Common Questions on Flameproofing

Flameproofing is the process of treating decorative items (usually fabric or wood) with flame repellents so they do not contribute to combustion or the spread of fire.

These words are often interchanged. However, the FDNY uses flameproofing in its correspondence. Flameproofing relates to treating interior items in a building so that they are no longer flammable; fireproofing relates to treating the structure of a building so it is not weakened during a fire.

According to the FDNY, objects and materials used for artistic enhancement inside a building require flameproofing treatment. These items include but are not limited to fabrics, textiles, upholstery, drapes, curtains, decorations, hangings, scenery, wood, etc.

Any place where the public gathers or locations considered public buildings require flameproofing treatments. This includes hotels, theaters, nightclubs, bars, catering halls, theaters, department stores, etc.

New York Flameproofing uses only FDNY-approved chemicals for flameproofing treatments. The chemicals we use are water-based and non-toxic. Materials Data Sheets are available for all chemicals upon request.

We recommend that flameproofing treatments take place on-site at the business location. This can save on time and expenses involved in having to remove and reinstall items that are treated. However, we do offer off-site treatments as well if desired.

We can perform our treatments at any time, but it generally works the best when the location is closed for business.

The FDNY, the Health Department, the Building Department as well as insurance carriers all require businesses to have their locations treated with fire retardants before they can receive a Certificate of Occupancy and be operational. However, beyond those requirements, flameproofing offers the best prevention from the spread of fire should one occur and maximum protection from loss of life and property.

Eligible objects and materials, such as fabrics, wood, curtains, draperies, scenery, etc. are either soaked in or coated with fire retardants.

The prices are determined by the number and types of materials that need to be treated, the flame repellents required to do the treatments, and the accessibility to the objects that need treatment.

Only a C-15 Certificate of Fitness Holder for Flameproofing is recognized by the FDNY as being a valid company to perform treatments. The Certificate of Fitness number and the approved fire retardant need to be listed on the affidavit; therefore, on a C-15 holder can provide valid treatments.

As per FDNY standards, the affidavit is valid for 1 year from the application date. However, if any items are washed or dry-cleaned, the affidavit is void, and flameproofing treatments will need to be repeated.

New York Flameproofing is able to treat a location with flame repellents and provide a valid flameproofing affidavit usually within 24 hours of treatment.

First, a flameproofing company must be a valid C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder. This is non-negotiable. Also, the company you hire should be fully licensed and insured with both Worker's Compensation and liability. A responsible company will only use flame repellents that are approved by the FDNY. And finally, a quality company works around your schedule and guarantees their work. New York Flameproofing meets all of these standards.