How
It
Works
Our step-by-step guide on how to ensure your structural steel is correctly protected
Contact us at the link below for any question or queries at any step of the process.
Identification
Intumescent paint works by expanding in a fire, to create an insulating char. This helps keep your steel cool and strong for the given fire rating (up to 2 hours). It is important to correctly identify the size, shape, and weight of each steel. This information can be easily found on engineer diagrams, structural reports, or cimply by measuring the cross section. If this a newly installed steel, speak to the fabrictor or your builder for a list of the steel ordered.
The minimum information needed for step 2:
- Steel size (you may see it written as a code such as UC 203x203x46)
- Linear metres of each steel size
- Orientation (column or beam)
- Environment (We don't want waterbased paints washing away in the rain, or wasting money on expensive external epoxies for a steel in your living room)
Specification
Once we know exact size and quantity of steel you have, a specification must be drawn up. This is a full report of each steel giving the exact thickness of paint you must apply. It is very important you review the speification to check it matches what you see on site.
Many of the major manufacturers are able to produce specifications (Jotun, Nullifire, Hempel, Sherwin Williams and more) though they will naturally only calculate their own products. Speak to an independant fire proof paint supplier who can compare the various brands for you.
Your specifier can also advise if you need other products, such as primer and topcoat, to get the best all round protection to your structure; prepare for quite a bit of back and forth Q&A in this step.
Application
Now that you know what steel you have, how much paint you need, and how thick it needs to be applied, you can get painting. The best way to apply these paints will be with airless pray machines, for an even coat and the best finish. In your home this is not likely to be viable. We reccomend speaking to an experienced and qualified passive fire protection applicator who can make sure the job is done right. Look for qualifications from groups such as IFE, IFC, FIRAS, or the ASFP.
If you are applying this yourself, take your time and expect to apply more coats than you think. Most specifications assume spray application, while a brush will only get (at most) half the thickness per coat. Remember, intumescent paint is far thicker than any normal paint and is likely to leave brush strokes as you apply it.
Certification
Last but not least we come to the final step in your structural steel protection journey; proving it has been done right.
There are 3 certificates you will need to provide building control to get any fire protection signed off.
- Certifire certificate, or similar accreditation. This proves the paint you have bought has been extensively tested and proven capable. Do not buy any fire paint if this certificate is not available.
- Certificate of supply, Or Steel loadings report. This can be provided by the seller of the paint or the specifier. The details must match your structure and should be made out in your name,
- Certificate of application. This is where we at KB Inspections come in. We will provide independant 3rd party assurance that your applicators (or you) have applied the paint to the correct thickness, and do a full visiual inspection for any defects, delamination or issues with the protection.
The protection of structural steel can be a long one, and is not as straight forward as it first appears.
At any time, please feel free to reach out for guidance or independant advice, free from bias towards any manufacturer or particular brand of paint.
Contact KB Inspections here.
Telephone: +44 7346 816288
E-mail: info@kbinspections.co.uk
Address: Plymouth, Devon, UK