Intumescent coatings are fireproofing products that protect a building’s structural integrity and the safety of its inhabitants. Those looking to enhance the fire resistance of a commercial building, industrial facility, or residence can turn to this passive protective method for proven and effective results.
How does an intumescent coating protect buildings from fire? Read on to uncover how this reactive paint functions in our guide to passive fire protection.
What Is an Intumescent Coating?
Intumescent is a term that refers to the process of swelling or expanding. A key feature of intumescent products is their significant ability to expand in thickness during exposure to high temperatures.
How does an intumescent coating protect buildings from fire? The immediate swelling expansion protects the surface that the paint is applied to through thermal insulation, helping slow down the spread of fire or minimize potential damage. Essentially, an effective intumescent coating system is a passive fire protection approach that prevents or delays the premature collapse of a building.
How Does Intumescent Coating Work?
Intumescent paint rapidly reacts upon exposure to thermal energy sources. Once subjected to extremely hot temperatures, the thin-film material coating intumesces—chemically thickens at a 50:1 rate—and forms a solid carbonaceous layer of foam insulation for a certain amount of time.
Once increased in volume, the intumescent coating serves as a critical insulator that reduces the heat transfer rate to load-bearing elements. This endothermic reaction protects the structural substrate—underlayer material—such as wood, steel, concrete, or plaster from further intense heat.
Modern Fire Protection Applications
Applying an intumescent coating is an essential step in elevating a commercial or residential building’s fire resistance performance. Using this professional product in modern construction or retrofitting applications ensures the proper safeguarding of a building’s structural frame, which can save valuable investments and resources—not to mention lives—if a fire does occur. Intumescent paint not only protects but also enhances the useful life of critical structures for years to come.
Firefree 88: High-Performing Intumescent Technology
Firefree 88 is a premier fire-resistant coating that provides a practical and cost-effective solution. Our exclusive intumescent developed technology plays an integral role in a comprehensive fire protection system. Use our non-toxic coating on multiple substrates on roof, floor, ceiling, and wall assemblies to meet standards required by the International Building Code. Dive deeper into the technical details of this fireproofing coating product on our website today.