Thread: What to use instead of foam in pro haunt

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Hi,
I have never posted here but I am not new. I have been "stalking" this forum for years. I am an electrical enginneer, photographer and love, love halloween so haunting comes natural to me.

This year I am trying to open a professional haunt. The fire marshal states no foam and no easily combustible material. I have already looked into fireproofing my fabrics, etc.

My question is if foam is not allowed, how do I make detailed props like doorways, decent dummies ( I was going to use spray foam ), rocks bolders, trees, etc.

Can I use paper mache for the trees if fire redarded?

Any ideas will be appreciated.

I'm no pro but most do use foam and then hard coat it with a fire resistant coating.

Hi. I asked the same question of a pro from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He had two very successful haunts. One was in WI and the other was in Massachusetts. He had never ran into a huge problem but insisted that he did nothing in the way of fireproofing. His lack of regard for his patrons was appalling.

I am no expert, however, I have worked in the construction industry for more than forty years. First, become the friend of the inspector. Try to let him know that you really want to do this thing right. He may be a little more forthcoming with alternatives. Second, there is always a way. Research the actual building of attractions in your state. Were the architectural details actually made of foam and overcoated with a flame retarder? This is a common building practice both outdoors and in for structures in amusement parks and casinos. You can then ask if these methods can be used in your venue. Third, find out what can be used as a retardant. Many times something as simple as overcoating with cementicious paint (Dri-Lok) will give a 20 minute fire rating. This common basement paint might be on your agenda anyway if you are looking for a slightly sandy paint type finish for your walls etc. Don't be discouraged! There is always the exception but I usually find that the inspector is only trying to do his job in a conscientious manner. Let him fluff his feathers and crow a little to show off, then work out a solution with him. You can do it!

I was going to send you to Haunted Attraction Magazine forum but it doesn't seem to be up and running anymore....Too bad because there were lot's of pro haunters there that could definitely answer that.....I'd find out where the pros are hanging out and ask there...Ask Jonathan from Rotting Flesh Radio where a good forum with pro haunters are at....It's obvious I haven't been to any for quite some time now.....Since I found this forum, I've sort of settled in because this is more my style......Good luck.....ZR

Originally Posted by ZombieRaider

I'd find out where the pros are hanging out and ask there...Ask Jonathan from Rotting Flesh Radio where a good forum with pro haunters are at....

www.hauntworld.com

Asks and doesn't want foam things covered under his company's policy.
This might tell you "something"?
Actually the problem might be that there are different kinds of foam, and how do you determine which one was used once it's covered or painted?
I know, set it on fire.
Sure.
None of it here.

I actually intended to set some on fire that was covered with retardant just for fun. LOL

Actually being an engineer I love to test out all my theories. I would roll in expandable foam if I thought I could make a better dummy. LOL

Seriously, I was going to cover all my foam in dry wall mud so that is a great angle to explore. I know the marshal claimed that insulation foam is allowed on buildings because it is covered on both sides with material that is more flame resistant. i.e. drywall. So that may just work. Thanks.

I also ordered some back issues of a haunt magazine but they have not got here yet. That should help.

Unfortunately, there is only one other attraction in Delaware that I know of which is Frightland www.frightland.com which is huge. I am not sure what they do to their props. They rely mostly on actors. But I know they have things like cobwebs. Delaware is a bit neurotic because of the fire in Rhode Island a few years ago at a concert. But they don't consider that that venue had open flames and was not fire retarded!!!!!