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13 March 2023

Exposed Magazine

Fire Safety Measures for Industrial Roofs: Protecting Your Business

As a business owner, it is crucial that you protect your investment from potential disasters. Industrial roofing is one of the essential elements of any commercial building, and fire safety should be a top priority.

 

Fires can quickly spread on industrial roofs, causing significant damage to your building and disrupting your business operations.

 

In this blog post, we will discuss the fire safety measures that you should take to prevent fires from spreading, or even occurring in the first place.

 

Choosing the right industrial roofing material

The first step in ensuring fire safety for your industrial roof is to choose the right roofing material.

 

Some materials are more fire-resistant than others, and industrial roofing contractors can recommend materials that have a high fire rating or are fire-resistant.

 

For instance, metal roofing is an excellent choice due to its non-combustible nature. Metal industrial roofs can withstand high temperatures and do not ignite or spread flames.

 

Regular industrial roof maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your industrial roof in good condition and preventing fires.

 

Industrial roofing contractors can inspect your roof for potential fire hazards, including debris accumulation and damaged insulation.

Debris accumulation – Fires can start easily when debris traps heat, igniting materials on the roof. Industrial roofing contractors can clean your roof to eliminate any flammable materials as part of a routine maintenance service.

 

Damaged roof insulation – This can pose a fire hazard in several ways. Firstly, damaged insulation can allow heat to escape from the building, which can increase the risk of a fire spreading. For example, if there is an electrical fault or a malfunctioning appliance, the heat generated may ignite any flammable materials that are nearby. If the insulation is damaged or missing, the heat will escape more quickly and could cause a fire to spread more rapidly.

 

Secondly, damaged insulation can create a pathway for a fire to spread. If there is a fire in the building, the flames can travel along the insulation and ignite other combustible materials, such as roof decking, insulation, or other building components. This can cause the fire to spread more quickly and could lead to more significant damage to the building.

 

Lastly, damaged insulation can create a risk of electrical fires. Electrical wires may run through the insulation, and if the insulation is damaged, it could expose the wires and increase the risk of a short circuit or electrical fire.

 

Industrial roofing contractors can apply fire retardant coatings

Applying fire retardant coatings is an effective way to protect your industrial roof, as they can slow down or prevent the spread of fire, reducing the risk of severe damage to your building. These coatings can also increase the fire rating of your roof.

 

There are different types of fire retardant coatings available, and industrial roofing contractors can advise you on the best coating options for your specific needs.

 

How can single-ply industrial roofing reduce the risk of fire?

 

Single ply roofing has gained popularity as a flat roof covering due to its versatility in various settings and conditions. This roofing type is constructed from flexible sheets of synthetic polymer, which are typically made of either thermoplastics or synthetic rubber.

 

One of the key advantages of single ply industrial roofing is its fire-resistant properties. It is 100% UV resistant, has self-extinguishing capabilities, and can withstand extreme temperatures.

 

Get in touch with experienced industrial roofing contractors

Fire safety is a critical aspect of industrial roofing that should not be overlooked. With the help of industrial roofing contractors, you can take the necessary measures to protect your business from potential disasters.

 

Roofing Consultants Group are industrial roofing contractors with over 100 years of experience in repairing and replacing industrial roofs. Their knowledgeable team would be happy to provide you with advice on the best fire retardant roofing materials for your specific needs.

 

Give them a call today on 0800 046 1500 or send a message using the contact form on their website for a swift response.