studio floor

[Sherri*S]

I have one more issue to handle in converting our spare bedroom to a studio. We have berber-style carpeting in the room - I'm thinking this is a *bad* thing :!: Permanent removal of carpet is not a likely option.

Is there some kind of flameproof or flame retardant floor mat I can put down over the carpet? Something else? A way to treat the carpet that would make it more fire resistant? Any suggestions on a "non-permanent" solution would be appreciated. Especially if the solution is not an expensive one, since I'm afraid I'm nearing the end of my DH's patience for spending money on this :(


Thanks y'all!

[MikeAurelius]

Put down red resin paper to protect the carpeting, then top it off with 3/4" underlayment. The underlayment comes in 4' x 8' sheets, and usually runs about $25.00 or so a sheet. A roll of resin paper is about $30.

You really need to cover the carpet, there is no treatment to protect against 1200 degree hot glass!

[rosiescreations]

You may try this
http://www.adlinsulflex.com/fire-blankets/index.cfm?source=GOTO&keyword=welding+blanket&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=Yahoo%20Paid%20US%3a%20Fire%20Blankets&OVRAW=welder%20blanket&OVKEY=welding%20blanket&OVMTC=advanced

I have a office chair that sits on one of the good heavy pads office chairs sit on.
Good luck.

[Sherri*S]

Thanks Mike and Patty!

Mike, when you say underlayment - is that just like plywood? Should it be a particular material? I am clueless :)

[MikeAurelius]

It's also called chip board or composition board. It's a less expensive material than plywood, although plywood CAN be used.

I've used the underlayment material in my studio with very good sucess.

[Dale M.]

Another option may be concrete backer board used behind ceramic tile in showers and around sinks and what ever, it's a concrete based material and come in sheets approximately 3 ft x 5ft and about 3/8 inch thick and is definitely fire proof. available in most home improvement stores... Like Mike says lay rosin paper or something over carpet to protect it before placing anything over it...

Dale

[Sherri*S]

great suggestions. will also look at that backer board stuff when we go shopping this weekend. thanks!

[MikeAurelius]

The only problem I've had with backer board is the weight and the concrete dust - especially after you've run the chair over it a few times.

Most of the backerboard I've seen comes in an odd ball size, like 3' x 5' - probably because of the weight...

[firefreak]

Go with the backer board. better a little dust than a smoldering chunk somewhere you don't catch before you leave the room. I have seen too many fires associated with chip board and the like. The flame spread rating for wooden type sheeting it nowhere near that of concrete products. The wood type contain glues that, once the fire gets going, act as an accelerant. Chip board, fiber board, particle board is not designed to be exposed ( fire codes).

You need to cover the floor!!! Pound for pound most synthetic fibers have the same number of BTUs of heat output as gasoline! Most modern mills add flame retardant (makes it harder to light up)to the carpet, but once it gets going look out.

BTW, I am a Career Fire Officer. Trained in Fire Prevention, Building Inspection, etc.