Frequently asked questions

We treat suitable curtains, fabrics, upholstery covers, artificial plants, dried flowers, untreated timber, props, displays, tents, marquees and other commercial materials. We also provide on-site curtain cleaning and fireproofing.

Yes. We provide nationwide commercial services from our base in Colchester, Essex. Quotations consider the project size, location, access and whether work is completed on-site or in-house.

Use the quote page and provide the material or item, approximate dimensions or quantities, the site postcode and any standard or certificate requirement you have been given. Photographs are optional.

Availability varies with location, project size and existing bookings. Fast turnarounds are often possible, but we confirm timing only after reviewing the material, access and drying requirements.

After the agreed work is completed and payment is received, Fire Proofing Ltd issues a Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment. Issued by the competent person who assessed and treated the material, it is valid evidence of compliant treatment to the applicable standard for venue, insurer, responsible-person and fire-safety records.

The certificate is issued by the competent person responsible for assessing and completing the treatment. For Fire Proofing Ltd projects, that is normally Adam Sawyer.

They are different documents with different purposes. The Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment is valid evidence that the identified material was competently treated to the applicable standard. Manufacturer test evidence supports the specialist product and process selected by the competent person; it does not normally need to accompany routine BS 5867 treatment certification unless specifically requested.

Tell us what the material is and where it will be used. Our experience across curtains, fabrics, upholstery covers, plants, flowers, props, displays, tents and timber allows us to identify the normal treatment standard, select the appropriate specialist product and explain the certificate we will issue. Where a project specification calls for an unusual or construction-specific classification, send us its wording and we will advise on the correct route.

The certificate is issued electronically after the treatment has been completed and payment has been received. It is supplied as a PDF for your fire-safety records.

Validity is material- and treatment-dependent. Fabrics are generally certified for up to five years or five dry-cleaning cycles, artificial plants for around two years and suitable untreated timber systems may last up to fifteen years. Cleaning, washing, weathering, damage or material changes can require earlier reassessment.

No. Suitability depends on absorbency, construction, existing coatings, condition, appearance requirements and the required standard. We would rather identify an unsuitable material before work starts than provide misleading reassurance.

A sample helps assess absorption, drying, colour, feel and surface appearance before treating the full item. It is particularly useful for delicate, valuable, coated, brightly coloured or unfamiliar materials.

These finishes can prevent normal absorption, so treatment may be ineffective or remain visible on the surface. Product information and sample testing are often needed. Polypropylene and other water-resistant materials require particular care.

Many absorbent fabrics show little visible change once dry, but a slight change in shade, feel or handle is possible. Shiny or non-absorbent plastics may retain visible fire retardant and develop a wet-look appearance.

Yes. Although many fabrics treat successfully, water-based application can cause temporary movement or permanent shrinkage in susceptible materials. This cannot be guaranteed against, so sample testing is recommended where dimensions are critical.

Drying depends on the material, application rate, temperature and ventilation. Many fabric projects need approximately 24 hours at room temperature. We confirm the practical drying arrangements for each project.

Many absorbent treated items can be moved carefully after application, provided they are not folded, stacked or disturbed in a way that affects drying. Shiny plastics rely on surface drying and should normally remain in place until dry.

Water washing and extraction cleaning can remove or reduce many applied treatments. Suitable fabric treatments generally allow up to five dry-cleaning cycles, but the precise aftercare depends on the material and treatment system.

Retreatment is required when the stated validity ends, the permitted cleaning limit is reached or the material has been washed, heavily cleaned, weathered, damaged or changed in a way that may affect performance.

Curtains and drapes in public and commercial places are required to comply with BS 5867. Part 2 Type B is the normal requirement for most public-place curtains, with Type C applying where the higher performance level is specified. We provide the competent treatment and Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment needed for your compliance records.

Not always. Cleaning is recommended where curtains are dusty, stained, affected by odours or heavily soiled. The combined service can normally clean and treat curtains on-site while they remain hanging.

No. Surface treatment of upholstery covers does not convert non-Crib-5 furniture into Crib 5 furniture. Suitable covers may be upgraded to cigarette and match resistance under BS 5852 Part 1 where the responsible person accepts the risk basis and the furniture construction is appropriate.

Our impregnation route is for suitable raw, absorbent, untreated wood. It is mainly used for retrospective treatment, although suitable new timber can sometimes be treated before installation. Painted, varnished, sealed or non-absorbent timber is not suitable.

Many artificial plants can be treated, including some green shiny plastics, but treatment can remain visible and create a wet-look surface. BS 5852 or BS 5867 may be accepted for decorative installations; extensive walls, ceilings or areas near fire exits may require BS EN 13501-1, so approval should be checked first.

Many absorbent decorative materials can be treated effectively. Their final appearance depends on whether they tolerate becoming wet and drying without distortion, colour change or surface damage. Sample testing is sensible for important finished items.

BS 7837 is commonly specified for tents and marquees used for events. Material suitability remains important: polypropylene, water-resistant and stain-resistant fabrics can resist absorption, while suitable absorbent tent fabric may treat successfully with a system designed to withstand water soaking.

Sometimes. Evening, weekend or restricted-access work can be discussed where a venue needs to minimise disruption. Availability and any additional travel or access costs are confirmed in the quotation.

Yes, suitable items can sometimes be treated in-house. Deliveries must be arranged in advance so access, handling, treatment space, drying and return collection can be planned.

We confirm requirements before arrival. These may include clear access, protection of nearby surfaces, suitable room temperature and ventilation, access to water or power and enough undisturbed space for treated materials to dry.

Invoices are issued through QuickBooks and include payment options for debit or credit card, bank transfer and PayPal. The treatment certificate is issued after the completed work has been paid for.