating ensures robust fire resistance.
Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating is typically specified for internal linings in Class 2 to 9 buildings, such as apartments and commercial projects, where a Group 1 rating is required. It requires strict handling and can only be applied by registered applicators. It cannot be used for applications exposed to the weather. Fireshield® TimberClear is available for projects of 50m² and above. Without it, timber surfaces will only achieve a Group 3 fire rating.
In this blog we will be covering the following:
- Where you can use Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating
- The Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating application process
- The maintenance of Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating
- The products and compliance of Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating
Let’s get into it.
What is Fireshield Intumescent Coating?
Fireshield® TimberClear 1FR is a clear, waterborne intumescent basecoat for interior timber. When exposed to heat it expands to form an insulating char layer, which reduces flame spread and smoke development across the timber surface. With Fireshield® TimberClear Top Coat it achieves a Group 1 rating for internal wall and ceiling linings. This clear intumescent basecoat features a high-quality finish and utilises thin film technology.
Applied as a two-coat system with Fireshield® TimberClear Top Coat, Fireshield® TimberClear 1FR achieves a Group 1 rating for internal timber wall and ceiling linings, as certified under CodeMark Certificate of Conformity CM30071. Trust Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating for superior fire protection on your interior timber projects.
Where can you use Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating?
Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating must be exclusively applied to interior timber surfaces as the first coat in a two-coat system. This coating is not designed for external surfaces, joinery, doors, or window frames. This highly specialised clear intumescent coating is specifically intended for achieving a Group 1 fire rating when required.
How Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating is applied
Applying Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating requires careful adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. The coating is typically sprayed onto the wood surface, forming a protective layer.
As there is a strict application process, you must be an accredited applicator to apply this coating as correct coverage is required to ensure optimal fire resistance. Mortlock Timber is a certified registered factory applicator in Australia.
To complete the overall fire protection coating system, a coat of Fireshield TimberClear Topcoat Matte or Semi-Gloss is applied after the initial coat of Fireshield TimberClear.
If required, be sure to clean so that there is not any contaminant left on the surface as this will affect the visual appearance.
How to store and maintain Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating
Maintaining Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating involves periodic inspections to check for any damage or wear. Any signs of cracks or deterioration should be addressed promptly, and the coating may need to be reapplied as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain its fire-resistant properties. Fireshield General Inspection and Maintenance guide should be referenced to correctly maintain your Fireshield timber coating.
The system can resist minor contact with moisture, impact and abrasion however, excessive wear or moisture contact may damage the system and if so, require inspection and remediation.
Fireshield timber intumescent systems do not require regular maintenance if undamaged. Once applied by an accredited applicator, the product is expected to pass inspection. However, if the treatment is incorrect or contact with products that negatively affect the coating occur, the product may fail inspection.
External factors such as grinding residue also impact the product and its protection properties. During the life cycle of the coating, the surface may need cleaning. It is important to avoid damaging the coating during cleaning or maintenance.
Proper stacking and support should be employed to prevent warping, bending, or damage to the coated surfaces.
Storage
In the first few weeks after application, Fireshield is a sensitive product. Proper storage of timber coated in Fireshield intumescent coating is critical to maintain the effectiveness and integrity of the fire protection system.
The following must be adhered to by the applicator and/or the person receiving the product:
• The timber should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated environment to prevent moisture absorption.
• It is important to store the timber away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to avoid any potential degradation or excessive heat exposure.
• Proper stacking and support must be implemented to prevent damage or warping to the coated timber.
• Timber coated with Fireshield should be separated by commercial-grade non-stick paper. If timber is stacked directly together, the timber can stick together causing damage to the coating.
If timber is left in packaging, the coating may ‘sweat,’ which will damage the coating and change its appearance. Please note that storage of Fireshield coated timber is at your own risk.
Neglecting to follow these guidelines may result in the coating reactivating, rendering it useless and failing to comply with a group surface rating.
Mortlock Timber and Fireshield Intumescent Coating
Mortlock Timber Factory applies Fireshield to achieve an even, consistent finish. Once applied, Fireshield requires up to 21 days to cure in our factory. To protect the integrity of the coating, Mortlock Timber offers a “just-in-time” delivery service, dispatching the timber only days after curing is complete. This process minimises external variables that could affect the product and ensures clients receive timber in a fully cured, ready-to-use condition.
It is recommended that Fireshield-coated timber be installed within one day of delivery. If your project is delayed, we can postpone the coating process and schedule delivery just before installation. Aligning coating with the installation start date is critical to maintaining the timber’s finish and avoiding potential issues. Once installed, the timber will continue to cure and harden.
Each piece of timber coated with Fireshield must be stamped to show that it has been coated by the accredited applicator.
Pathway to compliance using Fireshield
Fireshield® timber intumescent coating systems hold CodeMark Certificate of Conformity CM30071 (Rev 8). It certifies compliance with Performance Requirement C1P4 of the BCA 2022 (Amendment 1) for internal wall and ceiling linings in Class 2 to 9 buildings, subject to the conditions on the certificate, including application by a registered applicator and annual inspection.
To ensure complete compliance with regulations, we at Mortlock Timber rely on our CodeMark and the performance pathway CP4 for your projects. The CodeMark serves as evidence of compliance and all our test data has been reviewed and approved to make up the CodeMark COC.
The CodeMark is evidence of compliance and to get started, the Specifier/Architect should complete the simple 2.2.4 form for a Performance Solution, which fulfills the necessary paperwork for performance solutions. These forms can be easily issued to Specifiers for their convenience.
Both the 2.2.4 form and the CodeMark should be submitted to the Certifier before purchasing the timber. Once approved, Mortlock Timber will proceed with processing your order.
If you have any questions about compliance or need assistance with the steps mentioned above, feel free to reach out to our team!
Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating at Parramatta Aquatic Centre
This project needed to achieve a group 1 rating. Our control over the coating process enabled us to deliver to this site ready for installation, minimising the window of where the coating can be activated by on-site elements.
On-site, we addressed concrete splashing issues and ensured the coating was in pristine condition for handover to the client. This was a particular challenge as the fireshield-coated timber was to be installed in high moisture areas.
We supplied the project team with cedar timber, in the same profile as the external installation, adhering to the design of the centre. See more of the finished building on our Parramatta Aquatic Centre project page.
Fireshield Intumescent Timber Coating and His Majesty’s Theatre
The Perth Theatre Trust engaged TRCB architects to upgrade Perth’s premier heritage theatre. The architects chose the Proplank system with the Fireshield coating to complement the existing interiors and meet the required group 1 fire rating.
Your vision, our expertise.
At Mortlock Timber we are dedicated to:
- preserving the properties of the Fireshield protection.
- the timber’s safety and integrity
- compliance with fire safety regulations.
Finding the perfect timber and achieving the required group rating can be a challenge.
We encourage you to consult with our experienced team to ensure that your project stands the test of time.
To discuss your project, see pricing and receive samples, get in touch with us today! Call 1800 870 452 or request a quote.
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We are committed to bringing you timber products that add value and endure for years to come, even in heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions. We understand the value of efficiency when it comes to installation and keeping hardwood timber costs down. That’s why we’ve spent decades perfecting our designs to make them easier to handle, less wasteful and more efficient to install. This efficiency allows us to offer you premier products that are more cost-effective so that you can experience greater savings on timber wall costs, timber ceiling costs, timber cladding costs and timber decking costs.
Download our Pricing and Product Guide for our complete hardwood timber price list including timber decking prices, timber wall prices, timber ceiling prices and timber cladding prices.