Fire Proofing
Protect your investment and meet code requirements. Our fireproofing services shield steel structures from fire damage, providing critical protection time for evacuation and emergency response.
Why Fireproofing Matters
Steel is strong, but it loses that strength rapidly when exposed to fire. At approximately 600°C, steel retains only about half its load-bearing capacity. In a fire, unprotected steel structures can fail within minutes.
Fireproofing creates an insulating barrier that slows heat transfer to structural steel, giving the building time to be evacuated and firefighters time to respond. It's often required by building codes for commercial and industrial structures.
Fireproofing Methods
- Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Materials (SFRM): Cementitious or mineral fiber coatings spray-applied to steel members. Cost-effective for large areas where aesthetics aren't critical.
- Intumescent Coatings: Thin-film coatings that expand when exposed to heat, forming an insulating char layer. Provides a cleaner appearance for exposed structural steel.
- Firestop Systems: Sealing penetrations in fire-rated walls and floors to maintain compartmentalization.
Applications
- Structural Steel: Columns, beams, and connections in commercial buildings.
- Industrial Facilities: Processing plants, warehouses, and manufacturing buildings.
- Oil & Gas: Equipment protection in energy sector facilities.
- Multi-Story Buildings: Meeting code requirements for fire resistance ratings.
- Parking Structures: Protecting steel in occupied structures.
Fire Ratings
Fireproofing is specified by the required fire resistance rating—typically 1, 2, or 3 hours. This rating indicates how long the assembly will resist fire exposure under standard test conditions. The required rating depends on:
- Building occupancy type
- Building height and area
- Sprinkler protection
- Distance from property lines
We work with your design team to determine required ratings and select appropriate fireproofing systems to meet code.
Our Approach
Proper fireproofing requires attention to coverage and thickness. We verify specifications, prepare surfaces correctly, and document our work. Our applicators are trained in proper techniques for each product type.