Minimising the effects of fire
Intumescent paint and coatings are effective tools in Passive Fire Protection. By applying the reactive coating to structural steel, timber or concrete, the coating expands significantly when exposed to heat, creating a protective, char-like foam layer.
This expanded layer insulates the underlying material and delays its exposure to the full heat of the fire. In this way, the intumescent paint maintains the structural integrity of the building for a longer period during a fire as the coated system will enable the steel or other material to maintain its load-bearing capacity.
What to consider
It’s important to take into account duration and durability when working out which intumescent paint to use. Fire duration is the amount of time that the system will enable the steel to maintain its load-bearing capacity during a fire, whereas durability is the ability of the reactive coating to keep an adequate level of fire protection after exposure to the elements. Durability needs to be predicted correctly, as premature weathering or ageing of the coating system may reduce the intumescent coating’s effectiveness.
The benefits of intumescent paint
✔ Providing effective protection without changing the appearance of the building
✔ Slowing down the rate at which structural elements reach critical temperature, crucial in high-risk environments such as industrial settings and high-rise buildings
✔ Offering a flexible option for new construction and retrofit projects as it can be applied to a range of materials
✔ Being lightweight and easy to apply compared with cladding
✔ Ensuring you are complying with building regulations, reducing liability and risk
A survey by our trained team will evaluate your building’s fire protection and recommend the best intumescent paint system to safeguard the structure.
As well as professionally applying intumescent coatings, we can also provide ongoing maintenance and inspection services to ensure your fireproofing materials remain effective.
