Unlike flammable epoxy, Lifetime Green Coatings’ non-combustible makeup achieves a Class “A” fire rating—lowering the risk of fires and making it easier to comply with building codes.

But let’s explain the term Class “A” fire rating first.

 

What does Class “A” fire rating mean?

The term “Class A” is a designation used by Underwriters Laboratories. It represents the highest level of fire resistance testing that can be achieved for a combustible material under specific test conditions. The U.L.’s “fire diamond” icon represents this classification.

Looking at the U.L. diamond sign on the door, people are not really sure what it is. It looks like a triangle with a circle in the middle, but Class “A”? What does that mean?

The Class “A” rating is an assurance from U.L. that this product has been tested and found to resist fire for a specific amount of time. In other words, if a fire starts while a door, window, or floor secured with a Class “A” rated product is closed, it will resist the fire for a minimum of one hour. That means no more than 55% of the outside surface of the tested assembly can be charred after a one-hour exposure to a standard heat source.

 

Class A Test

The Underwriters Laboratories “Test for Flammability of Installed Building Components” (U.L. 10B) is an accepted test for fire resistance of components installed in buildings. Installation contractors, building officials, and insurance companies use it to measure the fire-resistive qualities of doors, windows, floor assemblies, and structural elements commonly found in commercial buildings.

The U.L. 10B test is a “fire endurance” test in which the product being tested is subjected to increasing levels of heat until it either fails (burns through) or reaches the end of its rated time. The time rating is determined by the percentage of flame spread allowed on the surface of the product before it fails.

It is important to know that just because a product has the U.L. diamond symbol does not mean it will have a Class “A” rating. The product must pass the U.L. 10B test!

Many products that claim to have a Class “A” rating have not actually been tested and certified by U.L. Lifetime Green Coatings is the only product to have both a Class “A” fire rating and a lifetime warranty.

 

Lifetime Green Coatings & flame resistance

One of the naturally-derived materials used in Lifetime Coatings is gypsum. Gypsum is known to contain an H2O molecule that, when exposed to flame, off gasses water, lending to its ability to withstand heat for longer periods of time than your typical epoxy. In addition, Lifetime Green Coatings offers high dielectric strength and maintains its integrity in harsh conditions, unlike flammable epoxy coatings that might degrade.

Have you noticed how epoxy coatings have a noxious smell? This is because they use solvents in their manufacturing process. The same solvents that make their material toxic, are also very flammable. Lifetime Coatings uses none of these solvents in its manufacturing process, leaving the material free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) adding to its A-fire rating, making it safe for your home or work environment from both a safety and health standard.

 

High-performing product

The high performance of Lifetime Green Coatings inspires confidence in builders and architects—which ultimately lends itself to increased safety for building occupants. As the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) has become increasingly important, Lifetime Green Coatings can help buildings achieve LEED certifications by allowing the use of more fire-resistant materials.

This all adds up to lower costs and increased efficiency in manufacturing, ultimately benefiting customers who sign up for our environmentally friendly coating.

With Lifetime Green Coatings, you’re getting a product that has earned its place in the market. The product’s success lies in its quality and performance, which has led to an increase in demand. As a result, we are proud to offer a lifetime warranty on all of our residential coatings.

 

Conclusion

The product’s unique non-combustible, environmentally friendly formula makes it an excellent choice for builders and architects looking for a high-performing, cost-effective solution for their fireproofing needs.

Browse through our website and see why our natural floor coating is the product of the future!