What is a cellulosic fire?
Cellulosic fire is caused by the burning of materials such as paper and wood and is used as the basis for fire testing in civil construction.

By comparison a hydrocarbon fire shows a much more rapid increase in temperature.

Leighs have pioneered the use of intumescent coatings being applied in-shop, where a greater degree of control is possible over the environmental conditions. This results in better and more consistent standards of application as access is also clearly easier.

In-shop application also has benefits for the protection of a building during the construction phase as the steel is delivered and erected with the fire protection already fixed. We have anecdotal evidence of the value of this approach following fire incidents which have occurred during construction phase, where Firetex prevented collapse of the steelwork.

We place great emphasis on the reliability of our fire testing, assessments and quality of product supplied.  This is your guarantee of performance. Products are independently evaluated in accordance with the recommendations of the Intumescent Coatings Forum, an industry body formed to establish protocols that ensure uniformity in these areas.

Leighs pioneered unique testing that would lead to the improved safety of tall buildings around the world. At present there are no legislative requirements within the UK, Europe or USA that tackles the issue of hydrocarbon explosions followed by fire on steel sections in cellulosic situations. Using facilities at Advantica Technology, Spadeadam (UK), a gas explosion and hydrocarbon fire test was carried out on steel sections coated with Firetex thin film intumescents. The feedback was amazing! WFRC witnessed the test and confirmed that the products tested provided a remarkable level of hydrocarbon fire resistance even after a substantial explosion and all this from a coating designed to resist a cellulosic fire regime!

Our Firetex range of thin film intumescents are used to protect steelwork for up to 2 hours. Reacting at around 200 deg.c, the intumescent coating will swell up to 50 times it’s original thickness producing a carbonaceous char. This reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the steel and so prolongs its load bearing capability - slowing the structure from collapsing.

Whether steelwork is internal/external, calls for a decorative/non-decorative finish or is to be applied on-site/in-shop, our Firetex range offers durable products and practical systems that will have a positive impact on your project.

As a result of in-depth Research and Development of Firetex coatings, you can now achieve necessary fire ratings at low film thicknesses in a minimal number of applied coats. The impressive appearance of Firetex means there are no limitations to the visual impact you can create and our TintXpress service supports your every need for colour.