There are many different types of fireproofing methods that you can choose from to paint over elements within your properties, to help to delay or even stop a fire from spreading. Fire retardants are used to control the outbreak of a fire and can be used on walls, ceilings, floor and many other surfaces. Their main purpose is to delay or even stop the spread of fire over your surfaces.
There are many different types of fire retardant paint, with some having chemicals that emit gases that are designed to reduce the spread of flames. Others will form a protective char layer which will help protect the surface for a specific length of time. This type of fireproofing paint is called Intumescent Paint.
What Does Intumescent Mean?
Intumescent means a coating or sealant which swells up when heated, protecting the material underneath or sealing a gap in the event of a fire. This works by a chemical reaction generated by heat. This form of coating is very cost-effective as well as an efficient and practical solution for fire protection and corrosion protection. When the paint expands to provide protection from heat, it is important to remember that the product itself if not burning, it is rather just a chemical reaction. The chemicals react and release vapors that create a foam. Carbonisation occurs and the foam solidifies into a black type of insulating material; this is often referred to as char.
Generally, fireproofing is applied in a thick spongey surface that will require a finish to improve the aesthetics to hide and protect the material further. Whereas with intumescent paint, it provides the same level of protection in a coating that looks like a thin layer of paint. Because of this, it means that you don’t have to change the shape of the structures. Intumescent paint is typically painted onto metal structures such as steel, more so to prevent the spread of heat, although can be applied onto wood to help stop spread flame and smoke. Intumescent coatings are often mixed with pigments to provide a more aesthetically pleasing product.
As well as preventing the spread of flames on more flammable items, it also helps to insulate steel surfaces from further thermal attack. In the case of fire, some coatings soften, react and decompose to form a carbon barrier. A foaming agent produces foam and a non-flammable gas; thus the layer expands tremendously to create an effective barrier.
Intumescent Coatings
Whatever you require, whether it be for an industrial or domestic property, you can be assured that we supply a wide range of intumescent coatings to suit all your needs. It is one of the best forms of fireproofing metal and stopping it from potentially damaging other parts of your property due to the heat of the metal from the fire. It is also an efficient way to stop fire from spreading and a great health and safety precaution to delay or prevent a fire from spreading.