Fire Resistant Paints for Building Safety
The building industry has changed significantly in recent years, and building projects are now subject to increasing criteria. Building sustainability and isolation have been considered, but safety has also been a priority. Fire Prevention and Consultancy Services like to remind everyone that fire prevention is among the most crucial factors. Although installing preventative measures like fire alarms or extinguishers are advised, buildings also need additional forms of passive protection.
Fire-retardant paint is one of these measures.
Fire-retardant paint aids in the prevention of fire spread in the event of a building fire. As a result, it is one of the most effective techniques for preventing fires from spreading quickly, as it contributes to flame and smoke not spreading. Fire-retardant paint is crucial, especially in residential buildings, because containing fire gives those within the building more time to escape.
It is critical to distinguish between fire retardant and intumescent paint. The first prevents the spread of the flame, while the second response to a rise in temperature in the building by expanding and forming a thick layer of foam that insulates the elements that cover it, containing the fire and preventing it from destroying the structure.
The phrase “fireproof paint” frequently refers to a range of things. Intumescent and cementitious paint formats are two of the most significant categories for this paint. To put it simply, cementitious paint is an older fireproofing method that produces a thicker barrier. The method used by this paint to adhere to the specified surface involves mixing cement with the fireproof layer. The more recent technique of using intumescent paint creates a barrier by developing when exposed to high heat.
When long-lasting fireproofing solutions were required, cementitious coatings first appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Cementitious coatings are an alternative since concrete increases a steel building’s fire resistance. Lighter cement coating techniques were developed throughout time as dense concrete became too cumbersome. Because excessive moisture exposure can lead to excessive corrosion and diminish the efficiency of this type of coating, it is best used in locations with low moisture exposure. This coating’s economy, especially for larger projects, and its lightweight design are two of its main advantages.
Although intumescent paints are relatively new to the market, they exhibit exceptional durability and fire ratings. When exposed to flames, these coatings expand and char in place of being blended with concrete to offer resistance. When subjected to fire, intumescent coatings have been found to increase in thickness by up to 25 times! The expansion of this layer is essential because it permits the volume to grow and the density to fall, which slows the heating process. For moist conditions, intumescent paints are preferable since they are simpler to use, require less labor, and do not allow for gaps. However, if numerous coats are required, this paint can be more expensive and is extremely sensitive to changes throughout the curing process.
The majority of popular applications frequently receive intumescent paint recommendations from the larger fireproofing industry, even though both formulations have advantages and disadvantages. Intumescent paints merge with the project’s aesthetics, however, cementitious coatings are less attractive aesthetically and can add weight.
