Thermaleaf®
INHERENTLY FIRE RETARDANT FOLIAGE
Get the absolute best in quality and compliance with commercial-grade, fire-resistant foliage.
Permaleaf®
INHERENTLY FADE RESISTANT FOLIAGE
Ultimate longevity, durability, and botanical accuracy – PermaLeaf® outdoor foliage reigns supreme.
Introduction
ThermaLeaf® by Plantscape Commercial Silk is a trademarked brand of artificial foliage whereby the fire retardant chemicals are infused into the raw materials at a molecular level during the manufacturing process, creating the safest self-extinguishing foliage in the industry today.
Safest foliage solution
fire code compliant
cost effective
dust resistant
Visually identical to standard foliages
Lifetime guarantee
METHODS
In our proprietary material process, flame retardant chemicals bind with the foliage material on a molecular level instead of the typical aftermarket topical application. That nets you higher quality foliage, and direct cost savings over others.
TESTING
You’ll never have to worry about fire code complaince with foliage tested in several jurisdictions around the world. We comply with some of the most stringent and specific fire laws abroad, and pass more safety tests than any other supplier.
QUALITY CONTROL
We inspect and test all production for adherence to fire tests using our own fire test chamber equipment. In addition, we offer a lifetime warranty for compliance, giving you the peace of mind in being fire safe and future proof.
Dangers
The use of non fire-retardant foliage can pose some serious fire risks. Protect your guests, property, and yourself with tried and tested fire-resistant foliage.
Non-Fire-Retardant Foliage In the past, untreated or poorly treated replica foliage has been a catalyst in multiple structure fires. Though the initial cause is typically human error, untreated plastic foliage has caused flames to grow rapidly, causing burning plastic to rain down, and toxic fumes to fill the air.
While topical chemical treatments help to reduce fire spread, they don’t last forever. Over time, the chemical treatment will weaken, leaving you guessing as to whether or not you’re protected. ThermaLeaf® inherently fire-resistant foliage doesn’t rely on repeated chemical treatments, and comes with a lifetime guarantee for your continued peace of mind.
Thermaleaf®INHERENTLY FIRE RETARDANT FOLIAGE | alternative | |
---|---|---|
Fire Treatment | Injection Molded | Topical Treatment |
Description | Fire safe chemicals fused into the plant materials during manufacturing | Sprayed or dipped in topical fire retardant Aftermarket Topical Chemicals |
Inherent in Foliage | Yes | |
Appearance | Looks just like regular foliage | Spotty or discolored film, tacky surface |
Consistency | Extremely consistent. Mixed with raw materials | Inconsistent, dependant on application |
Structural Integrity | Structurally sound | May degrade materials, cause wilting |
Reapplication Required | No. Will never wash or wear off. Periodic cleaning recommended | Yes. Can wash or wear off |
Fire Tests | ASTM E84, NFPA 701, NFPA 705, BS 476: Part 7 & Part 6, California Title 19, US Gov SIN 4722-06, CAN/ULC S109 Small Scale, Large Scale | NA |
Fire Guarantee | Lifetime fire protection | Unknown how long it will last |
Manufacturer | Plantscape Commercial Silk | NA |
Tests
Understanding the fire code requirements for flame retardant artificial plants and artificial trees can be a challenging and confusing process. Each State adopts its own fire code as well as every single municipality. In an effort to help our clients answer their questions, we have asked the Office of the State Fire Marshal in each State for the details of their fire code requirements.
The majority of states have adopted state wide fire codes that regulate the use of indoor silk plants and trees. The following list details each of these silk plant and tree fire tests and demonstrates why our fire retardant plants and trees are the safest on the market.
California Title 19 | PASS | US Gov SIN 4722-06 | PASS | ASTM E84-95 Class A | PASS | NFPA 701 1989 Small Scale | PASS | NFPA 701 1996 & 1999 Small Scale | PASS | NFPA 705 1997 Field Flame Test | PASS | British Standards Institution (BS 476: Part 7& Part 6 &Class0) | PASS | CAN/ULC S109 Small Scale, Large Scale | PASS | EN 13501- N/A 1:2007+A1:2009 | PASS |
FAQ
What is ThermaLeaf® Foliage ThermaLeaf® Foliage (Inherently Fire Retardant) is created through a process by which fire retardant chemicals are impregnated into the materials during the manufacturing process. These chemicals are blended with the fabric as well as the plastic or PVC parts at the time the materials are injected into the mold, creating the safest fire retardant plants and trees on the market.
What is NOT ThermaLeaf® Foliage Foliage treated by spraying or dipping it in topical fire retardant chemicals is not ThermaLeaf®. Instead of fire retarding during the injection of the material into the foliage mold, topical treatments are performed as an after-market application. This treatment often leaves a spotty or discolored film that can degrade the foliage and make it look wilted, along with leaving a tacky surface film that attracts dust.
Who determines if artificial plants must be fire retardant? The majority of states have adopted state fire codes that specifically address the laws concerning the use of silk plants and the fire test requirements they must pass.
Who enforces the use of flame resistant faux plants? The local fire official having jurisdiction over the project will enforce the building fire code requirements and ensure products comply with the code.
How does the fire official ensure compliance? The fire official will require that the product manufacturer supply the appropriate fire test certificate that complies with the building fire code. In addition, the fire official may perform a field flame test on the product to validate the certification.
What if I installed non fire resistant plants but they are required? This can be a costly mistake depending on what the fire official requires from you to remedy the situation. The most common scenario we have experienced is the fire official will require all the fire resistant product be removed and replaced with compliant products.
Introduction
We inject UV protectants into the raw materials of our products during manufacturing, blending them with the fabric as well as the plastic or PVC parts. The result? Inherently fade- and weather-resistant foliage.
The roughest conditions demand the toughest materials. We developed PermaLeaf® Plus for our most durable products, always made with stainless steel for superior corrosion resistnace.
Ultimate longevity
10,000 hours of lab testing
Excellent weathering and UV resistance
Blends in among natural foliage
Built botanically accurate
MATERIAL CHEMISTRY
Our success comes from studying weatherable plastics in major industries (automotive, outdoor furniture) and bringing that technology to the production of foliage. Our process focuses on quality of pigments, colorfastness, and persevering structural integrity of plastic, for a well rounded, top-performing outdoor artificial foliage.
TESTING
We have completed extensive weathering testing that demonstrated superior colorfastness and structural integrity when compared to competing products. This testing was an exhaustive study that helped us tweak our formula and dial in on the optimal mixture for durability and colorfastness.
QUALITY CONTROL
We have an ongoing outdoor weathering program where we test each product outdoors and measure and track its performance to ensure our quality standards are being met.
the evidence
We put our PermaLeaf® products and our competitor’s products to the test–specifically ASTM G155, an international test that measures color loss and structural damage from UV exposure equivalent to about 1 year of direct sunlight in Miami, Florida. The images below depict a PermaLeaf® product and a competitor’s products before and after exposure.
PermaLeaf®
The PermaLeaf® product looks as good as Day 1, with no recorded structural damage and no color loss detectable by the human eye.
Competitor
The competitor’s product is visibly faded from UV exposure, which has also caused the foliage to turn brittle and crack.
permaleaf®
The PermaLeaf® product looks as good as Day 1, with no recorded structural damage and no color loss detectable by the human eye.
Competitor
The competitor’s product is visibly faded from UV exposure, which has also caused the foliage to turn brittle and crack.
The competition
Certainly you have seen other Companies on the internet marketing their product using the claims regarding the weathering of their products: “Indoor/Outdoor” “UV fade, water and heat resistant polymer plastic leaves”
The reason they are considered “claims” is because, without the proper testing, they can’t validate the claim as being factual. The only way to validate the claim is for the manufacturer to supply UV weathering test data. If you are considering an alternative to PermaLeaf® plants, we would strongly encourage you request testing data for the product being considered.