Whenever there’s a project that specifies FR lumber (pressure treated fire retardant lumber) Contego fire retardant paint offers a profitable solution that will help contractors acquire that job.
Contego recently saved a hotel project in Nevada where the framing contractor used regular dimensional lumber on four stories of framing including the sheer wall. The building inspector noted that it should have been FR lumber and was NOT – so there was no certificate of occupancy until it was all torn down and replaced with FR lumber.
Contego to the rescue!
Our recommendation was to simply apply two coats of Contego to the existing wood. Not only did it save them from a $1.2 million loss, it led to an entirely new standard that will displace FR for all of their designs in all markets and over all brands. Here’s how Contego compares to FR and delivers HUGE advantages to the architect, general contractor, framing sub and property owner:
Our data on dimensional lumber FAR exceeds the stats for any FR lumber on the market. We have LOWER flame spread and smoke production (0x0) – FR lumber doesn’t come close.
We are neither toxic nor carcinogenic (read the MSDS on any FR product and you will find otherwise). Note that FR lumber manufacturers rarely if ever offer their MSDS online as we do. Get some, read them and you’ll see why. FR is so problematic that it’s often suggested that the scraps not be burned, although people often do.
Contego fire retardant paint offers far better thermal resistance.
FR destroys the lectins in the wood causing massive loss of structural integrity in as little as 2 years. (See USDA studies – links below)
FR also dissolves whatever attachments you use – screws, nails, hangars, etc., unless they’re stainless steel. Think about that one. On the job, FR causes logistics problems because it is special order. If you run short, you’re in a bind. Dimensional lumber (and Contego) is readily available, making the project scalable.
Last, but certainly not least – our fire retardant paint on dimensional lumber plus the labor to apply it is considerably less expensive than FR lumber. FR lumber is a weaker, inferior, less fire resistant assembly that eventually will fail. That’s why many leading hotel chains have changed their specifications away from FR wood to Contego on dimensional lumber.
Do you think all intumescent paints are created equal? They are not.
A big part of the toxicity story goes back to when a particular fire retardant paint was formulated. Not that long ago, the only way to formulate a fire retardant paint meant you had some very toxic components in it. Not only are they toxic in a fire, but they also leak toxins in the air you breathe every day – especially in hot, humid environments. Always read the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) carefully and always look to see if the MSDS was prepared independently or by the manufacturer. If it hasn’t been independently prepared, don’t trust it.
It is also critical that the intumescent paint manufacturer supports VOC claims with third party independent certified laboratory tests for content (ASTM D 3960) as well as toxic gas generation (BSS7239-88). You can view what these test documents look like and see Contego’s results here.
To view the damaging results of toxic fire retardant paints you may want to view the HBO documentary “Toxic Hot Seat”, a searing expose on the use of chemical flame-retardants. You can watch this incredibly informative film here.
Contego, like other intumescent coatings, is latex based. While Contego can be applied over an existing finish, you need to know what it is. If alkyd, or if you just don’t know, do an adhesion test. If the existing finish is good, apply a bonding primer before applying Contego. If you’re unsure, it’s better (and a lot less expensive) to apply a bonding primer and not need it than skipping that step and wishing you hadn’t.
Here’s an article from “Durability + Design” on the subject that we found particularly useful:
A failed coat of latex over alkyd must be completely removed, usually by power sanding or scraping. (Photo: D&D)
https://contegointernational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/contego-logo-redder.png00Lisa Schwartzhttps://contegointernational.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/contego-logo-redder.pngLisa Schwartz2013-12-10 18:54:562024-07-17 15:24:47Repainting: Why an Adhesion Test Can Save You Time & Money
Contego Fire Retardant Paint – Better Than FR Lumber
Whenever there’s a project that specifies FR lumber (pressure treated fire retardant lumber) Contego fire retardant paint offers a profitable solution that will help contractors acquire that job.
Contego recently saved a hotel project in Nevada where the framing contractor used regular dimensional lumber on four stories of framing including the sheer wall. The building inspector noted that it should have been FR lumber and was NOT – so there was no certificate of occupancy until it was all torn down and replaced with FR lumber.
Contego to the rescue!
Our recommendation was to simply apply two coats of Contego to the existing wood. Not only did it save them from a $1.2 million loss, it led to an entirely new standard that will displace FR for all of their designs in all markets and over all brands. Here’s how Contego compares to FR and delivers HUGE advantages to the architect, general contractor, framing sub and property owner:
Our data on dimensional lumber FAR exceeds the stats for any FR lumber on the market. We have LOWER flame spread and smoke production (0x0) – FR lumber doesn’t come close.
We are neither toxic nor carcinogenic (read the MSDS on any FR product and you will find otherwise). Note that FR lumber manufacturers rarely if ever offer their MSDS online as we do. Get some, read them and you’ll see why. FR is so problematic that it’s often suggested that the scraps not be burned, although people often do.
Contego fire retardant paint offers far better thermal resistance.
FR destroys the lectins in the wood causing massive loss of structural integrity in as little as 2 years. (See USDA studies – links below)
FR also dissolves whatever attachments you use – screws, nails, hangars, etc., unless they’re stainless steel. Think about that one. On the job, FR causes logistics problems because it is special order. If you run short, you’re in a bind. Dimensional lumber (and Contego) is readily available, making the project scalable.
Last, but certainly not least – our fire retardant paint on dimensional lumber plus the labor to apply it is considerably less expensive than FR lumber. FR lumber is a weaker, inferior, less fire resistant assembly that eventually will fail. That’s why many leading hotel chains have changed their specifications away from FR wood to Contego on dimensional lumber.
Effects of Fire Retardant Treatments on Wood Strength
Predicting and Extending the Useful Service Life of FRT – Plywood Roof Sheathing
The Hazards of Fire Retardant (FRT) Wood
Effects of Fire-Retardant Treatment and Redrying on the Mechanical Properties of Douglas-Fir and Aspen Plywood
Original Formula Material Safety Data Sheet
High Solids Material Safety Data Sheet
Request an information kit for Contego Fire Retardant Paint
Are Intumescent Paints Toxic?
Smoking Building
© Rukicc | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
Do you think all intumescent paints are created equal? They are not.
A big part of the toxicity story goes back to when a particular fire retardant paint was formulated. Not that long ago, the only way to formulate a fire retardant paint meant you had some very toxic components in it. Not only are they toxic in a fire, but they also leak toxins in the air you breathe every day – especially in hot, humid environments. Always read the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) carefully and always look to see if the MSDS was prepared independently or by the manufacturer. If it hasn’t been independently prepared, don’t trust it.
It is also critical that the intumescent paint manufacturer supports VOC claims with third party independent certified laboratory tests for content (ASTM D 3960) as well as toxic gas generation (BSS7239-88). You can view what these test documents look like and see Contego’s results here.
To view the damaging results of toxic fire retardant paints you may want to view the HBO documentary “Toxic Hot Seat”, a searing expose on the use of chemical flame-retardants. You can watch this incredibly informative film here.
Repainting: Why an Adhesion Test Can Save You Time & Money
Contego, like other intumescent coatings, is latex based. While Contego can be applied over an existing finish, you need to know what it is. If alkyd, or if you just don’t know, do an adhesion test. If the existing finish is good, apply a bonding primer before applying Contego. If you’re unsure, it’s better (and a lot less expensive) to apply a bonding primer and not need it than skipping that step and wishing you hadn’t.
Here’s an article from “Durability + Design” on the subject that we found particularly useful:
Best Practices: No, you Can’t Just Paint Over That
A failed coat of latex over alkyd must be completely removed, usually by power sanding or scraping. (Photo: D&D)