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Short answer
Fire-retardant fabric resists catching fire and stops burning, or burns slowly, once the flame is removed. Inherently fire-retardant fabric has the property built into the fibre, so it lasts through washing; treated fabric has a finish applied that can wash out. Which standard a fabric must meet is set by the project and the local fire authority, so always ask for the test report to that named standard.
What is the difference between inherent and treated?
| Inherently fire-retardant | Fire-retardant treated | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Built into the fibre | A finish applied after weaving |
| After washing | Performance lasts the life of the fabric | Can reduce with washing or cleaning |
| Feel | Normal handle | Can feel stiffer |
| Re-treatment | Not needed | May be needed after laundering |
| Best for | Hotels, hospitals and anywhere washed often | Curtains cleaned rarely, or one-off projects |
Watch out
Ordinary polyester is not fire-retardant. Only a test report to the named standard shows that a fabric is.
Which fire standards apply?
The standard comes from the project specification and the local fire authority, which in Malaysia is the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba). Common standards include:
- BS 5867: widely used for curtains and drapes.
- NFPA 701: common on American-specified projects, for curtains and drapery.
- BS 5852: for upholstered seating, testing resistance to a smouldering cigarette and a match-type flame.
Hotels, hospitals, schools, halls, offices and places of worship usually need fire-retardant curtains; homes usually do not. See Hotel and Office Curtain Fabric and Stage and Auditorium Curtain Fabric.
What should you ask the supplier for?
- The test report, naming the standard, the fabric and the test date.
- Inherent or treated, and if treated, how washing affects it.
- The lining: a lined curtain may need the lining tested too.
- The making: threads, tapes and linings should not undermine the fabric's performance.
See fire-retardant fabrics for collections with a fire-retardant standard recorded on their specification, or ask the JOTEX team.
Washing and care
Follow the care label exactly. Treated fabrics can lose performance with washing, harsh detergents or dry cleaning, so ask whether re-treatment is needed. Keep a copy of the test report with the building's records; inspectors may ask for it.
Frequently asked questions
What is fire-retardant fabric?
Fabric that resists catching fire and stops burning, or burns slowly, once the flame is removed.
What is the difference between inherent and treated FR fabric?
Inherent fabric has the property in the fibre and keeps it through washing; treated fabric has a finish that can wash out.
Is polyester fire-retardant?
Ordinary polyester is not. Only a fabric tested to a named standard, with a report, can be called fire-retardant.
Do home curtains need to be fire-retardant?
Usually not, though it is sensible near kitchens and heaters. Public and commercial buildings usually do.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.