Fire Retardant Spraying for Carpets & Rugs

Carpets and rugs add warmth, comfort, and aesthetic appeal to a space—but they can also be a hidden fire risk, especially in commercial or public settings where fire regulations must be followed.

At Fireproofing, we provide certified fire retardant spraying services for carpets and rugs across the UK, ensuring compliance with BS EN 13501-1 Class Bfl or Cfl requirements.

Understanding UK Fire Regulations for Carpets & Rugs

All flooring materials in commercial and public environments must meet UK fire safety standards. The key regulation for carpets and rugs is BS EN 13501-1, the European standard for flooring fire classification. Under this, floor coverings are tested and categorised as follows:

Bfl / Cfl – Flame-retardant
Dfl / Efl – Normally flammable
Ffl – Easily flammable

The “fl” suffix denotes “flooring.”

For most commercial applications (exhibitions, hotels, theatres, schools), your carpet must meet at least Class Cfl, but always confirm with your fire officer or responsible person for fire safety.

Can You Apply Fire Retardant to Existing Carpets?

In some cases, yes—but there are important considerations before treatment:

✅ 1. The Carpet or Rug Must Be Made of Natural Fibres

Fire retardant treatment is most effective on materials like wool, jute, cotton, or other natural fibres. Synthetic carpets may not absorb the treatment or pass fire testing.

✅ 2. Temporary Use Is Ideal

This treatment is best suited for temporary installations such as:

Theatre productions
Event and exhibition flooring
Short-term decorative rugs in public areas

Permanent installations may not be suitable due to limitations (explained below).

⚠️ 3. Both Sides Must Be Treated

To achieve Class Bfl or Cfl, both the front and back of the carpet must be sprayed. If the carpet is already installed and bonded to the floor, underside access is not possible, making treatment non-compliant or ineffective.

⚠️ 4. The Treatment Is Not Permanent

Fire retardant treatment:

Lasts up to 5 years under normal dry use
Will wash out if the carpet is cleaned using water extraction (hot water, steam, or shampoo methods)

If the carpet is cleaned, it must be retreated to maintain compliance and safety.

A Practical Case Study

Cirque Le Soir, a prestigious London nightclub, required a fire-retardant solution for themed carpets during a special event. The venue needed to meet BS EN 13501-1 Class Cfl to pass inspection and operate safely.

Using a certified fire retardant product tested to BS EN 13501-1 Class Bfl, we treated the flooring, provided a certificate of treatment, and helped the client meet their licensing requirements.

Can Fire Retardant Spraying Improve Your Carpet’s Classification?

If your carpet or rug has been tested and falls into Dfl or Efl, it might be upgraded to Class Cfl with fire retardant spraying—but only under the right conditions (as above). If it’s made from synthetic fibres, or only the top surface can be sprayed, compliance may not be achievable.

Summary: Is Carpet Fire Retardant Spraying Right for You?

Suitability Checklist	✅ / ❌
Made from natural fibres (e.g. wool)	✅
Rug or carpet is loose-laid and accessible	✅
Needed for short-term event or display	✅
Installed wall-to-wall and glued down	❌
Will be wet-cleaned regularly	❌
Synthetic fibre (e.g. polypropylene)	❌

How to Get Fire Retardant Treatment & Certification

We make it easy for you to ensure safety compliance:

Measure the total square metres of carpet or rug
Send us a photo and basic info via our quote form
We’ll confirm suitability for treatment
Book your service
Receive your Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment after completion and payment

Contact Us

📞 Call Adam directly at 07970 522475

📧 Or email: adam@fire-proofing.co.uk

For more guidance on fireproofing flooring or any other surfaces, visit our main website at www.fire-proofing.co.uk.

About the Author: Adam Sawyer

Founder of Fireproofing Ltd, Adam brings over 35 years of hands-on experience in textile care, fireproofing, and safety compliance. He has treated everything from high-end theatrical curtains to museum textiles and public building furnishings. To learn more about Adam and Fireproofing, visit About Us & Our Expert.