Picture the scene: You’re three weeks into a massive refurbishment project. The walls are plastered, the electrics are live, and the end is in sight. Then, a dropped hammer chips a pristine tile, or a safety inspector walks on site and notices your floor protection isn't up to code. Suddenly, your profit margin takes a nosedive, and you’re wrapped in red tape.
It’s a headache no one needs. Yet, it happens more often than you’d think.
When it comes to construction and renovation, protecting the surfaces you’re working around is just as vital as the work itself. But not all protection is created equal. Throwing down a few old newspapers or a cheap plastic sheet might save you a few pennies today, but it could cost you thousands in damages or safety fines tomorrow.
This is where correx steps in. Specifically, fire retardant Correx. It’s the industry standard for a reason, combining impact resistance with essential safety compliance. Whether you are a site manager overseeing a commercial build or a DIY enthusiast tackling a home renovation, understanding the difference between standard protection and certified fire retardant options is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your floors safe and your site compliant—without boring you to tears.
What Exactly is Correx?
If you’ve spent any time on a building site, you’ve likely seen those distinctive fluted plastic sheets taped to the floors. That’s Correx. Technically known as corrugated plastic, it is a twin-wall polypropylene sheet that is incredibly lightweight yet surprisingly tough.
Think of it as cardboard’s stronger, waterproof cousin. It resists impact, stops spills from soaking through to expensive carpets or timber, and can be cut to shape with a simple craft knife. Because it is chemically neutral, it won’t react with most surfaces, making it the go-to choice for surface protection across the UK.
However, simply buying "corrugated plastic" isn't enough. You need the right kind. At Indigo Supplies, we are leaders in the supply of genuine Correx. We’ve been in the game since 1998, so we know a thing or two about spotting quality versus cheap imitations that crack under pressure.
The Burning Issue: Why Fire Retardant Matters
Here is the serious part. Construction sites are vulnerable places. Sparks from grinders, hot works, or even discarded cigarettes pose real risks. Standard plastic sheeting burns. In fact, some cheap alternatives can act like an accelerant, spreading a small fire across a room in seconds.
This is why regulations exist.
If you are working on a commercial site, or any project where insurance and safety compliance are key, you must use protection that meets the LPS 1207 LPCB standard. This is the current UK regulation standard for temporary protection materials.
What is LPS 1207?
LPS 1207 is a certification by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB). It ensures that the fire retardant correx you put down will not contribute to the spread of a fire. When exposed to a flame, certified protection helps extinguish the fire rather than feeding it.
Using non-compliant materials can void your site insurance. If a fire does occur and the investigator finds you used non-approved protection, you could be liable for the entire cost of the damage. It is simply not worth the risk.
At Indigo, we urge you to make sure your fire retardant floor protection conforms to LPS 1207. Our range is fully approved, giving you peace of mind that you are covered legally and physically.
Choosing Your Format: Rolls vs. Sheets
So, you know you need site protection, but do you buy a roll or a stack of sheets? Both have their merits, and the choice often comes down to the nature of your job.
The Correx Sheet
The correx sheet is the heavyweight champion of impact protection. Typically available in 2mm or thicker options, sheets are rigid and incredibly durable.
- Best for: High-traffic areas, protecting against falling tools, and covering expensive hardwood or stone floors.
- Why use it: It stays flat and is easy to tape together to create a floating floor. We also stock antinox sheets, a well-known brand of heavy-duty protection board that construction professionals swear by.
The Correx Roll
If you have a massive area to cover quickly, a correx roll might be your best friend. It is flexible, easy to transport, and can be rolled out like a carpet.
- Best for: Large open spaces, oddly shaped rooms, or wrapping around pillars and corners.
- Why use it: Speed. You can cover a corridor in seconds.
We supply fire retardant correx in both rolls and sheets, and we can even make them to your specific specifications. Not sure which one you need? Give us a ring—we’re happy to advise.
Total Protection: It’s Not Just About Floors
While we often talk about floor protection, a busy site has plenty of other surfaces that need looking after. Correx is versatile enough to handle almost anything you throw at it.
Window and Glass Protection
Windows are expensive to replace. A scratch from a passing ladder or splatter from a renderer can ruin a pane of glass instantly. Using translucent Correx for window protection or general glass protection allows light to enter the room while keeping the glass shielded from mortar and scratches.
Carpet Preservation
Carpets are notorious for trapping dust and soaking up spills. While carpet protection film (that sticky stuff) is great, sometimes you need impact resistance too. Laying Correx over your carpet protection ensures that heavy boots don't grind dirt into the fibers.
For lighter duties, we also stock adhesive carpet prootection film and standard carpet protector rolls. These are fantastic for keeping stairs clean during a move or a paint job.
Make Your Mark: Custom Printing
Here is a pro tip: your temporary floor protection is the biggest billboard you have.
If you are a contractor, you are covering hundreds of square metres of floor space with blank black or white plastic. Why not put your name on it?
We can custom print your flame retardant correx with your company logo and contact details. It looks incredibly professional and turns every job site into a marketing opportunity. When the client walks in to inspect progress, the first thing they see is your brand protecting their asset. It screams professionalism.
Installation Tips for Maximum Safety
Even the best floor protector is useless if it’s installed poorly. Loose sheets are a trip hazard, and gaps allow dust to sneak through. Here is how to do it right:
- Clean the Surface: Before laying anything down, sweep the floor. Grit trapped under a plastic sheet can act like sandpaper when walked on, scratching the very floor you are trying to save.
- Overlap: Don't just butt the edges together. Overlap your antinox or Correx sheets slightly.
- Tape it Down: Use a high-quality joint tape to seal the seams. This creates a watertight barrier against spills.
- Check Compliance: Ensure the tape you use is also suitable for the environment. If you are using fire retardant polythene sheeting or Correx, ensure your tape isn't the weak link in the fire safety chain.
Alternatives to Correx
While Correx is the gold standard for impact protection, we stock a full range of solutions at Indigo Supplies. Sometimes, a job requires a different approach.
- Dust Sheets: For quick painting jobs where impact isn't an issue, traditional dust sheets are cost-effective and reusable.
- Antinox Floor Protection: As mentioned, antinox floor protection is a specific brand of board known for its ruggedness. It’s a favourite among builders for its reliability.
- Carpet Film: For stairs and soft surfaces, temporary carpet protection film adheres directly to the carpet, preventing it from slipping underfoot.
Why Buy From Indigo Supplies?
We know you have options. But we also know that when you are up against a deadline, you need a supplier who delivers—literally and figuratively.
We have established ourselves as a trusted partner for industrial solutions, boasting a 5-star Google rating from customers who appreciate our no-nonsense approach. We supply everything from correx to packaging materials, workwear, and safety signs.
But here is the real clincher: The Indigo Price Beater Guarantee.
We monitor the market constantly, but if you manage to find the same product cheaper elsewhere, tell us. We will do our utmost to beat the price you pay. We believe you shouldn't have to choose between high-quality safety materials and your budget.
Whether you need a single roll for a hallway or a truckload of pallets for a skyscraper fit-out, we treat every order with the same level of urgency and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Correx waterproof?
Absolutely. Unlike cardboard or hardboard, Correx is plastic. If you spill a bucket of paint or a cup of tea, it sits on top of the sheet until you wipe it up. It won't turn into a soggy mess.
Can I reuse fire retardant Correx?
Yes, Correx is extremely durable. If it hasn't been cut up or heavily damaged during the job, you can peel up the tape, stack the sheets, and use them on your next project. It’s an eco-friendly way to keep costs down.
How do I cut Correx?
You don't need power tools. A sharp Stanley knife or craft knife glides through it easily. You can score it to fold it around corners (great for protecting door frames) or cut it completely to fit tricky spaces.
Do you sell to the public?
Yes, we do. While we supply huge trade accounts, we are just as happy helping a homeowner protect their new kitchen floor. Give us a call at 01268 768 768 for a simply unbeatable deal today!
Ready to Protect Your Project?
Don't leave your site safety to chance. Whether you need standard protection or the fully certified LPS 1207 fire retardant standard, we have the stock ready to go.
Protecting your floors protects your reputation. So, click here to buy now and secure the best protection money can buy.
Got a question about specs? Need a custom print quote? Or just want to challenge us on price? Call our friendly team on 01268 768 768. We’re ready to help you get the job done right.