Frequently Asked Questions

No-Burn is a leading manufacturer of passive fire protective coatings including intumescent coatings and fire retardant coatings. Learn more about our products and the rigorous testing and development used to ensure their highest quality and performance in the answers to frequently asked questions below. Contact us with any additional questions or to request a quote.

Intumescent Coatings FAQs

Fire Retardant Coatings FAQs

Q: What is No-Burn®?

A: No-Burn® is a line of intumescents, fire retardants and dual purpose coatings.

Q: Which No-Burn® products are intumescents?

A: Plus, Plus ThB, Plus XD, Plus Mih and Plus XTR.

Q: Where can I find more information about each product?

A: Visit the intumescent coatings page of No-Burn®, Inc.’s website or contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for sales.

Q: How do I know the product will work?

A: Each Evaluation Report, Evaluation Listing and Engineering Report issued to No-Burn®, Inc. verify the products have been tested to show compliance with specific requirements of the international (I-Codes), national, state and local code requirements. Of the utmost importance is the acknowledgement that No-Burn®, Inc.’s products are manufactured in ISO9001:2008 facilities, under additional third-party inspections as an Evaluation Report and Evaluation Listing holder. When you purchase and install No-Burn®, Inc.’s products, be assured the chemistry and performance quality are as tested because No-Burn®, Inc. is continually audited by independent third-parties.

Q: Is it possible to use No-Burn® in any other applications other than those listed on the website or in the literature?

A: Examples of acceptable applications have been given for your benefit in manufacturer’s literature. For specific questions, please contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for sales.

Q: How are No-Burn®, Inc.’s intumescent coatings installed?

A: The coatings are primarily spray-applied. Other methods of application include roller or brush. Refer to product Evaluation Report (ER) 305, Evaluation Listing (UEL) 5005 and each product’s technical data sheet (TDS) for further information.

Q: Do propane or gas and radiant heaters produce sufficient heat activating the intumescent coating(s)?

A: No.

Q: In the event a No-Burn® intumescent coating is inadvertently activated, what should subsequently occur?

A: Simply, remove any char and apply new No-Burn® material to the area where the char was removed. A third-party opinion as to whether the substrate remains functional may be necessary.

Q: Have No-Burn® intumescent coatings been evaluated for building code conformance?

A: No-Burn®, Inc.’s ER 305 and UEL 5005 address fire protective coatings, such as surface burning characteristics (ASTM E84/ASTM E2768 extended 30 minute duration), alternate ignition and thermal barrier as well as meeting other code prescribed fire performance requirements.

Q: What are No-Burn® intumescents made from?

A: No-Burn® intumescents are proprietary and patent pending formulations; copies of (M)SDS are available online at www.noburn.com.

Q: Who installs No-Burn®?

A: No-Burn® is installed by certified applicators in accordance with the manufacturer Evaluation Report, Evaluation Listing and Evaluation Reports where No-Burn® is included. Manufacturer technical data sheets (TDS) are also available for reference.

Q: What is the cost for No-Burn®?

A: Certified applicators will provide an installed price. Pricing may be based on the total surface area represented as an installed cost per square foot and is competitive with other code options.

Q: Who are No-Burn®, Inc.’s certified installers?

A: Clients may select installer(s) from a national network. Specializing in the installation of No-Burn® products, installers may also specialize in the installation of other building product materials, such as insulation, fireproofing, etc. For specific questions, please contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for sales.

Q: What is provided by the certified installer to certify the application of No-Burn®?

A: In accordance with ER 305 or UEL 5005, the certified applicator will provide an installation certificate. A No-Burn®, Inc. issued label may also accompany the certified installation certificate as required by ER 305.

Q: What’s the typical material lead time? What’s the typical turnaround time for installation?

A: As a US based manufacturer, lead times are often shorter than expected. No-Burn®, Inc. strives to meet your personal and project expectations. Certified applicators are nationwide, providing the installation of No-Burn® that aligns with your scheduling needs.

Q: What if a structural or non-structural building material, where No-Burn® was applied, requires replacement?

A: If the building material requires replacement, No-Burn® will need to be installed on the replacement material.

Q: What is the fire rating of No-Burn®?

A: Ratings may be referred to as fire performance ratings. Rated for building code compliance fire performance, all No-Burn® intumescents are seen as rated. For further information, please refer to ER 305UEL 5005 or contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for technical support.

Q: At what wet film thickness do the coatings need to be applied?

A: Examples of acceptable application rates have been given for your benefit in manufacturer’s literature. Wet film thicknesses for acceptable applications are specified. For specific questions, please contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for technical support.

Q: Are there temperature restrictions for the installation of No-Burn® intumescents?

A: Yes. Temperature requirements shall be maintained during application (ER 305 Section 4.1 or UEL 5005 Section 3.1). Cure time is 24 hours; however, temperature requirements are not required to be maintained for 24 hours. Verification of all installation requirements is the responsibility of the certified installer.

Q: What can I expect when an installation is complete?

A: Intumescent coatings will result in a distinctive white color free of visual voids. An installation certificate and tags are provided at job completion.

Q: Is the coating durable?

A: Yes. No-Burn® intumescents are water-based, interior coatings that are considered specialty because their function is providing passive fire protection; however, they may be generally considered an interior, matte, low VOC, latex paint.

Q: How is No-Burn® used to meet the building code(s)?

A: In accordance with ER 305, No-Burn® may be installed to meet the following fire performance requirements: fire resistance, non-prescriptive thermal barrier, non-prescriptive ignition barriers and surface burning characteristics for interior finishes. Furthermore, No-Burn® may be installed in accordance with UEL 5005 to meet surface burning characteristics (ASTM E84/ASTM E2768 extended 30 minute duration).

Q: What test procedure was used to determine how No-Burn® intumescents meet the building code(s) and green building standards?

A: AC14 AC257 AC377 AC456 ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1 ASTM A653 ASTM D2915 ASTM D5055 ASTM E84 ASTM E84, 30 min ASTM E96 ASTM E119 ASTM E1623 ASTM E1623 CAN/ULC S102 CARB CDPH (CA Spec 01350) CHPS CSFM: 2280-2014:0100 CSFM: 2280-2014:0100 GSA PBS-P100 ICC/ASHRAE 700 NGBS IgCC LEED v3 2009 LEED v4 NFPA 255 NFPA 286 SCAQMD Rule 1113 UL 723 UL 1715 For example, the test procedure and results repeatedly demonstrated No-Burn® Plus applied to an I-joist is equivalent to 2x10s. The test method and procedure for demonstrating this equivalence is documented in ASTM E119 and design criterion or Evaluation Criteria EC017: Conducted in accordance with ASTM E119 or the equivalent UL 263. Tested with a maximum-load condition unless limited design criterion was specified, such as a reduced-load condition. Coating shall not degrade member or component performance or corrode metal fasteners. Coating durability: Class III vapor retarder (permeable), has no loss of adhesion, visual degradation or performance when exposed to elevated temperatures and moisture.

Q: Does No-Burn® Plus provide I-joists equivalent protection to that of 2×10 solid sawn joists?

A: Yes. Representative assemblies were tested by accredited or certified testing laboratories using Evaluation Criteria (EC) 017 and Acceptance Criteria (AC) 14 procedures, which include standardized and modified ASTM E119 fire resistance protocol, respectively. Proprietary test reports were reviewed and accepted by the Evaluation Service IAPMO UES, demonstrating equivalence as required by Exception 4 of R302.13 (2018/2015) and Exception 4 of R501.3 (2012).

Q: Do No-Burn® intumescents increase smoke toxicity compared to the base material’s smoke toxicity?

A: No. No-Burn® reduces the spread of flame and smoke developed. In the unfortunate event of a fire, No-Burn® limits the fire’s ability to consume the material; therefore, the smoke developed and smoke toxicity may be considered less threatening.

Q: Does typical swelling and shrinkage of wooden substrates impact No-Burn® Plus?

A: No. As a Class III vapor retarder, No-Burn® does not restrict or limit the amount of moisture that passes through a material or assembly.

Q: Are there any compatibility issues with typical sealants and termite treatments or other products it may come into contact with inside the home?

A: No-Burn® intumescent coatings should be installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions. In most cases, No-Burn® will be the finish coat on the substrate, which given the intended end‐uses, may likely have limited to no contact with typical sealants, termite treatments or other products. As a water-based specialty coating, no special care is necessary once No-Burn® is in place.

Q: How long will the product last in a “real” fire?

A: All No-Burn® products have been tested in accordance with international standardized fire conditions, most notably ASTM E119 for fire resistance. Rated and non-rated assemblies, where No-Burn® Plus was applied to structural members, performed equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety or met the fire performance standard prescribed in the International Building Code® (IBC®), International Residential Code® (IRC®), National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), etc. and the testing protocol of international standards, such as those previously listed above.

Q: Does the product give off gases during curing or once cured?

A: Intumescents manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. may be considered interior specialty coatings or paints. They do contain typical coating or paint particulates classified by the Occupational Safety Hazard Association (OSHA) as non-hazardous, possible irritants, if inhaled while curing. Post curing, the intumescent(s) are inactive or static. In the case of activation, the intumescent(s) reduce the amount of smoke, by ceasing and limiting the spread of flame, by more than 50%. Intumescents manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. comply with strict VOC content and emissive regulations and green building standards. Copies of (M)SDS are available online at www.noburn.com.

Q: Does No-Burn® reduce structural design values?

A: No. The application of intumescent coatings does not negatively affect mechanical properties of the substrate.

Q: Are No-Burn®, Inc.’s intumescents water-resistant?

A: The intumescents will resist certain amounts of water. As an interior, latex coating, No-Burn® intumescents should have limited exposure to continuous wetting. If the substrate where No-Burn® has been applied becomes compromised as a result of moisture, reapplication shall be necessary once the damaged substrate is reinstalled.

Q: When applying No-Burn® Plus to first floor I-joists, why are the exposed joists and subfloor sprayed?

A: Tested to comply as an equivalent material to what is prescribed in the residential code, equivalence was established when all the exposed surfaces of the joist and subfloor are sprayed. No-Burn® Plus sprayed to the joists and subfloor protects structural components in a more complete manner when compared to other options.

Q: Do penetrations affect No-Burn® Plus?

A: Penetrations or openings for ducts, vents, electrical outlets, lighting, devices, luminaries, wires, speakers, drainage, piping and similar penetrations or openings do not compromise the performance.

Q: Are special I-joist hangers required?

A: No. Standard hangers may be used.

Q: What is an intumescent coating?

A: A substance which expands as a result of heat exposure, creating a char‐barrier, protecting the coated substrate or surface from flame.

Q: What is No-Burn®?

A: No-Burn® is a line of intumescents, fire retardants and dual purpose coatings.

Q: What is a fire retardant?

A: A substance or coating that reduces flammability or delays combustion, fire retardants manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. are clear, water-based coatings that slow the spread of flame and may prevent ignition.

Q: Are fire retardants new?

A: No. Fire retardant coatings, which may otherwise be known as fire protective coatings have met fire performance requirements for decades. Today, fire protective coatings are in compliance with green building criteria, CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method Version 1.1, 2010 (CA Specification 01350) and SCAQMD low VOC and low VOC emissive standards concurrently meeting international code requirements (I-Codes). For decades, coatings have provided field-applied passive fire protection, have been installed by qualified contractors and are continuing to be formulated to meet the evolving international codes (I-Codes) or building codes.For 20 years, No-Burn®, Inc.’s products have met and continue to have the ability to meet your building’s fire performance and life safety requirements.

Q: What is a fire retardant?

A: A substance or coating that reduces flammability or delays combustion, fire retardants manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. are clear, water-based coatings that slow the spread of flame and may prevent ignition.

Q: Which No-Burn® products are characterized as fire retardants?

A: Wood Gard, Wood Gard Mih, Original, Original Mih, Fabric Fire Protection and Christmas Tree Fire Gard.

Q: What “Class” of fire retardant coatings does No-Burn®, Inc. manufacture?

A: Each and every fire retardant coating manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. has been deemed “Class A” or “Class 1” per Evaluation Report (ER) 305 and third-party Engineering Reports.

Q: Where can I find more information about each fire retardant coating product?

A: Visit the fire retardant coatings page of No-Burn®, Inc.’s website or contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for sales.

Q: How do I know the product will work?

A: Each Evaluation Report, Listing of Approved Fire Retardant Chemicals (CSFM Flame Retardant-CAL FIRE) and Engineering Report issued to No-Burn®, Inc. verify the products have been tested to show compliance with specific requirements of the international (I-Codes), national, state and local code requirements. Of the utmost importance is the acknowledgement that No-Burn®, Inc.’s products are manufactured in ISO 9001:2008 facilities, under additional third-party inspections as an Evaluation Report and Evaluation Listing holder. When you purchase and install No-Burn®, Inc.’s products, be assured the chemistry and performance quality are as tested because No-Burn®, Inc. is continually audited by independent third-parties. To see for yourself, ad hoc videos are available for viewing on YouTube.

Q: Is it possible to use No-Burn® in any other applications other than those listed on the website or in the literature?

A: Examples of acceptable applications have been given for your benefit in manufacturer’s literature. For specific questions, please contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for sales.

Q: How are No-Burn®, Inc.’s fire retardant coatings applied?

A: The coatings are primarily spray-applied. Other methods of application include brush, compressed air sprayer or ready-to-use trigger-sprayer. Refer to ER 305 and each product’s technical data sheet (TDS) for further information.

Q: Who installs No-Burn®?

A: No-Burn® is installed by certified applicators in accordance with the manufacturer Evaluation Report and technical data sheets (TDS). No-Burn® fire retardants are also available for retail purchase as a do-it-yourself application.

Q: How does a fire retardant coating differ from an intumescent coating?

A: Based on appearance, fire retardants are often clear unless they are tinted with dye concentrate. Water-based and flat, white in appearance, No-Burn® intumescent coatings may be tinted to the desired finish color. Additionally, No-Burn®, Inc.’s products have been tested to represent specific circumstances in accordance with international (I-Codes), national, state and local code requirements; product selection may be based on specific building and/or design requirements.

Q: Have No-Burn® fire retardant coatings been evaluated for building code conformance?

A: Yes. No-Burn®, Inc.’s ER 305, Listing of Approved Fire Retardant Chemicals (CSFM Flame Retardant-CAL FIRE), and additional fire performance testing substantiates No-Burn®, Inc.’s fire protective coatings for surface burning characteristics (ASTM E84, UL 723, NFPA 255, CAN ULC-S102), NFPA 701, FAA FAR 25, BSEN 1021-1/1021-2 and TB117.

Q: Who are No-Burn®, Inc.’s certified installers?

A: Clients may select installer(s) from a national network. Specializing in the installation of No-Burn® products, installers may also specialize in the installation of other building product materials, such as insulation, fireproofing, etc. For specific questions, please contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for sales.

Q: Does the product give off gases during curing or once cured?

A: Fire retardants manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. may be considered interior specialty coatings. They do contain typical coating particulates classified by the Occupational Safety Hazard Association (OSHA) as non-hazardous, possible irritants, if inhaled while curing. Post curing, the fire retardant(s) are inactive or static. In the case of activation, the fire retardant(s) reduce the amount of smoke, by ceasing and limiting the spread of flame, by more than 50%. Fire retardants manufactured by No-Burn®, Inc. comply with strict VOC content and emissive regulation sand green building standards. Copies of (M)SDS are available online at www.noburn.com.

Q: Does No-Burn® reduce structural design values?

A: No. The application of fire retardant coatings does not negatively affect mechanical properties of the substrate.

Q: Does typical swelling and shrinkage of wooden substrates impact No-Burn® fire retardant coatings?

A: No. No-Burn® fire retardant coatings do not restrict or limit the amount of moisture that passes through a material or assembly.

Q: Are there temperature restrictions for the installation of No-Burn® fire retardants?

A: Yes. Temperature requirements shall be maintained during application (ER 305 Section 4.1). Cure time is 24 hours; however, temperature requirements are not required to be maintained for 24 hours. Verification of all installation requirements is the responsibility of the certified installer and/or end-user in do-it-yourself application(s).

Q: How long will the product last in a “real” fire?

A: All No-Burn® products have been tested in accordance with international standardized fire conditions, most notably ASTM E84 for flame spread and smoke developed. Fire retardant coatings performed equivalent in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety or met the fire performance standard prescribed in the International Building Code® (IBC®), International Residential Code® (IRC®), National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), etc. and the testing protocol of international standards, such as those previously listed above.

Q: What test procedure was used to determine how No-Burn® fire retardants meet the building code(s) and green building standards?

A:

  • – ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1
  • – ASTM E84
  • – ASTM E96
  • – BSEN 1021-1/1021-2
  • – CAN/ULC-S102
  • – CARB
  • – CDPH (CA Spec 01350)
  • – CHPS
  • – CSFM 1237.1/1264.3
  • – EC017
  • – FAA FAR 25
  • – GSA PBS-P100
  • – ICC/ASHRAE 700 NGBS
  • – IgCC
  • – LEED v3 2009
  • – LEED v4
  • – NFPA 255
  • – NFPA 701
  • – RoHS
  • – SCAQMD Rule 1113
  • – TB117
  • – UL 723

Q: Are there any compatibility issues with typical sealants and termite treatments or other products it may come into contact with inside the home?

A: No-Burn® fire retardant coatings should be installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions. In most cases, No-Burn® will be the finish coat on the substrate, which given the intended end-uses, may likely have limited to no contact with typical sealants, termite treatments or other products. As a water-based specialty coating, no special care is necessary once No-Burn® is in place.

Q: Do No-Burn® fire retardants increase smoke toxicity compared to the base material’s smoke toxicity?

A: No. No-Burn® reduces the spread of flame and smoke developed. In the unfortunate event of a fire, No-Burn® limits the fire’s ability to consume the material; therefore, the smoke developed and smoke toxicity may be considered less threatening.

Q: What is provided by the certified installer to certify the application of No-Burn®?

A: In accordance with ER 305, the certified applicator will provide an installation certificate, exempt for do-it-yourself installation(s). A Certificate of Flame Resistance may also be provided for do-it-yourself applications, upon request.

Q: What’s the typical material lead time? What’s the typical turnaround time for installation?

A: As a US based manufacturer, lead times are often shorter than expected. No-Burn®, Inc. strives to meet your personal and project expectations. Certified applicators are nationwide, providing the installation of No-Burn® that aligns with your scheduling needs.

Q: At what wet film thickness do the coatings need to be applied?

A: Examples of acceptable application rates have been given for your benefit in manufacturer’s literature. Wet film thicknesses for acceptable applications are specified. For specific questions, please contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for technical support.

Q: What is the fire rating of No-Burn®?

A: Ratings may be referred to as fire performance ratings for building code compliance. For further information, please refer to ER 305, Listing of Approved Fire Retardant Chemicals (CSFM Flame Retardant-CAL FIRE) and/or contact the manufacturer’s office and ask for technical support.

Q: What if a structural or non-structural building material, where No-Burn® was applied, requires replacement?

A: If the building material requires replacement, No-Burn® will need to be installed on the replacement material.

Q: To schedule a job that requires the application of No-Burn®, who should be contacted?

A: Initially, contact No-Burn®, Inc.

Q: What is the cost for No-Burn®?

A: Certified applicators will provide an installed price and/or retail or do-it-yourself purchases from Amazon.com may be made. Installed pricing or the total installed cost may be based on the total surface area to which No-Burn® is to be applied. When a do-it-yourself application is permitted, total material cost may be based on the total amount of material purchased plus sales tax and freight, as applicable.