Established in 1983 by managing director Derek Ward, the Envirograf brand quickly evolved to become a leading force in passive fire products. Having developed fire-retardant and firestopping products for numerous scenarios, the company’s reputation as an innovator and developer of passive fire products is widely recognised, with many products unique to Envirograf. For example, they are the only company to make intumescent pipe collars in sizes that extend all the way up to a huge 900mm.
From Intumescent paints for timber, steel and plasterboard, firestopping products to intumescent seals and electrical fire protection, the vast range of products enjoys widespread international demand. Envirograf coatings have been used in virtually all temples in China and, since the horrific bushfires in Australia, they have achieved the necessary certifications required to help protect properties from such events and are now used throughout the country.
Mr Ward says that when it comes to passive fire protection, every risk must be considered to ensure that loss of life and property are kept to a minimum. While many people are aware of the importance of fire barriers in preventing or delaying the spread of fire, they do not always consider the implications when breaching the fire barrier, for example, to allow electrical wires or other services to pass through a wall, floor or ceiling. That is why a range of Envirograf intumescent products has been designed, to safeguard the integrity of fire barriers by swelling to seal such gaps should the worst happen and fire break out.
What’s new?
Sister company, EnviroEcoWall Panels has been established to manufacture one of Mr Ward’s latest innovations, a pre-engineered, insulated, load-bearing panel system designed to form a fireproof building envelope – a modern method of construction that is perfect for new-build domestic and industrial projects.
As the effects of global warming become increasingly evident, the need for eco-friendly, cost-effective building methods has never been greater, and this unique panel system combines structure and insulation into one prefabricated, thermally efficient component. Not only are EnviroEcoWall Panels protected from fire by Envirograf’s intumescent coatings, (tested to over three hours with a load of 3,900kg), the buildings are also designed to cope with flooding as they are constructed on a unique metal sub-frame that can carry the structure from 150mm to any height off the ground and can be raised to a new level at a later date in 300mm intervals.
Keen to demonstrate the capabilities of the system, the company built and furnished a two-storey house and then set two fires, one on each floor. The amazing fire-resistant properties of the EnviroEcoWall panel system contained the fires and eventually forced them to self-extinguish. This successful fire limitation combined with the absence of water damage meant that repair and renovation was quick, easy and, therefore, much more economical.
Once the burnt furnishings were cleared from the test house, the electrical fittings and top layer of plasterboard coverings were removed and replaced. Envirograf’s intumescent protection of the wiring meant that new sections of cable could simply be pulled through and connected to replacement fittings. Any damage to glazing was rectified before final decoration was completed and the whole refurbishment process took less than three hours!
Using the same high-spec system, the company recently introduced a range of smaller buildings as a unique and cost-effective way to gain extra space at home. Ideal for year-round use, they provide a designated environment for a light and airy garden office, art studio, home gym, hobby room or just a relaxing garden retreat away from the house. In addition to standard models, the company offers a bespoke design service to help ensure every customer’s needs can be satisfied.
For more information, go to www.envirograf.com
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