Taking precautions in the event of a fire is a necessity that every establishment should prepare for. After all, fires can pose a higher risk in some public spaces as compared to others. These include schools, hospitals, and theatre, where such incidents are more difficult to contain. Fire-proofing these properties is the best course of action to prevent it from happening entirely.

One such way of fireproofing a building or a household from the fatal effects of a fire is by installing flame retardant curtains. These are specifically designed as a passive containment measure that can slow the spread of a fire when it starts.

Here is how to check if your curtains are flame retardant and how to ensure they are if they don’t fall within the standards of safety:

Standards for Flame Retardant Curtains

Although the standards for flame retardant curtains are constant across state and regional levels, they may vary at the federal level. The national standard is called NFPA 701, the most flame-retardant material that is usually the benchmark for all other fabrics.

Testing Your Curtains for Flame Retardancy

Checking to make sure that your curtains meet the minimum requirements for flame-retardancy is crucial. Here are some tips in assessing them to ensure they meet the standard:

1. Ask the manufacturer

The manufacturer will know all of the details regarding the make and quality of the curtains you purchased, including their flame retardant properties. Telling the manufacturer your exact specifications and the local requirements will help you get the standard you require. They can also provide you with more fabric options so you can get flame-retardant curtains that are most suitable for your commercial property.

2. Ask for a certificate

By insisting on getting a certificate from the vendor or supplier, you are ensuring that the quality you asked for is what you’re getting. Make sure to request for the certificate at the time of placing the order, and clarify that you want a certificate and not just the test results.

3. Ask your local fire department

If you can’t go directly to the manufacturer, then your local fire department will know a thing or two about the standards of flame retardant materials. They will also know about local requirements and getting a certification.

Fabrics and Flame Retardancy

IFR - Inherently Flame Retardant

Inherently flame retardant fabrics have a fire-resistant interior which does not change even after several washes. Washing guidelines should be followed carefully.

DFR - Durably Flame Retardant

Durably flame retardant fabrics can be washed up to 25 times without losing their ability to cover up flames. This is achieved by treating the fabric with a non-water soluble chemical.

FR - Flame Retardant

These are woven without any flame-retardant chemicals. It is only after this that the fabric is treated chemically to make it flame-retardant, but this property goes away after several washes.

Besides washing, other factors can affect the flame retardancy of curtain fabrics. To help it keep longer, these curtains must be maintained well, with the regular removal of dust, debris, or oil on the fabric. While expected, the exposure of these curtains to sunlight and humidity will also affect their flame retardant properties.

For the best results, the guidelines on maintenance should be followed to ensure that the curtains keep their flame retardancy for as long as possible.

Types of Flame Retardant Curtains

Blackout Curtains

These types of curtains are typically very thick, which is perfect for adding flame retardant properties. Blackout curtains are perfect for theatres and hotels as they comply with requirements and keep light from flooding the inside of the building.

Sheer Curtains

There are also flame retardant curtains that are voile, sheer, or net, which gives you a beautiful sheer and flowy fabric that will still protect you from potential fire hazards.

Conclusion

Fire prevention is one safety measure that must be taken seriously. Flame retardant curtains are one of the most accessible and practical ways to keep a home or a building safe from fire hazards. Not only do they provide the same aesthetic accents and sun protection of traditional curtains, but they create a safe and secure atmosphere for all.

Installing flame retardant curtains is one of the best steps towards fire safety. Here at Direct Fabrics, we supply fabrics for hotels, schools, and care homes such as disposable hospital curtains, blackout fabrics, and curtains for hotels in the UK. For further inquiries, visit our website today!