What is Fireproofing?
fireproofing is now required for family homes and commercial buildings, and it should be considered by builders and designers in a variety of ways. Active fireproofing (AFP) is the term used to describe the use of equipment that is activated by a process such as a system or extinguisher.
Passive fireproofing (PFP) might be an important safeguard measure to consider from the start, and it is incorporated as part of the design components. The spread of fireside and smoke are frequently prevented with the usage of the suitable technique, giving enough time for evacuation and, therefore, appropriate procedures to be followed. Fire doors, room compartmentalization, and thus fire-resistant paint are a few examples.
Cementitious Fireproofing
Cementitious products are the most frequent materials utilized for fireproofing services. It’s a one-part, spray-applied mill-mixed plaster that protects the building’s structural foundation from crumbling. This will be used on hidden and exposed steel structures.
Steel and concrete substrates are frequently treated with goods. They provide a uniform base, solid connection, and dust-free surface, all of which have a high yield rate and sturdiness. The picked materials are put to the test and certified to the most rigorous industry criteria.
Monokote MK-6, Cafco Blaze Shield, and Cafco 300 are all common components used in fireproofing that have been tested and recommended by the construction industry. These materials are mixed chemically using lime, mica, fiber plasters, and other combinations to speed up hardening. It does not contain asbestos, making it safe to use in both residential and commercial structures.
Types of Cementitious Fireproofing
Standard-Density Cementitious Fireproofing:
The standard-density fireproofing has the below-listed qualities, and it is appropriate to use in locations that are not subject to physical contact or abuse.
Benefits of ordinary Density Cementitious Fireproofing:
- No Flame Spread or Smoke Developed
- It is established as non-combustible
- Standard-density is quite a minimum of 15 PCF (240kg/m2)
- No cracking, spalling, or delamination
- Compression shall be quite 16.25 lbf/in2 (112 kPa)
- Erosion shall be 0.00 gr/sq.ft. maximum
- There is no evidence of corrosion allowed
- There is no evidence of mold growth
Medium-Density Cementitious Fireproofing
Manufacturers must comply with standards to ensure that products meet the materials and composition requirements as well as the minimum physical properties required by ASTM regulations for exposed applications of sprayed fire-resistant materials. The following areas should be considered when discussing exposed fire protection:
- Stairwell columns and beams
- Elevator shafts steel
- Mechanical room columns
- Areas where physical abuse could also be encountered
High-Density Cementitious Fireproofing:
High-density fire protection consists of materials that are permanently exposed to the elements and are produced from cement. It must be less than 500 mm thick, have a minimum density of 40 PCF, and meet the following standards as per ASTM:
- No Flame Spread or Smoke Developed
- It is established as non-combustible
- No cracking, spalling, or delamination
- Compression shall be quite 350 psi (2411 kPa)
- Erosion shall be 0.00 gr/sq.ft.
- No evidence of corrosion
- No evidence of mold growth
Why use fireproofing technology?
For a certain length of time, fireproofing protects the steel frame. In other words, fireproofing is the protection given to steel by high heat that preserves its strength and durability. Obviously, people’s lives are at stake here. The structural stability of a building is crucial since you, as an occupant, have to leave and it takes time for first responders to arrive.
Gypsum Based Fireproofing
Fire-resistant material is the gypsum-based cement fireproofing material for steel frame construction. When combined with water, this dry, fire-resistant substance forms a slurry mixture that may be sprayed on to the substrate to provide an application that matches the surface contours. Steel structures inside or outside of buildings are both coated with it, but it isn’t advised for long-term weather exposure. The gypsum-based fireproofing product can be used in conjunction with an Accelerator to guarantee that set time and yield are reduced while maintaining installation costs lower.
Gypsum Related Fireproofing Advantages:
- Spray for Fireproofing
- Increases the performance of applicators due to fast and reliable applications
- Provides scores of up to 4 hours of fire resistance
- Checked for UL fire and inspected the factory
- Resists from air erosion and abrasion damage
- No mineral fibers contain gypsum-based formulations
- No need for a topcoat or surface sealer
Thermal Barrier Fireproofing
The fireproofing material of the thermal barrier is built to protect spray foam insulation from fire and heat effects. The substance is sprayed over the foam insulation because of the properties of this material, resulting in a tight, monolithic coating that adheres to the SPF. The thermal barrier product is intended to be applied to walls and ceilings indoors. Together with the Compressor, this product can also be used to ensure that set time and product yield for lower installation costs are lower.
Benefits of Fireproofing Thermal Barrier:
- Extremely robust to withstand heat and fire effects
- Resistant to Humidity
- Economical-low application-related costs
- Checked for UL fire and inspected factory
Cementitious or intumescent coatings?
The origins of lightweight cement coatings date back to the era when thick concrete was largely used to fireproof industrial plants until around the mid-twentieth century. Once the technology had been perfected, dense concrete, which was inexpensive and resistant even to very high temperatures, was supplanted by cement coatings that were not quite as heavy (and thus less expensive and easier to apply).
Today’s formulations for cementitious coatings are still quite inexpensive methods for fireproofing. While labor costs may rise with each additional application, they are still suitable for dry environments where strong vibrations and/or impact aren’t likely to be experienced by the substrate.
In situations where they should not be utilized, cementitious paints will eventually form a gap between the substrate and the coating. This room is ideal for moisture to set in and dwell, as well as for corrosion development beneath fireproofing (CUF). Intumescent coatings function on a distinct principle. When exposed to extreme heat, instead of creating a tight physical barrier between the flames and the steel, they shield intumescents by charring and expanding like cementitious paints do. The slogan “No extreme temperature changes” implies that steel does not undergo significant heat input from the sun or other sources. As an intumescent coating is exposed to UV radiation, it grows as a kind of barrier similar to that produced by cement coatings in order to prevent such temperature changes. Intumescents rise in volume and decrease in density as they are subjected to UV radiation, delaying the heating of steel and extending the possible response time until a large failure or collapse occurs.
Why choose us?
At Eco Spray Insulation, we aim to have the highest level of competence and the finest quality materials. Our service provides a free consultation with an estimator where you have the ability to explore the project’s proposal, materials, and design choices. From the consultation to the implementation point, our team will direct you. For your free estimate, email us at [email protected] or just give us a call at (416) 860-6664.
