Important Information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN SELECTING A FIRE RETARDANT COATING/CHEMICAL FOR YOUR THATCHED ROOF

 

Of late many companies and products have come onto the market without being entirely tested according to the standard.

 

* TO DATE MICON THATCHSAYF AND THATCHBOR FR ARE THE ONLY TWO PRODUCTS TO HAVE BEEN FULLY TESTED TO THE STANDARD *

 

SANS 10407:2006 prescribes how a thatched roof should be built, what materials are acceptable and how fire retardants for thatched roofs must be evaluated. The test method (ASTM E108) covers the measurement of the relative fire characteristics of thatched roof coverings under simulated fire originating outside the building.

The following test methods are included and all products should be tested to all sections of the below :

  1. Intermittent flame exposure test
  2. Spread of flame test
  3. Burning brand test
  4. Flying brand test

See below, relating to “8.2 Fire – retardant systems” as taken from the SANS 10407:2006
8.2 Fire-retardant systems
8.2.1 To ensure the efficacy of the fire-retardant system to be used, the system shall be evaluated in relation to the intended roof system.
8.2.2 Small-scale fire buildings shall be evaluated for:

  1. resistance to flame burning; and
  2. resistance to radiant heat by a competent person, in accordance with an acceptable standard.

8.2.3 The evaluation (see 8.2.1), shall be carried out in accordance with ASTM E108, and shall cover the following aspects:

  1. durability of the product when applied to the thatch / reed;
  2. effects and requirements of maintenance;
  3. behaviour when subjected to fire; and
  4. any provisions and precautions to be taken into account before the application of the product.

8.2.4 The fire-retardant system shall include the following:

  1. the method of manufacture of the product and the quality assurance thereof;
  2. the application and the quality assurance thereof;
  3. the certification of the applied system, once completed;
  4. whether or when re-application is required; and
  5. record systems maintained by the manufacturer, applicator and license holder.