21—01—2022
What is Fireshield Coating and how does it work?
When specifying materials for an upcoming project, each aspect must be carefully considered to achieve a first-class result. And while the quality and the aesthetics are important, adhering to any compliance requirements that may apply is absolutely essential.
For example, in Australia, if your project is within a commercial building, you may be required to select materials that achieve a specified Group Rating. Also known as Fire Group numbers, Group Ratings are used to identify the performance of certain materials in a fire. There are four possible Group Ratings, the highest being Non-Combustible, and the lowest being Group Number 3, which is generally applied to timber products with no specific fire retardant elements.
The good news is that, even if your project requires Group 1 materials, you don’t have to compromise. There are high-quality products available to suit your design and budget.
With Maxiply, you can opt to add a Fireshield coating to our interior panels, which allows you to achieve a Group 1 rating while still delivering a your desired aesthetic. So what is Fireshield and how does it work? Read on to find out.
What is Fireshield?
Fireshield is an intumescent paint system that can be used to coat steel and timber to increase the material’s resistance to fire. It can be applied to a wide range of commonly used building materials, from veneers and plywood panels to engineered timber. This makes it a fantastic solution for any building that is at a high risk of fire, whether this is due to the location, or the activities or occupants that are housed within.
How does Fireshield work?
When applied onto the materials correctly by a Registered Applicator, Fireshield can achieve Group Rating 1. When exposed to high temperatures and intensive heat radiation generated from a fire, it will foam up into a thick layer, which then works to extinguish the flow of heat on the treated surface. Thanks to its ease of use and affordability, it is one of the best passive solutions for any project where you need a high level of fire protection.
Where can Fireshield be used?
Fireshield is designed for internal use only, and can be applied to any timber-based substrate with a minimum thickness of 8 mm and minimum density of 338 kg/m3. It is then coated onto panels and then installed pre-coated. It is not suitable for external surfaces, joinery, doors or window frames. It may have a stain or sealer undercoat, but this is subject to strict approval and testing by an accredited laboratory to verify the Group 1 rating has been maintained.
Although it’s available in clear and subtle shades to suit your designs, it’s important to note that it is selected for its practical usefulness as a fire treatment system, first and foremost than for its aesthetic properties.
Which Maxiply products is Fireshield suitable for?
Fireshield can be used across a broad selection of Maxiply internal panels. These include Maxi Panel, Maxi Edge, Maxi Clad, Maxi Deco, Maxi Line and Maxi Perforated Panels to name a few.
The simple solution to fire resistance
If you’re looking for a simple solution to achieving your specified fire requirements on your next commercial project, Fireshield is a great option. Match it with your preferred Maxiply plywood panels and your interior space will look fantastic, be long lasting and tick all the boxes for fire resistance too.
Would you like to know more about Fireshield and Group Ratings? Our team would love to hear from you – they are always happy to help with advice and recommendations. Simply get in touch on 1300 761 741.
21—01—2022
When specifying materials for an upcoming project, each aspect must be carefully considered to achieve a first-class result. And while the quality and the aesthetics are important, adhering to any compliance requirements that may apply is absolutely essential.
For example, in Australia, if your project is within a commercial building, you may be required to select materials that achieve a specified Group Rating. Also known as Fire Group numbers, Group Ratings are used to identify the performance of certain materials in a fire. There are four possible Group Ratings, the highest being Non-Combustible, and the lowest being Group Number 3, which is generally applied to timber products with no specific fire retardant elements.
The good news is that, even if your project requires Group 1 materials, you don’t have to compromise. There are high-quality products available to suit your design and budget.
With Maxiply, you can opt to add a Fireshield coating to our interior panels, which allows you to achieve a Group 1 rating while still delivering a your desired aesthetic. So what is Fireshield and how does it work? Read on to find out.
What is Fireshield?
Fireshield is an intumescent paint system that can be used to coat steel and timber to increase the material’s resistance to fire. It can be applied to a wide range of commonly used building materials, from veneers and plywood panels to engineered timber. This makes it a fantastic solution for any building that is at a high risk of fire, whether this is due to the location, or the activities or occupants that are housed within.
How does Fireshield work?
When applied onto the materials correctly by a Registered Applicator, Fireshield can achieve Group Rating 1. When exposed to high temperatures and intensive heat radiation generated from a fire, it will foam up into a thick layer, which then works to extinguish the flow of heat on the treated surface. Thanks to its ease of use and affordability, it is one of the best passive solutions for any project where you need a high level of fire protection.
Where can Fireshield be used?
Fireshield is designed for internal use only, and can be applied to any timber-based substrate with a minimum thickness of 8 mm and minimum density of 338 kg/m3. It is then coated onto panels and then installed pre-coated. It is not suitable for external surfaces, joinery, doors or window frames. It may have a stain or sealer undercoat, but this is subject to strict approval and testing by an accredited laboratory to verify the Group 1 rating has been maintained.
Although it’s available in clear and subtle shades to suit your designs, it’s important to note that it is selected for its practical usefulness as a fire treatment system, first and foremost than for its aesthetic properties.
Which Maxiply products is Fireshield suitable for?
Fireshield can be used across a broad selection of Maxiply internal panels. These include Maxi Panel, Maxi Edge, Maxi Clad, Maxi Deco, Maxi Line and Maxi Perforated Panels to name a few.
The simple solution to fire resistance
If you’re looking for a simple solution to achieving your specified fire requirements on your next commercial project, Fireshield is a great option. Match it with your preferred Maxiply plywood panels and your interior space will look fantastic, be long lasting and tick all the boxes for fire resistance too.
Would you like to know more about Fireshield and Group Ratings? Our team would love to hear from you – they are always happy to help with advice and recommendations. Simply get in touch on 1300 761 741.
