Theater curtains should be tested annually as part of your annual theatrical rigging inspection. Testing frequency and methods vary by jurisdiction and fabric type.
We offer NFPA 705 field testing for free with our rigging inspections to help identify when laboratory certification or retreatment may be necessary.
Theatrical curtains serve a dual purpose: they create atmosphere and storytelling magic onstage, but they’re also a vital part of a venue’s fire protection system. Whether in a school auditorium, professional theatre, or multipurpose venue, these curtains must meet strict fire safety standards to protect performers, staff, and audiences.
We break down how often theatrical curtains should be tested, the difference between field and lab testing, how the testing is performed, and what standards apply to keep your venue in compliance.
Understanding Fabric Types and Their Testing Requirements
Not all flame retardant curtains are created equal. The type of flame retardancy determines testing needs, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle costs.
FR (Flame Retardant) – Topically Treated
The fabric is immersed in water-soluble flame retardant chemicals after weaving. The treatment adheres to fiber surfaces but degrades over time.
- Certification validity: One year
- Washing impact: Treatment is removed by water washing or dry cleaning
- Environmental degradation: Humidity, dust, and oils diminish effectiveness
- Testing requirement: Annual NFPA 705 field testing; laboratory NFPA 701 testing or retreatment when field tests indicate degradation or certification expires
DFR (Durably Flame Retardant)
Non-water-soluble chemicals chemically bond to the fiber structure rather than coating surfaces.
- Certification validity: One year initial; typically withstands 25 proper launderings
- Washing impact: Resists removal through proper laundering
- Environmental degradation: Dust and oil accumulation can affect flame resistance
- Testing requirement: Annual NFPA 705 field testing recommended; laboratory NFPA 701 testing when field tests indicate degradation
IFR/PFR (Inherently/Permanently Flame Retardant)
Woven from fibers with flame resistance built into the polymer structure (typically polyester with organic phosphorous compounds). The flame retardancy is permanent for the life of the fabric.
- Certification validity: Life of fabric (35-40 years for properly maintained velour)
- Washing impact: Flame resistance will not wash out
- Environmental degradation: Dust and oil accumulation can affect surface characteristics
- Testing requirement: Annual NFPA 705 field testing recommended to verify surface conditions; laboratory NFPA 701 testing if field tests show unexpected results
NFR (Not Flame Retardant)
Cannot be treated or has not been treated. Not permitted in public assembly spaces governed by fire codes.
How Often Are Theatrical Curtains Required to Be Tested?
Testing requirements depend on fabric type and local jurisdiction. Understanding these distinctions is critical for compliance.
FR-Treated Curtains (Topically Applied Flame Retardant)
Curtains treated with flame retardant chemicals receive certifications valid for one year from the treatment date. The flame retardant treatment degrades over time due to humidity, dust accumulation, UV exposure, and cleaning. Industry best practice and most fabricators recommend:
- Annual NFPA 705 field testing to monitor treatment effectiveness
- Laboratory NFPA 701 testing or retreatment when field tests indicate degradation or when one-year certification expires
- Immediate laboratory testing after retreatment to verify effectiveness
DFR (Durably Flame Retardant) Curtains
Fabrics treated with non-water-soluble chemical compounds that bond to fibers. These typically withstand up to 25 proper launderings. Industry best practice recommends:
- Annual NFPA 705 field testing as dust and oil accumulation can affect flame resistance
- Laboratory NFPA 701 testing when field tests indicate degradation
IFR/PFR (Inherently/Permanently Flame Retardant) Curtains
Fabrics woven from fibers with flame resistance built into the polymer structure. The flame retardancy lasts for the life of the fabric (typically 35-40 years for properly maintained velour). However:
- Annual NFPA 705 field testing is still recommended as dust and oil accumulation can affect surface flammability characteristics
- Laboratory NFPA 701 testing if field tests show unexpected flame propagation
Jurisdiction Requirements
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements vary significantly:
- Some jurisdictions require annual verification
- Others accept 3-5 year intervals between laboratory tests when annual field testing shows no degradation
- Some require specific documentation or registration beyond NFPA 701 certification
Always verify requirements with your local fire marshal. When in doubt, annual NFPA 705 field testing provides early warning of treatment degradation and supports proactive compliance management.
Field vs. Laboratory Flame Testing
There are two recognized methods for evaluating flame retardancy in curtains. Understanding their distinct purposes is critical.
Field Flame Test: NFPA 705
NFPA 705 provides a field method for authorities having jurisdiction to assess whether materials in use may warrant further investigation. This is not a certification method.
CRITICAL LIMITATION: NFPA 705 explicitly states “There is no known correlation between this recommended practice and NFPA 701” (National Fire Protection Association, 2023). A curtain can pass NFPA 705 field testing and still fail NFPA 701 laboratory testing.
Proper use of NFPA 705:
- Monitoring treatment degradation between laboratory certifications
- Identifying when laboratory testing or retreatment is necessary
- Post-treatment verification that application technique was successful
- Field verification when reliable laboratory documentation is unavailable
NFPA 705 Test Procedure:
- Sample: Minimum 0.5 inch x 4 inch swatch from the curtain
- Apply flame (common wood match or equivalent) for 12 seconds
- The fabric must self-extinguish within 2 seconds after flame removal
- Dripping particles must not continue to burn after reaching the floor
- Test must be performed in draft-free location away from combustibles
Laboratory Test Chamber: NFPA 701
NFPA 701 is the only method recognized for formal certification. Materials are tested in controlled laboratory conditions using calibrated vertical flame test chambers.
NFPA 701 Test Method 1 (fabrics ≤21 oz/sq yard):
- 10 specimens tested with averaged results
- Exposed to calibrated flame for 45 seconds
- Pass criteria:
- Average char length less than 6.5 inches
- Average after-flame time less than or equal to 2 seconds
- Average weight loss less than or equal to 40%
- Breaking or dripping particles must self-extinguish before reaching floor
NFPA 701 Test Method 2 (fabrics >21 oz/sq yard):
- Larger sample size due to unpredictable behavior of heavier materials
- Similar pass criteria with additional weight loss measurements
- Used for blackout linings, heavy vinyls, awnings, tarps
This is the only method for:
- Original manufacturer certification
- New curtain compliance verification
- Re-certification after treatment
- Compliance documentation for high-occupancy venues
Labeling and Documentation Requirements
After successful flame testing (laboratory NFPA 701 only), curtains must have a permanent flame certification label affixed. The International Fire Code (IFC) establishes specific requirements.
Label Location:
- Sewn into the curtain’s lower edge (typically bottom corner)
- Must be permanently attached (not adhesive)
Required Information:
- Name of the curtain owner
- Statement of Fire Code compliance
- Date of last test or treatment
- Flame retardant chemical used (if applicable)
- Testing method and pass result (NFPA 701 Method 1 or 2)
- Name of certifying laboratory or treatment company
Compliance Verification:
The IFC authorizes fire code officials to conduct NFPA 705 field testing on any curtain, drape, or textile when documentation is unavailable or suspect (International Code Council, 2018). Lack of current, properly affixed labels is a common violation during fire marshal inspections and may require immediate removal or replacement of curtains.
Record Retention:
Maintain laboratory test reports and treatment certificates for the life of the curtain. These documents support insurance claims, fire marshal inquiries, and compliance audits.
Applicable Codes and Standards
Testing Standards:
- NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films (laboratory certification)
- NFPA 705: Recommended Practice for a Field Flame Test for Textiles and Films (field indicator test only)
Model Building and Fire Codes:
- International Fire Code (IFC) Section 807: Decorative Materials and Trim (references NFPA 701 for textiles)
- International Building Code (IBC) Section 806.1: Decorative Materials and Trim (specifies NFPA 701 for window shades and drapery)
- NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) Section 10.3.1: Draperies, Curtains, and Other Loosely Hanging Furnishings and Decorations (assigns NFPA 701)
Related Standards:
- ASTM E84: Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (applies to fixed interior finishes, not loose-hanging drapery)
Note: Model codes (IFC, IBC, NFPA 101) are adopted, modified, or referenced by state and local governments. Always verify which edition of which code(s) your jurisdiction has adopted and whether amendments apply.
Jurisdiction-Specific Requirements
While NFPA 701 serves as the national consensus standard, several jurisdictions have adopted additional or alternate requirements. Failure to understand these distinctions can result in non-compliance even with valid NFPA 701 certification.
California
Drapery used in public spaces must use fabric registered with the State Fire Marshal documenting compliance with Title 19 (Division 1, Chapter 8) of the California Code of Regulations. This is separate from and in addition to NFPA 701 standards.
- Requires State Fire Marshal registration
- May involve additional testing beyond NFPA 701
- Char length cannot exceed 6 inches for any specimen
- After-flame cannot exceed 4 seconds
New York City
Requires certification that fabrics meet requirements outlined in Title 27 (Chapters 1 and 4) of the New York Administrative Code. NFPA 701 compliance alone is insufficient.
- NYC Fire Department maintains approved materials lists
- Specific documentation requirements
- Some venues (Radio City Music Hall) require additional piece-specific information on certificates
Boston, Massachusetts
End users must submit an application for a use permit in advance for each fabric installation. While Massachusetts generally accepts NFPA 701 certification, Boston maintains a separate permitting process.
Florida
The Florida Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 20) specifies that fabric used in places of assembly must meet NFPA 701 standards. This represents typical adoption of the national standard.
Verification Process
Before installation or treatment:
- Contact your local fire marshal or fire department
- Ask specifically whether NFPA 701 certification is sufficient or if jurisdiction-specific requirements apply
- If jurisdiction-specific standards apply, ask about the certification process (registration, permits, approved materials lists)
- Obtain written confirmation of requirements
- Ensure your fabric supplier, treatment company, or curtain fabricator understands and can meet jurisdiction-specific requirements
Additional Safety Considerations
- Dry cleaning or washing curtains can remove flame retardant. Always retest after cleaning. This may also shrink curtains so it is not recommended unless the curtain fails the retardant test or the curtains are exceptionally dirty.
- Curtain hardware should be visually inspected as part of your annual rigging inspection. This is particularly important for elementary and middle schools that do not typically have a counterweight rigging system. We often inspect all the schools that feed a high school when we inspect a high school.
- Stage personnel must be trained to recognize and report deteriorated or damaged draperies.
Take Action Now
If your curtains haven’t been tested this year, you may be out of compliance. Schedule a flame test or request re-treatment as needed. Partner with a qualified vendor that provides:
- On-site NFPA 705 testing
- Off-site NFPA 701 lab certification
- Flame-retardant re-treatment with documentation and labeling
Sometimes it’s just best to replace curtains. All fabricators should be members of ESTA and USITT. We recommend the following and often include the BOLD names as pre-approved when we write specs. This list is not comprehensive; it’s simply a list of some of our favorites.
As an independent, impartial, consulting firm, we are unable to accept any compensation for our recommendations.
| Manufacturer | Website URL |
|---|---|
| BellaTEX, Inc. | https://bellatex.com/ |
| Dazian Event Fabrics & Drapery | https://www.dazian.com/stage-drapery/ |
| Drape Kings | https://www.drapekings.com/ |
| Georgia Stage | https://www.gastage.com |
| Kenney Drapery Associates, Inc. | https://kenneydrapery.com/ |
| Norcostco | http://www.norcostco.com |
| Northeast Stage | https://northeaststage.com/ |
| Rose Brand | https://www.rosebrand.com/ |
| S&K Theatrical Draperies | https://www.sktheatricaldraperies.com/ |
| Sew What? Inc. | https://sewwhatinc.com/ |
| ShowTex (Global) | https://www.showtex.com/ |
| Stagecraft Industries | https://www.stagecraftindustries.com/curtains |
| Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting | https://syracusescenery.com |
| Texas Scenic Company | https://www.texasscenic.com/products/curtains/ |
References
Flamecheck. (n.d.). Stage curtain maintenance. https://flamecheck.com/theaters-and-schools/
Georgia Stage. (n.d.). Flame retardancy ratings for stage curtains and theatrical fabrics. https://gastage.com/144-flame-retardancy-ratings
International Code Council. (2018). 2018 International Fire Code. Section 807.
National Fire Protection Association. (2023). NFPA 705: Recommended practice for a field flame test for textiles and films. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=705
National Fire Protection Association. (2024). NFPA 701: Standard methods of fire tests for flame propagation of textiles and films. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=701
Northeast Stage. (n.d.). Flame retardancy ratings for stage curtains and theatrical fabrics. https://northeaststage.com/144-flame-retardancy-ratings
Sew What? Inc. (2019). NFPA 701 certification, flame retardancy for drapery fabrics. https://sewwhatinc.com/resources/flame-retardancy/facts-flame-retardancy/