The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure is fueling a nationwide boom in data center construction and renovation. These critical environments demand specialized materials that support fire safety, dust containment, static control, and code compliance — especially during live upgrades and active builds. One of the most essential tools in meeting these demands is fire retardant plastic sheeting for data center projects.
Since 1993, Americover has been a trusted source for fire retardant plastic solutions, beginning with the introduction of ASFR6 for the telecommunications industry. Today, our product lineup supports a wide range of sectors — from hyperscale data centers to cleanrooms, entertainment venues, and manufacturing facilities.
Whether you’re a contractor overseeing containment or a distributor supplying critical components, understanding how to apply fire retardant plastic sheeting for data center construction and remodels is key to project success.
Below, we break down everything you need to know in a simple Q&A format.
Why Is Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting Essential for Data Center Projects?
Data centers house sensitive, high-value electronic equipment. During construction or renovation, any fire risk, dust infiltration, or static discharge can pose significant threats to both infrastructure and operations.
Fire retardant plastic sheeting helps by:
- Preventing the spread of fire during hot work or equipment installation
- Containing dust and debris in controlled zones
- Reducing electrostatic discharge (with antistatic options)
- Supporting NFPA 701 code compliance and jobsite safety requirements
💡 Did you know? NFPA 701 is the standard method of fire testing for flame-propagating properties of textiles and films. Specifying NFPA 701-certified sheeting ensures your project meets fire safety codes from day one.
What Is ASFR6, and Why Is It Ideal for Data Center Renovations?
ASFR6 is a 6 mil fire retardant, antistatic plastic sheeting that Americover first introduced in 1993 to the telecommunications industry. It’s now widely used in modern data center renovation projects due to its balance of safety, strength, and specialty properties.
Key Features of ASFR6
- NFPA 701 certified fire retardant
- Antistatic additive reduces electrostatic discharge
- 6 mil thickness for durability in high-traffic zones
- Available with or without string reinforcement
- White with red print only — not available in clear or black
- Made in the USA
Common Applications
- Temporary dust containment barriers
- Negative air enclosures
- Floor and equipment protection
- Interior renovation zones requiring antistatic safety
⚡ Why antistatic matters in data centers: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can silently damage servers, storage arrays, and networking equipment. ASFR6’s built-in antistatic additive provides an extra layer of protection that standard fire retardant sheeting doesn’t offer.
What Are the Best Options for New Data Center Construction Projects?
For new construction projects, contractors often need reinforced materials for more permanent or long-span installations. That’s where DS2FR and DS10FR come in.
DS2FR (6 mil) and DS10FR (10 mil) are string-reinforced, fire retardant poly films designed for:
- Ceiling liners in mechanical rooms and cabling areas
- In-wall vapor barriers behind panels or drywall
- Durable partitions for staging, equipment enclosures, or back-of-house containment
These materials provide enhanced tensile strength and long-term flexibility while meeting NFPA 701 standards.
🏗️ Contractor tip: DS10FR’s 10 mil thickness makes it particularly well-suited for high-traffic staging areas and equipment enclosures where durability over a longer build period is a priority.
Is There a Clean White Fire Retardant Option Without Printed Text?
Yes. For projects requiring a clean, all-white aesthetic — often preferred in visible areas of a facility — Americover offers Dura Skrim® 6WW.
Dura Skrim® 6WW Features
- 6 mil thickness
- Reinforced with scrim for strength
- Fire retardant (NFPA 701)
- Solid white with no print
- Ideal for ceiling liners, permanent wall coverings, and partitions where appearance matters
✅ When to choose Dura Skrim® 6WW: If your project involves customer-facing or executive-area renovations where a printed white-and-red barrier would look out of place, the 6WW delivers the same fire-rated protection with a cleaner, more finished appearance.
What Accessories Do Contractors Need to Complete a Fire-Safe Containment System?
A fire-safe containment system is only as strong as its seams and access points. Americover offers a full line of fire retardant accessories to support complete installations:
- FR-rated tapes: 225FR and 268FR are high-adhesion tapes used to seal seams and anchor plastic to structures
- FR zipper doors: Quickly create access points in containment walls while maintaining fire safety
- Surface protection films: Keep floors and equipment free from debris during renovation or staging
📋 Build a complete system: Using non-rated tape or zippers on an otherwise FR-certified barrier can compromise your code compliance. Specify FR-rated accessories from the start to ensure your entire installation meets NFPA 701 requirements end-to-end.
What Other Industries Use Americover Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting?
In addition to data centers, Americover’s FR sheeting solutions are trusted across a wide range of high-performance industries:
- Telecommunications facilities
- Hospitals and cleanrooms
- Entertainment and stage production (Top Selling Solution: Black Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting)
- Manufacturing facilities
- Commercial and industrial construction
Whether the goal is containment, compliance, or long-term protection, our materials have been trusted for over 30 years across multiple high-performance industries.
🎭 Entertainment industry note: Stage and production environments have some of the strictest fire codes in any industry. Americover’s black fire retardant sheeting is a go-to solution for backdrop containment, rigging protection, and temporary staging enclosures.
Ready to Specify the Right Fire Retardant Sheeting for Your Next Project?
You can shop Americover’s full range of fire retardant products online or connect with a product expert for help selecting the right material for your application.
👉 Shop ASFR6 and Fire Retardant Products Online
📞 Or call us at 760-388-6294 for distributor quotes, volume pricing, or technical support.