Fireproofing
This is why fireproofing is a smart move for any home owner, and it is a requirement for most multi-family or commercial buildings. Even buildings built entirely from metal and concrete need protection.
In 2009 the National Institute of Standards and Technology conducted a study to see if applications of fireproofing spray were effective. The study showed that this form of fire protection not only saved buildings, they offered a greater degree of safety for inhabitants and workers by allowing a 15-times longer escape time than a non-treated building.
Fireproofing can be painted or spayed on your surfaces within your home or building. Fireproofing is used to coat steel to keep it below the temperature that causes weakness, but it is also used to coat electrical circuits to prevent overheating. The fireproof coating is also used to cover metal bridges and concrete tunnels and even to coat vaults. Professionally applied spray-on fireproofing is made from one or more common ingredients, including Monokote MK-6, Cafco 300 and Cafco Blaze Shield. These chemicals are combined with calcium hydroxide, mica, fibrous plasters and other combinations to speed up hardening. Modern sprays do not include asbestos and are safe for use in homes and commercial buildings, although the dust from construction should still be avoided without proper breathing masks for general reasons.
Types of Fireproofing
Intumescent Coatings
Also known as intumescent paint, this method provides fire resistance to structural steel members. One of the key benefits is that intumescent coatings will expand as much as 100 times the original thickness of the material, providing superior fire resistance by creating a buffer between the fire and the steel members. The coating will undergo a chemical reaction and expand when subjected to extreme temperatures—but before the temperatures become hot enough to affect the integrity of the steel.
Intumescent coatings are a great solution when aesthetics come into play with steel that is exposed to the general public. The product is applied just like paint, with every layer adding to the overall thickness of the product. This fireproofing material can be applied to structural wood as well.
Right Board Fireproofing
Rigid board fireproofing can be installed quickly and easily. One of the benefits is that it can be installed as you go during the process of installing steel decks and beams. Rigid board fireproofing provides the right fireproofing requirements as well as thermal and acoustic control. This type of fireproofing can be mechanically fastened and can prevent pests and termite attacks. It also is available in different thicknesses to meet UL requirements and can withstand moisture and humidity without losing its fire-stopping characteristics.
Boards can be designed to precise measurements and can include decorative finishes.
Flexible Blanket Systems
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Autoclaved aerated concrete can enhance and provide fire resistance when needed, especially around steel columns. This produces fireproofing characteristics when installed between the flanges and tied to the web of rolled sections.
When you need to have longer fire resistance requirements, it can be beneficial to pour concrete between the flanges of the steel components using shear connections attached to the steel web. The concrete being placed needs to be retained at the bottom of the connection area.
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