Fire Defender FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Fire Retardant Questions

A fire retardant is a penetrating liquid, paint or intumescent coating substance that significantly delays and can prevent the onset of fire.

A small measuring device for measuring the thickness of paint. Often referred to the acronym  WFTG or micron gauge.
You can purchase a Wet Gauge Thickness Guide here.

The term micron is actually a commonly used shorthand for micrometer (American spelling) or micrometre (international spelling). The official symbol for the micron or micrometer is μm, sometimes simplified as um. A micron is defined as one-millionth of a meter, a little more than one twenty-five thousandth of an inch. As an example, a strand of hair is approx. 70 microns.

intumescent paint wet film thickness guide

We are the only Australian company that can offer a clear timber ALL WEATHER Bushfire approved coating and paint system which can be use up to BAL29.

We are the only Australian company that provides an onsite/insitu application service AND compliance certification.

All testing is done by a laboratory that is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Test reports can be provided upon request.

Most of our testing has been based around the Australian Building Code, but other industry and international standards can be met.

We are able to meet most fire rating specifications listed in the Building Code of Australia including:

  • Flammability of Materials – AS1530.2
  • Early Fire Hazard Properties – AS1530.3
  • Cone Calorimeter – AS/NZS3837
  • AS3959 – 2018 Bushfire indices
  • AS1530.4 – FRL ratings

Under the latest release of the National Construction Code 2019 (NCC), Fire retardant paints and coatings can no longer be used to make a substrate compliant under the “Deem-to-satisfy” requirements; they can only be used when approved by a fire engineer under a “Performance Solution”.

It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that any product purchased from Fire Defender will meet the requirements of the building code you are required to comply with.

This is the most important feature of our service. You can’t send your business, school, or hotel to us, so we come to you.

Absolutely.

Hotels, schools, venues, rock bands, live theatre, etc., are always calling us at the last minute because their facilities don’t meet the fire codes. As you’re probably well aware, if your facility doesn’t meet the fire codes, it can’t operate.

That’s our job. Our familiarity with these regulations is why so many state fire marshals, architects, engineers, and interior decorators use our products.

All the time. We’re always willing to discuss your projects and provide any assistance you need to get it done right and on time.

Just give us a call on 1300 347 374

Not at all.

We’ll get you the products and services wherever you are.

For example, a wall system under fire test that carries its load for 120 minutes and maintains its integrity and insulation for 120 minutes is given a FRL of 120/120/120, ie

120 minutes structural adequacy
120 minutes integrity
120 minutes insulation.