What is the role of fire retardant chemicals?

Fire retardant chemicals play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of materials, particularly in roofing and construction. The main function of these chemicals is to reduce the flammability of materials or slow the spread of flames. By chemically altering the combustion process, fire retardants can delay ignition and decrease the intensity of flames, thereby allowing more time for occupants to escape and for emergency services to respond to a fire.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of fire retardant chemicals. While they contribute to fire safety, they do not completely eliminate fire hazards in materials, which is an unrealistic expectation. Additionally, while fire retardants can help in certain structural aspects, they are not designed to enhance the structural integrity of roofing components. Insulation properties are also not their primary function; fire retardants focus specifically on reducing fire risk rather than providing thermal insulation.