When people hear the word ‘flameproofing, most probably get a picture in their heads of the largely modern technique of soaking or coating materials with very advanced and specialized flame repellent chemical compounds. And that wouldn't be wrong. We don't really think of flameproofing as something that occurred during times in the ancient past. However, it didn't take humanity long to realize the strength of fire and come up with ways to protect themselves from it. Today, we will look at some early methods of flameproofing and how it has developed to what we know today.
Thanks to Gustave Bonadio, we have a view into the past to see some of the first attempts at flameproofing, as far back as B.C. times. There are also other historical cases of uncomplicated flameproofing methods that were employed during the times of early Christianity.
As time went on, more advanced practices of flameproofing came about during the medieval wars. During those early conflicts of warfare, movable towers approached enemy bulwarks and advanced for battle. As a protection for these towers, the soldiers covered them in alum mixtures, shielding them from flaming catapults and hot pitch that were flung at them by their enemies.
As we continue to move through history, we can observe that flameproofing techniques were put to use in more settings than just warfare and became a little more high-level. It wasn't long before society noticed that flameproofing could be used for everyday life, not just on the battlefield - and especially in places where large groups of people gathered. For instance, as far back as the 17th century, we see examples of paintings used to decorate theaters that had clay mixed in, which was a protective agent from fire. Today, we use that same idea with borax mixtures and ammonium salts instead.
So how did we get from those simple practices to the technical process that we use today?
Well, we have Michael Wolfinden to thank for his work in researching what is now our modern flameproofing techniques. Beginning his research about 40 years ago, in 1976. he developed techniques that many of our modern flameproofing practices are based on. After doing much research and testing his theories, Wolfiden invented the very first fire retardant chemicals that could be applied to fabrics and textiles (Fabric Flare).
Since that time we've seen even greater advancements in the field of flameproofing, including better techniques and more effective chemicals. We are better protected from fire today than ever before. And not only that, the compounds used in modern fire retardants are safe for the environment as well as humans, many of them water-based and non-toxic.
At Bronx Flameproofing, we know the power of fire and how important it is that fire protection measures are in place. As industry experts in flameproofing for more than 5 decades, we put to use the most modern flameproofing techniques available to ensure that the Bronx, the surrounding boroughs, and the Greater NY Metro area are well-protected from the destruction of fire.
If you have flameproofing needs or questions, call us today. We would be happy to speak to you and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote: 800-594-0117.