What characteristic does a fire-retardant material provide in construction?

A fire-retardant material is specifically designed to slow down the spread of fire and reduce its intensity. This characteristic is crucial in construction because it helps protect life and property during a fire incident, providing occupants with additional time to evacuate and reducing the damage to the structure. Fire-retardant materials typically contain additives that inhibit combustion or limit the release of flammable gases.

While thermal insulation, resistance to humidity, and enhanced structural integrity are important features in various construction materials, they do not address the primary purpose of fire-retardant materials. Thermal insulation focuses on regulating temperature, resistance to humidity protects against moisture damage, and enhanced structural integrity ensures that the building maintains its shape and stability under stress. Fire-retardant materials, however, play a unique role in fire safety, making their ability to delay fire spread paramount in building design and material selection.