Most construction projects require fire retardant plastic sheeting during construction or renovation. Building and fire codes outline the requirements, which can specify sheeting that varies in thickness, reinforcement, layers, or compliance information to be printed on the sheeting.
Contact our fire-retardant plastic sheeting experts today at 760-388-6294.
“Many buildings require contractors to use fire retardant sheeting to fulfill safety requirements, especially in public buildings like healthcare facilities, schools, and retail environments,” says Lisa Richard, Americover Senior Account Manager. A plastic sheeting expert like the team at Americover can partner with builders to locate the ideal sheeting for their project needs.
What is Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting?
Fire retardant poly sheeting is polyethylene sheeting formulated with additives to interrupt the combustion process and self-extinguish. Common testing standards for fire retardant poly come from national fire safety codes, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), and the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), in addition to state codes and regulations. Fire retardant poly sheeting will follow some or all of these testing standards.
Fire Retardant Construction Applications
Fire retardant plastic sheeting is crucial in construction environments to protect both people and property. It is applicable in many instances where heat, machinery, or flammable materials are present, including:
Asbestos Removal: Asbestos proves to be an electrical hazard in construction sites. State codes require all unprotected cables, except low-voltage cables, to be covered with three independent layers of 6-mil fire retardant film until the asbestos has been satisfactorily removed.
Curtained Doorway: An assembly that consists of at least three overlapping sheets of 6-mil fire retardant poly sheeting over an existing or temporarily framed doorway is used to separate the chambers within the decontamination system enclosures and to inhibit airflow if the negative air ventilation system shuts down.
Tent: A fire retardant polyethylene enclosure that includes walls, ceiling, and a floor as required to remove aluminum composite material (ACM) or presumed asbestos-containing material (PACM).
Airlocks: Airlock construction must consist of two curtained doorways with three alternating 6-mil fire retardant polyethylene curtains per doorway.
Unprotected Cables: all unprotected cables (except low-voltage communication and control system cables) panel boxes of cables and joints in the live conduit that run through the regulated abatement work area shall be covered with three layers of 6-mil fire retardant plastic film.
Fixed Objects: Fixed objects and other items which are to remain within the regulated abatement work area must be enclosed with two layers of at least 6-mil fire retardant poly sheeting.
HVAC Systems: When working with HVAC systems, the system must be shut down and all openings sealed with at least 6-mil fire retardant plastic film and duct tape.
What is the Best Fire Retardant Poly Sheeting?
Americover’s fire retardant polyethylene sheeting products are made in the USA and tested against various fire retardant standards using independently certified testing facilities. Each production run is then produced using the same formulation as that used to produce the material originally supplied for testing, and certified to pass the given standards.
Below are some recommendations by Americover experts on the best fire retardant plastic sheeting:
Anti Static Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting: designed to meet the regulations of the telecommunications industry and it conforms to NFPA 701 and U L214 and is clearly marked as such with, “Anti-Stat / Fire Retardant Passes NFPA 701-15 Test 1 & 2”, printed in red.
4 Mil White Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting: a 4 mil, lightweight polyethylene-based construction film with fire retardant additives engineered to pass NFPA 701 standards for flame retardant fabrics.
Black Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting: Available in 4mil and 8 mil and ideal for applications where privacy and discretion are needed.
Fire Retardant Deck Cover: a flame retardant embossed film with anti-slip that’s been certified for NFPA 701 Test 1, GSA standard 191 method 5903 fire test, and other government standards.
Fire Retardant Carpet Cover: provides reliable protection for any carpeted surface, especially during construction and remodeling.
Fire Retardant Clear Vinyl: can be glued together to create multiple widths – the roll width is 4.5’. Using vinyl glue or tape you can create wider curtains.
Fire Retardant Corrugated Plastic Boards: Available in multiple thicknesses and colors and made from corrugated polypropylene, which makes the product tough, durable, waterproof, weatherproof, and lightweight.
Fire Retardant String Reinforced Plastic Sheeting: Americover string-reinforced options are durable, puncture-resistant construction films reinforced with a layer of polyester scrim to prevent tearing.
Trusted by Growers, Builders, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.