When Should You Use Fire-Retardant (FR) Floor Protection

If there’s anything on site that generates heat, the risk is there. The stakes are even higher if you’re working in offices, retail spaces, and housing—especially if it’s part of the method statement or a requirement from insurers.

A single spark, build-up heat, or smouldering debris—it doesn’t take much for a fire to start. The underfoot area can be a weak spot and might even fuel it, especially if there are combustible materials on the surface.  

Along with other preventive measures, fire-rated (FR) floor protection helps stop the spread of such risks. Let’s look at when it’s worth it, what it does, and how it could save your project from costly setbacks. 

When Is Fire-Rated Floor Protection Needed 

Fire-rated floor protection is necessary if there’s any activity on-site that generates heat. Even if the risk feels low, all it takes is a slip-up—one stray spark is enough to start a fire if the wrong protection is used or none at all. 

The stakes are also higher if you’re working in a live environment, like offices, retail spaces, or housing. There might be tenants in the next room or brand-new flooring already installed. 

Not to mention, it’s part of the method statement or required by insurers. The same goes for compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). 

What could go wrong without it? 

Fire damage to the floor means more than surface repairs. You could be ripping up sections, replacing materials, and losing time while you wait for it all to be sorted. Then there’s the delay. Even a small fire can halt work for hours or days while the damage is assessed and cleared up. 

Health & Safety investigations are no joke. You could be looking at a site shutdown or, worse, fines and long paperwork trails. Insurance problems are another one. Don’t be surprised if a claim is refused. 

Reputational damage can follow close behind. A single accident might shake a client’s trust, especially if they’re the ones footing the bill for repairs or delays. 

How Does FR Floor Protection Work 

FR floor protection is designed to minimise fire risk, making sure the surface doesn’t turn a small incident into a full-blown problem. This is possible thanks to the added FR coatings, which make the material resistant to ignition and able to withstand higher temperatures for longer. 

Here are some common scenarios, matched with the products that can help: 

  • A fire breaks out from an electrical fault, or a contractor is grinding steel on-site, and sparks are flying near the flooring. FR Floorgard Corry Board catches it before it spreads across. 
  • Timber floors are still curing, but hot works are nearby. FR Breathable Fleece blocks heat transfer without trapping moisture underneath. A two-in-one solution! 
  • Offices, schools, hotels, or homes are being refurbished with carpets still in place. FR Carpet Protection helps stop fire spreading underneath. 

Bottom Line? 

Less damage, fewer delays, and no chasing insurance. You’re stopping problems before they start. It won’t look like much on day one. But if something goes wrong and you’ve got it down, you’ll be glad you did. 

All mentioned products are available on our website. For inquiries or to get a quote, contact us at customercare@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611. 

SP Group is a leading temporary floor protection supplier based in the UK and Ireland. 

Which STIXX Protection Film Fits Your Project?
STIXX is part of SP Group’s range of temporary protection films for carpets, windows, and multiple surfaces. All options are low-tack, self-adhesive, and leave no residue when removed.