What is Intumescent Fire Coatings?
Fire Barrier Paint is an intumescent paint (swells when heated, protecting the material underneath) that can be applied to most materials. Commercial grade steel is the most common material that fire barrier paint is sprayed on but it can be used to protect sheet metal, sheetrock, composite panels and interior wood.
Where To Use Intumescent Fire Coatings?
The main place to utilize Fire Barrier Paint is on exposed structural members, primarily steel, to provide a practical yet aesthetically pleasing finish. The paint needs to be applied in a level of thickness consistent to the level of protection determined by the building code.
When using Fire Barrier Paint on steel, the primary objective is to protect against heat. When utilizing the same product on wood, the primary objective is to stop the spread of the flames and smoke.
How Is Intumescent Fire Coating Made?
Fire Barrier Paint is made up of a group of chemicals suspended in a binder. This binder softens when exposed to heat which then lets the chemicals react. Once these chemicals react to the heat they react with each other to release vapors that creates a protective foam. The carbonization naturally occurs and the foam then solidifies into a insulating material.
How To Apply Intumescent Fire Coating
The best way to apply fire barrier paint is to use a sprayer as it will help you apply an even coat on all desired surfaces. Once the sprayer has been used you can go over the sprayed area and fill in any missing spots with a brush or roller. We utilize a compressed air sprayer which allows the paint to be applied evenly over the entire surface quickly, cutting down delays on the rest of the building process.
Pros & Cons of Intumescent Fire Coatings
Pros
- Easy Application: Reduced application time = reduced cost
- 3-in-1 Coatings: Coats include primer + intumescent + topcoat
- Mechanical Strength: Helps avoid impact damage.
- Flexibility: Able to adjust to structural movements.
Cons
- Poor Finish: The finish is not always perfectly smooth
- Sagging: When too many layers are used, the coatings can sag.
- Expensive: This is a premium product so it costs a little more than other options.
What to Consider when adding cementitious fireproofing
When considering the addition of cementitious fireproofing to a structure, factors such as the required fire rating, substrate conditions, and environmental considerations should be evaluated. The application process typically involves surface preparation, mixing of the fireproofing material, and spraying or troweling onto the substrate.
Overall, cementitious fireproofing is a widely used and effective method for enhancing the fire safety of buildings and structures.
Cementitious fireproofing
Cementitious fireproofing is a type of passive fire protection that is applied to structural steel and other materials to increase their fire resistance. It consists of a mixture of cement, aggregates (such as sand or perlite), and often fibers for reinforcement. This mixture is typically spray-applied onto the surface to form a thick, insulating layer.
Key benefits of cementitious fireproofing include:
- Fire Resistance: Provides a protective barrier that can withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire.
- Durability: Offers long-lasting protection to structures, as it adheres well and can withstand various environmental conditions.
- Thermal Insulation: Helps in reducing heat transfer, which is crucial in fire scenarios to protect the underlying structure and maintain its integrity.
- Application Flexibility: Can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including steel beams, columns, walls, and ceilings.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Generally considered cost-effective compared to other fire protection methods, especially in large-scale applications.
