The Garland Company, a full-service roofing manufacturer and building envelope solution provider based in Cleveland, Ohio, announced the launch of FireTite Primer, an intumescent coating that inhibits the spread of flame and smoke on a wood substrate. FireTite Primer is available now from any of Garland’s 220 territory managers in the United States and Canada.

“Wood is an important raw material for many buildings – it’s light, it’s flexible, it’s cost-effective, and it’s a renewable resource,” said Matt McDermott, President of Garland’s US Roofing Division. “As a result, we see it specified in a significant number of projects. But of course, wood components in a roofing assembly can add fuel to a fire. With FireTite Primer, we are transforming wood decking and components from a liability in the case of fire to an asset that help inhibit the spread.”  

When exposed to flame or extreme heat, FireTite Primer swells, forming a char-barrier that protects the wood substrate, keeping it from becoming fuel for the fire. In lab testing, that char-barrier remains effective even after multiple exposures to a flame.   

FireTite Primer also adds value to a roofing assembly, even when a fire is not present. It adds a Class III Vapor Retardancy to the roofing assembly, reducing the risk of moisture accumulating in the wood and maintaining its strength. The product is ready-to-use, low-odor, and can be applied via brush, roller, or spray. When applied, FireTite Primer dries in as little as 60 minutes and cures in about 24 hours.

Said McDermott, “Managing risk is top of mind for every asset owner. With FireTite Primer, we’re providing a new way for facility managers to have peace of mind.”

FireTite Primer is available now from any of Garland’s over 220 territory managers located across the US and Canada. To learn more about FireTite Primer, please visit https://www.garlandco.com/products/coatings---primers/firetite-primer.