During the holiday season, homes are filled with festive decorations and extra warmth – but also extra fire risks. Every string of lights, scented candle, or piled blanket can add fuel to a fire. NFPA data show holiday decorations spark about 790 home fires annually, and in December, electrical and candle fires spike dramatically.
It’s critical for homeowners and contractors alike to practice good holiday fire safety. One often-overlooked strategy is using so-called “fireproof” insulation – for example, protecting spray polyurethane foam (SPF) with tested intumescent coatings. By covering SPF with code-approved fire-retardant paints like IFTI’s DC315 or DC360, you create a protective char barrier during a fire, buying extra time and slowing flame spread.
When celebrating the holidays this year, keep the following tips in mind:
Inspect lights and cords. Check holiday lights for frayed wires or loose bulbs and discard damaged strands. Don’t overload outlets or run cords under carpets – limit one or two plug strips per circuit.
Water and place trees safely. If using a live Christmas tree, ensure it is fresh and keep it well-watered so it won’t dry out. Place trees and decorations at least three feet from heat sources (radiators, fireplaces or heaters). Remove needles and wrapping paper from the hearth, and never burn treated wood or paper in fireplaces.
Use candles with care. Keep burning candles at least 12 inches from flammable decorations and never leave them unattended. Consider flameless, battery-operated candles for a warm glow without risk. Always extinguish candles and turn off light strands before leaving the room or going to bed.
Heat safely. Ensure furnaces and space heaters are properly maintained. Have chimneys cleaned before use, keep fireplace screens in place, and use intumescent-coated “fireproof” insulation in walls and attics to help protect the structure if a fire starts.
Fireproof Insulation Solutions for SPF and Wood
IFTI’s DC315 intumescent coating is a fully tested fireproof paint for spray foam insulation. Spray foam is an excellent insulator, but building codes require that any SPF be separated from living spaces by a 15-minute thermal barrier or ignition barrier. IFTI’s DC315 meets this requirement as a tested 15-minute thermal/ignition barrier over SPF.
In practice, contractors spray DC315 over cured foam at the specified wet-film thickness to meet code. DC360 is IFTI’s complementary intumescent coating for wood, gypsum, and other combustible materials. Both coatings are water-based and fully listed for building code compliance. When exposed to fire, these intumescent coatings swell into a lightweight char layer that insulates the substrate. In this way, the foam or wood beneath stays cooler longer, slowing heat transfer and giving occupants more time to escape.
Ensuring Proper Coverage of Intumescent Paint/Coatings
Measuring wet-film thickness ensures code compliance. After applying DC315 or DC360, use a notched wet-film thickness gauge to verify the coating is sprayed to the tested thickness. IFTI provides a testing matrix for many foam blends, so applicators know the required mils for each product. Place reference plates (medallions) on surfaces if needed to get accurate gauge readings on irregular SPF.
Properly measuring and recording the wet and dry film thickness helps document that the installation meets the certified fire test conditions. This careful documentation on the IFTI Job Work Record can give inspectors confidence that the fireproof insulation was applied correctly.
This Christmas, give yourself peace of mind by choosing fire-resistant, code-compliant insulation solutions. Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, IFTI can help you protect your home. Contact International Fireproof Technology Inc. today for expert guidance on using DC315 and DC360 (and other products) in your next project. Request product advice or a consultation to ensure your home is warm, comfortable, and fire-safe all winter long.