Sew What? Inc. Expands Online Fabric Flammability Reference
Sew What? Inc, a theatrical drapery manufacturer, has expanded its online fabric flammability reference. Fabric flammability, especially for drapery that will be used in a public space such as a school, theatre or special event venue, is worthy of attention and concern. Federal and local regulations require that fabrics used in such spaces be certified as fire retardant.
Rancho Dominguez, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2007 -- Sew What? Inc, a theatrical drapery manufacturer, has expanded its online fabric flammability reference. According to Megan Duckett, President of the firm, "When it comes to drapes, there's absolutely no room for flammability. If we can educate people on this subject, we may help to avoid a crisis."
Fabric flammability, especially for drapery that will be used in a public space such as a school, theatre or special event venue, is worthy of attention and concern. Federal and local regulations require that fabrics used in such spaces be certified as fire retardant. And yet, all fabric will burn to some degree -- some more readily than others. That's why understanding fabric flammability, flame retardancy regulations and fire retardant fabrics is vitally important.
Fire Retardant Drapery Fabric.
In terms of fire retardant drapery fabrics, some are naturally more resistant to fire than others. And those that are more flammable can have their fire resistance drastically improved by treatment with flame-retardant chemicals. Certain synthetic fibers are extremely flame resistant, including glass fibers and modacrylic. Other synthetics, including certain polyesters, are slow to ignite and may even self-extinguish. However, once synthetic fabrics ignite, they will melt which can lead to severe burns when coming into contact with the skin.
Natural Fibers.
Natural fibers typically do not melt. Wool and silk, which burn slowly, are difficult to ignite and may self-extinguish. Other untreated natural fabrics such as cotton and linen can ignite quickly, resulting in a fast spreading flame. Fabrics that include a combination of natural and synthetic fibers such as polyester-cotton blends can be particularly troublesome as they combine fast ignition and flame spread with the melting aspect of the synthetic fiber.
Adding Fire Retardancy to Fabrics.
There are a number of ways to create fire retardant fabrics. Many natural fibers including cotton can be topically treated with a chemical that reduces the fabric's flammability to the extent that it becomes nearly non-combustible. During a fire, the chemical reacts with the gases and tars generated naturally by the fabric, converting those gases and tars to carbon char, which drastically slows the fabric's burning rate.
Some polyester fabrics are considered "permanently" or "inherently" flame retardant and the retardancy will last for the life of the fabric. This is because the fabrics are manufactured utilizing fibers for which the flame retardant properties are built directly into the molecular structure. (These include fabrics utilizing Trevira™ and Avora™ polyester fibers.) The drapery can be laundered or dry-cleaned as recommended by the drapery manufacturer without any loss of its flame retardant properties.
In the case of fabrics that are designated as "flame retardant" that have been topically treated with chemicals, the flame retardancy will dissipate over time, particularly with repeated cleaning. These fabrics must be dry-cleaned with a non-liquid cleaning agent. Typically, the flame retardancy of topically treated fabric is certified for one year and should be re-tested for flame retardancy annually, and re-treated by a qualified professional as needed.
And then, some fabrics are simply not fire retardant at all and cannot be made so, such as certain synthetic or metallic fabrics. Be aware and be warned.
For all these reasons, it is important to check with the manufacturer of the draperies you use and be sure to have current copies of the Certificate of Flame Retardancy on hand in case the fire marshal does happen to pay you a visit. For more information, visit http://www.sewwhatinc.com/flameretardancy.php.
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