Fireshell^® F1E

Question 1

Protect external cladding

Answer

Fireshell^® F1E’s intumescent technology is designed to protect exterior timber substrates and reduce the spread of flame from one building to another and vertically up a multi-storey building. The coating forms thick char layer insulating the substrate from heat., preventing ignition or flame spread on the coated surface.

Specify Fireshell^® F1E over timber substrates when a noncombustible Type A or Type B cladding classification is required. This is typically when the wall is within 1m of a boundary line or the height of the wall is over 10m.

It is a highly durable and flexible product, designed for external use as an industrial coating. The systems performance under ISO 5660 for external timber cladding is allowing its use as an alternate solution for a range of boundary compliance requirements. Contact Exfire to discuss your specific project’

Performance

In addition to AS3959 compliance Fireshell^® F1E Achieves a Type A noncombustibility fire rating for timber cladding as required by C/AS1 Table 5.1 and C/AS2 Clause 5.8 and Appendix C7.1 . This is generally required within 1m of a boundary line, walls over 10m in height or on certain risk type buildings such as SI (care and detention).

Note this will be outlined in your project fire report.

Substrate Requirements

A Type A fire rating is achievable on timber substrates with a minimum thickness of ≥12mm and density of ≥370kg/m3.

This includes timber species such as Western Red Cedar, Pine Radiata, thermally modified timbers i.e. Vulcan, Taiga and Taxon, as well as Accoya.

Fireshell^® F1E is a self-priming product, and is applied direct to the timber substrate.

Topcoat

Fireshell^® F1E does not require a topcoat for fire classification to be achieved, or for the durability of the system. We do suggest specifying the Wattyl Solagard for a choice of finish colour and reduced maintenance of the intumescent.

Application

Fireshell^® F1E can be applied either on or offsite contact us for one of our preferred applicators. Either spray application or brush and roller application is available. For the best possible finish, spray application via a preferred applicator is advised.

Please note that the intumescent must be left for 3 weeks to cure before an acrylic topcoat is applied. Failure to do so may result in bubbling of the topcoat.

Sustainability

Fireshell^® F1E is a water-based intumescent.

It has low VOCs of 19g/L.

Reduce the use of non-environmentally sustainable products to achieve non-combustible cladding by using Fireshell^® F1E on timber cladding.

Risk Mitigation

If your project does not require a Type A non-combustibility or AS3959 classification on your timber through regulation, this system can be used for risk reduction and in some cases to lower your insurance premiums. Get in touch to discuss further.

Question 2

Bushfire compliant solutions

Answer

SOLUTION	BENEFITS	COATING THICKNESS	COMPLIANCE
Decking subfloor and pergola framing. Joists posts bearers.	Utilise treated pine in BAL29 areas, and leave subfloor exposed.	400microns DFT	AS3959: BAL12.5, BAL 19, BAL29, ASTM D 2898, Method B
Application of joists, post and bearers prior to construction	Efficient simple process. Cost effective compared to alternatives of hardwood, steel.	400microns DFT	AS3959: BAL12.5, BAL 19, BAL29, ASTM D 2898, Method B
Utilise weather-boards 400mm from ground or deck surface. BAL29 applications for weather-board and timber cladding	Match existing timber cladding. Utilise pine and cedar weatherboards.	400microns DFT	AS3959: BAL12.5, BAL 19, BAL29, ASTM D 2898, Method B
Stair stringers, beams, exposed rafters, retaining walls and fences	Utilise treated pine in BAL12.5, BAL19 and BAL 29 applications Logical efficient solution to meet code compliance.	400microns DFT	AS3959: BAL12.5, BAL 19, BAL29, ASTM D 2898, Method B
General Risk Reduction Solutions for new and existing timber surfaces and heritage applications	Treat new and existing timber surfaces to reduce risk of ignition and flame spread.	400microns DFT	AS3959: BAL12.5, BAL 19, BAL29, ASTM D 2898, Method B
ISO 5660 external timber cladding compliance and alternate solution for proximity to boundary and combustibility requirements	Logical solution for ignition and flame spread risk of timber cladding. Retain existing substrates. Utilise timber.	400microns DFT	AS3959: BAL12.5, BAL 19, BAL29, ASTM D 2898, Method B

Question 3

Certification AS3959:2018 BAL12.5, BAL19 and BAL29 applications

Answer

TIMBER	STANDARD	SOLUTION	BAL	TESTING LABATORY	CERTIFICATION	ACCELERATED WEATHERING	THICKNESS (DFT)
Pine	AS3959	Bushfire resistant timber application	BAL29	CSIRO	Test Certificate	✔	400 microns (0.4 mm)
Cedar	AS3959	Bushfire resistant timber application	BAL29	CSIRO	Test Certificate	✔ ( A )	400 microns (0.4 mm)
Oregon	AS3959	Bushfire resistant timber application	BAL29	CSIRO	CSIRO Assessment	✔ ( A )	400 microns (0.4 mm)
Douglas Fir	AS3959 ASTM E84	Bushfire resistant timber application	BAL29	CSIRO INTERTEK	CSIRO Assessment Test Certificate	✔ ( A )	400 microns (0.4 mm)
Vic Ash	AS3959	Bushfire resistant timber application	BAL29	CSIRO	CSIRO Assessment	✔ ( A )	400 microns (0.4 mm)
Tasmanian Oak	AS3959	Bushfire resistant timber application	BAL29	CSIRO	CSIRO Assessment	✔ ( A )	400 microns (0.4 mm)

( A ) = CSIRO Weathering Assessment Report | BAL = Bushfire Attack Level | DFT = Dry Film Thickness

MORE TIMBERS ARE AVAILABLE.

For a full list of assessed timbers including ISO 5660 compliance contact EXFIRE for more information. Accelerated weathering reports and assessments to ASTM D 2898 (Method B) as required in AS3959. All test reports, certificates and assessments are available on request.

Confirm with your certifying body that the Fireshell^® F1E system meets your project requirements prior to application and is fit for purpose. Always read the Technical Datasheet in full prior to application. Contact EXFIRE with any questions.

Bushfire-resisting timber is a timber that is deemed to be acceptable to withstand exposure up to a BAL—29 condition.

The F1E system was developed to allow a simple application process by brush roll or airless spray. It is important that the required thickness is achieved. Where it is not viable to have a qualified tradesman apply the coating you must consult with your certifying body to ensure they are satisfied with you applying the coating.

Detailed application guidelines are contained in the TDS and a Wet Film Thickness Gauge (tool that allows to easily gauge the thickness of the coating as you apply it) is included with each shipment.

For more information specifications or advice contact our knowledgeable team to discuss your project