System Selection Guide

At Zone, our mission is to meet the growing demand for fire-rated timber systems, each tailored to specific performance requirements. Selecting the right FireZone system for your project is essential to ensuring both compliance and optimal performance. Before finalizing any FireZone specification, it’s crucial to consider several key factors. Addressing these considerations early—before submitting specifications for consent or tender—will streamline the procurement process. FireZone systems can be sourced through an approved applicator, a timber partner, or directly via Zone.

After reviewing the key considerations below, please refer to the FireZone product selection tool.

Key Considerations:

• Required Fire Rating: Each FireZone system is rigorously tested and designed to achieve specific fire rating outcomes. Identifying the required fire rating at the outset ensures that the chosen system will meet both regulatory requirements and safety standards. Common fire ratings include:
  • Group 1-S: Internal linings for controlling the spread of smoke and flame.
  • FRR Upgrade: Structural fire resistance rating upgrades.
  • Type A / Type B: External non-combustible cladding requirements.

 

• Environmental Conditions: The environment where the system will be applied is pivotal in system selection. Depending on whether the space is interior dry, high-moisture, semi-exterior, or fully exterior, different FireZone systems are appropriate:
  • Interior Dry: For climate-controlled, interior environments.
  • Interior High Moisture / Semi-Exterior: Suitable for environments like pools, wind lobbies, or exterior areas shielded from direct weather (e.g., exterior soffits).
  • Full Exterior: Systems designed for direct weather exposure, typically used in exterior cladding.

 

• Durability and Maintenance: Fire-rated system longevity depends on the solution chosen. Coating systems may require periodic maintenance to retain fire protection properties, while fire-retardant treatments typically offer a more permanent solution with minimal maintenance needs. For example, systems like FireZone 2K Topcoat, used with FireZone 92 or FireZone Vanguard FP, provide enhanced internal durability. Exterior timber cladding, however, must be maintained according to your timber supplier’s recommendations for timber and coating/stain maintenance.

 

• Aesthetic Requirements: Timber finish preferences also play an essential role in system selection. Whether aiming for a natural, raw, stained, painted, or clear-coated finish, the fire protection system should align with the desired aesthetic while ensuring fire safety. FireZone offers solutions for:
  • Natural Finish
  • Raw Finish
  • Stained Finish
  • Painted Finish
  • Clear-Coated Finish

 

• Timber Species and Supplier Selection: Not all timber species are compatible with every FireZone system. Some timbers respond better to specific fire rating solutions. Consulting with Zone early in the process ensures compatibility between timber species and the fire rating system, avoiding issues later on.
  • Thermally Modified Timbers: FireZone Vanguard is ideal, as thermally modified timbers may result in a milky or patchy finish when coated with clear intumescent.
  • New Zealand Native Timbers: Native species are often oily, and FireZone Vanguard SP is recommended for these timbers.
  • Prefinished Timber Substrates: Fire retardant systems are unsuitable; FireZone 92 should be specified.
  • Dark Timber Substrates: For naturally dark species or dark stains, FireZone 92 with our 2K topcoat is recommended.

  Zone offers a project-specific sampling process. Please contact us to discuss the best options for your project

 

• Sustainability: Sustainability is a core value at Zone. We offer fire protection solutions that are environmentally responsible. Our FireZone systems include water-based, low VOC options that minimize environmental impact while maintaining top-tier fire protection. By choosing sustainable fire-rated solutions, you align your project with broader environmental goals.

 

Tailored Project Support:

At Zone, we provide expert advice tailored to your specific project needs. Before selecting your timber species, contact us for guidance to ensure that your specification aligns with both your design vision and fire safety requirements. Our team will help you choose the most suitable FireZone system and provide a project-specific sampling service to ensure the best outcome for your project.