Both classifications relate to the passive protection of the room, but whilst the ‘Resistance to Fire’ classification concerns load-bearing structures, fire compartments and fire doors, the ‘Reaction to Fire’ classification certifies walls, ceiling and floor coverings, furnishings and all non-structural combustible materials.

A fire-retardant coating system, in addition to containing fire-retardant and intumescent additives in its formulation, is applied with higher weight as it must create a ‘barrier’ against heat. In other words, it must protect the structure from fire. This can, of course, reduce the transparency of the coating film and its mechanical strength. With the latest generation of additives, the problem has been partially alleviated; however, a fire-retardant coating system will never perform as well as a standard one.

Fire safety regulations stipulate numerous certifications depending on the type and location of the surface to be coated. Some materials, such as rattan, bamboo or wicker, cannot be classified due to their high flammability; however, as regards the building materials generally used in a structure, in most cases they can be certified for both reaction to fire and resistance to fire.

Fire-retardant coatings have an inherent weakness. They are formulated with additives which, when exposed to adverse weather conditions such as humidity or strong UV radiation, react by altering the coating film, causing it to darken as early as 150–200° or to fade. Consequently, particularly during summertime, if exposed directly to the sun or heavy storms, they could easily change colour and, in the worst-case scenario, peel off from the substrate.

No different equipment is required from that used to apply water-based or solvent-based coatings, but a fire-retardant coating always needs to be stirred vigorously to ensure the additives in the formulation are evenly distributed. Furthermore, some flame retardants can slow down the drying of the product.

To be certain of the quantity to be applied, the product should be ‘weighed’ where possible or a ‘film thickness gauge’ (wet film thickness meter) should be used. Quantities are calculated based on:

• the surface area to be certified;
• the type of application, including any overspray.

The accompanying technical data sheet always specifies the weight and micron thickness required by the certifications.

Water and solvents are essential carriers during the application phase. The solid content comprises the resins and powders that form the effective coating film. A water-based resin will produce a more natural finish than a solvent-based system. In schools or hospitals, there is a greater tendency to use a water-based system to ensure low emissions. Once the coating film has dried, however, the volatile substances are no longer present.

This is more of a technical issue than a regulatory one. The law stipulates that the certified system must be applied at the correct weight. It makes no reference to any previous treatment. Therefore, it will be necessary to technically verify the adhesion of the approved system to the old work, in order to prevent subsequent peeling. Firewall specialists recommend sanding the substrate down to bare wood to eliminate any risk.

Reaction to fire and resistance to fire tests are very different. A sample placed on the floor is exposed to much lower heat radiation than a sample on a wall. Even if the same fire resistance class is achieved, the level of protection varies significantly. Consequently, a coating system certified for use on wood flooring cannot be used to coat a wall; however, from a legal standpoint, the reverse is permitted.

Always. It means having the guarantee that everything is in order. The ‘Declaration of Conformity’ (DiCo) is issued by Renner Italia only after the ‘Certificate of Application’ form has been completed and signed. And only after the ‘Declaration of Conformity’ has been drawn up does the safety officer ensure that the product has been installed correctly.

There is a “ministerial register” through which safety officers can draw on the expertise of professional applicators. It is always best to use professional applicators. However, to obtain the “Declaration of Conformity” (DiCo) and ensure compliance, it is sufficient to complete the certificate of application, which can be requested from the retailer of the fire-retardant treatment.

The ‘Resistance to Fire’ of a certified fire door is determined by its structure, which must comply with the stringent European (R)EI standard, ‘Mechanical resistance, thermal insulation and smoke control’. The door must be fitted with fire-resistant seals and flame-resistant hinges. Furthermore, it must have a non-combustible core capable of limiting the passage of heat and smoke to the cold side. A standard topcoat is not sufficient to meet these requirements. Whilst it is mandatory to apply a fire-retardant coating to these products after obtaining the aforementioned (R)EI certification, this must be done in such a way as not to compromise the classification achieved.

Only if the standard so requires. Normally, in order to certify a system with different gloss levels, the mattest and the glossiest topcoats must be tested. In this way, all intermediate gloss levels are certified in the same class.

The application weight must always correspond to the certified weight. Using a greater quantity of fire-retardant coating does not always result in increased protection.

Italian regulations require the condition of the coating to be checked five years after application (the average duration of the Fire Prevention Certificate). Should there be any obvious deterioration, the surfaces must be restored using the same certified quantity. If the coating film is unaffected, it is the responsibility of the fire safety officer to assess whether a re-coating is necessary or whether to wait a further 5 years. Following a series of ageing tests, Renner Italia has concluded that the flame-retardant additives used in Firewall systems do not lose their effectiveness even after many years. The European Classification has no expiry date, but the condition of the coating film must always be checked.

Yes, the amount of water or solvent added to certified products must be adjusted in proportion to the tested application weight (e.g. if I am required by regulation to apply 150 g/m² of product A, but I add 20% water, I must apply 180 g/m²).

The test is the same, but whilst under DM 26/6/84 I certify the coating product together with the manufactured item, under DM 06/03/92 I certify only the coating product tested on wood-based material (standard 4mm MDF).

The SCIA is the new procedure for obtaining the CPI (Fire Prevention Certificate) and is signed by the person responsible for the premises; the declaration to be attached to the application, certifying the premises’ compliance with fire prevention and fire safety requirements, is signed by a qualified fire safety engineer. Declarations and certifications provided in support of the SCIA are signed by the technician responsible for the coordination, management and supervision of the works, namely a fire safety professional registered with the Ministry of the Interior, as specified in DM of 7 August 2012.

In some European countries, certain standards such as the Italian UNI 9175, 9174 and 8457, the French NF P92-501 and the German DIN 4102 continue, in some cases, to coexist with the European standard EN 13501-1. These standards cover furnishings, textiles, curtains, upholstered items, carpets and non-structural interior cladding materials, whilst the new European regulations refer exclusively to construction products and elements, regulating their marketing in all countries through the CE marking.