Understand how BrandGuard’s layer of Intumescent technology sets our flame-and ember-resistant vents apart from other traditional wildfire defense technologies.
Overlapping Baffle Design. Intumescent Technology. 1/16” Fine Mesh. A triple threat to hot, traveling ember storms. Here at BrandGuard, our Flame- and Ember-Resistant Air Vents are designed with a combination of the highest-performing wildfire defense solutions.
With our dedication to protecting the communities in high-risk wildfire zones (WUI areas), we have engineered our vents to meet wildfires and their hot embers head on. Even though, each layer plays a major role in protecting residential homes – it’s important for homeowners to recognize how their home benefits from each layer.
One of the most uncommon layers is our design is the internal layer of intumescent strips. However, as an architect, contractor, or homeowner, it is important to understand why our intumescent technology differs from other traditional fire-rated air vents. Why? Well, let’s discuss.
Investigating Intumescents.
In∙tu∙mes∙cent[ˌinto͞oˈmes(ə)nt] (noun): A specialized material that reacts to extreme high temperatures (often produced from fires) by expanding into a strong char. Depending on the application’s requirements, an intumescent can expand up to 30 times its original size.
With the capability to react to extreme temperatures, intumescents perform exponentially well in fire outbreaks. In conjunction with heat being the No.1 sign of a fire outbreak, intumescents can close off an opening before flames and smoke reach the unprotected site. With this reaction, the building and its occupants have additional time to evacuate and first-responders to respond to the scene.
As a result, construction professionals have opted to use intumescent technology on a multitude of unprotected openings throughout a structure. Therefore, intumescents have been molded into a variety of elements (3D shapes, strips, intumescent paint, sealants and foams) allowing for extreme flexibility in modern construction practices. In this article, we are going to examine how intumescents play a major role in protecting communities from ember storms.
Keeping Your Home Comfortable.
In a residential home, air ventilation systems play a major role in maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment throughout one’s home. By circulating fresh air, removing stale indoor air, and filtering out dust and allergens, air ventilation systems improve the overall quality of a home’s environment.
With this steady exchange of indoor and outdoor air, ventilation systems help reduce the risk of respiratory issues and improve overall indoor air quality.
In addition to health benefits, ventilation systems help regulate humidity levels, which is essential to prevent mold growth. If humidity levels aren’t regulated, your home’s structure is subject to experience wrapped wood, peeling paint, and potential pest infestations. Furthermore, it’s safe to assume that high-performing air ventilation systems are a key component in residential homes.
Unfortunately, air ventilation systems are prime targets for hot, traveling embers.
In the event of wildfire, these outbreaks produce tens of thousands of hot embers. Traveling by wind, these embers can gain access to your home’s interior through – you guessed it – air vents. As a result, adopted building codes requires your home to fitted with fire-rated air vents – ultimately, hardening your home against future wildfires.
Intumescents Protecting Your Interior.
Now, let’s circle back. Intumescents, known for its fast reaction and design flexibility, are a no-brainer addition to most flame- and ember-resistant vents. With its ability to protect a home for up to 60 minutes and automatically react to heat, vent manufacturers have incorporated a form of intumescent technology into the overall design.
However, the type of intumescent technology does matter. For example, BrandGuard incorporates Tenmat’s Intumescent Strips, an intumescent technology which produces a high expansion and pressure ratio, allows the vent to be closed off in little to no time.
Unlike other intumescent technologies, such as intumescent paint, BrandGuard’s Intumescent Technology rapidly transforms into a solid char when exposed to high temperatures – leaving no opening for flames, smoke, and heat to enter your home.
To learn more about BrandGuard’s Intumescent Technology and how it differs from other intumescent technologies, please visit Tenmat’s Educational blog here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BrandGuard’s Flame- and Ember-Resistant Air Vents, equipped with advanced intumescent technology, offer unparalleled protection against wildfires. By integrating overlapping baffle design, fine mesh, and intumescent strips, these vents provide a robust defense against hot, traveling embers.
Understanding the unique benefits of each layer, especially the rapid expansion and sealing capabilities of intumescent technology, is crucial for architects, contractors, and homeowners. With BrandGuard, you can ensure your home is fortified against the devastating effects of wildfires, providing peace of mind and enhanced safety for your family and property.
