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For decades UK Licensed Premises, theatres, public buildings etc. have
been required to use flame resistant fabrics, linings and trimmings
for use in their curtains. The Licensing Authority requires certification
of this. There is no such requirement for domestic curtaining.
There are several ways of reaching the required British Standard for
Curtains and Drapes as far as flammability requirements are concerned.
The relevant British Standard is: BS 5867 : Part 2: 1980 (1993)
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There are a few inherently flame resistant curtain fabrics available
for example: Trevira CS. The advantages are obvious: durable flame
retardancy for the life of the curtain. One disadvantage is the
limitation in the choice of pattern. We are experiencing an ever
increasing world wide choice in designs and fabric types, inherently
flame retardant materials do not offer access to the full range
of this exciting scene.
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Washable. Notably: Pyrovatex and Proban and some others. Advantages:
up to 200 machine washes are possible, this is ideal for hospital
use. Feel and handle of materials treated with a washable process
have greatly improved over recent years. Some fabric suppliers have
ranges of washable furnishing fabrics, this may be the best place
to look if washability is a must. Disadvantages: the process is
highly automated and does not lend itself to short runs, orders
of one thousand metres or more are preferred and delivery times
can be a month or more. Remember washable can mean shrinkable, don't
forget the lining and the header tape need to survive the wash.
In addition the material must be colour fast, the composition must
be at least 85% cotton, there must be no stain retardant treatment
on the fabric and there is a 15%-25% loss of tensile strength.
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Dry Clean Durable. Advantages: there has been a great deal of research
and progress in the use of this family of retardants. With very
few exceptions the world-wide treasure chest of fabric design and
composition is open to this method. Prints, flat weaves, velours,
chenilles, voiles and moirés to name but a few of the designs
we see every day. Cotton, silk, viscose, polycotton, polyester,
acrylic, Lycra are just some of the fabric types treated by ourselves.
Flame resistance is excellent, cut lengths, short runs, express
turn around are all possible with dry clean durable. Disadvantages:
this process is removed by washing, the material should not be allowed
to get wet; dry cleaning does not remove it. If the curtains are
washed then re-treatment is required.
If you have a fabric that must conform to British Standards of flame
retardancy for curtains and you are not sure about it. Why not send
us a sample and we will give you an honest appraisal?
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