Intumescent Fireprotective Coatings

Safeguard your employees and customers from disaster.

Fire protective coatings, also called intumescent coatings, are unique in combating fire. Fire protective coatings slow the spread of fire, allowing time for everyone to get out safely in the event of a disaster. A variety of means can achieve fire protective coating on steel and other surfaces, but one of the most effective ways is through intumescent fireproofing coatings.

What Is Intumescent Coating?

Intumescent coating is a type of industrial coating material that insulates steel substrates that are exposed to fire. When subjected to heat, these coatings increase in volume and decrease in density, forming a layer of charring that does not conduct heat. In this way, they slow the spread of fire while protecting the structure beneath the coating.

Some intumescent coatings also contain components such as graphite, hydrates and sodium silicates, which release water vapor when heated and produce a rapid cooling effect that strengthens the char.

Common Applications For Intumescent Fire Protective Coatings

Intumescent fire protective coating is used to protect the structural integrity of steel under extreme heat conditions. It is commonly used in petrochemical plants or refineries to preserve the structural steel that supports equipment and machinery.  

However, intumescent fire protective coatings have become increasingly popular in other sectors aside from those mentioned above. Typical structures that can benefit from intumescent coatings include:

  • Second floor or higher in buildings
  • Underground facilities
  • Parking garages
  • Buildings in close proximity to each other

Types Of Intumescent Coatings Services

There are essentially two types of intumescent fireproofing: hard char and soft char. They approach fireproofing in different ways and have different purposes, but both can help slow down the advance of an out-of-control fire.

Soft Char Intumescent Fire Protective Coatings

Soft char fire protective coating is often the most common commercial and industrial painting solution and the most visible type used. This is the best type of intumescent coating for steel. These types of intumescent are designed to expand in the presence of heat and produce a light char over an exposed surface. The soft char can keep a fire from heating the substrate, usually steel, to instability for as long as 30 minutes to over three and a half hours.

Hard Char Intumescent Fire Protective Coatings

On the other hand, hard char intumescents tend to be used inside areas like pipes. This is because they are designed to be more substantial than soft char variants. When exposed to heat, hard char intumescents melt and solidify into a hard substance similar to an epoxy that can create an impromptu firewall to prevent fire from traveling through pipes to other areas. Hard char intumescents also keep the pipes from bursting due to the heat.

Intumescent Coating Considerations

The downside to intumescent coatings is it is tough to apply. Proper application is the key to the effectiveness of fire-resistant coating for steel. Specific compatible, manufacturer-designated primers must be used, and multiple coats must be applied to achieve the proper fire rating. 

Improper application of intumescent coating for steel can lead to disasters. For this reason, you should always choose seasoned contractors to apply fire protective coating to your structures.

Why You Should Choose Raider Painting As Your Intumescent Fire Protective Coating Contractor

When you’re responsible for planning your fire prevention and management strategy, you should only choose a company with years of expertise in the industry. Intumescent fire protection is a tedious and highly technical process that only experienced professionals can master. Choosing subpar services means an increased risk in an already hazardous environment. 

Raider Painting is a company that has provided intumescent fire protective solutions for more than three decades. Our coatings services can withstand the worst commercial or industrial environments and can effectively prolong the service life of high-risk equipment. The entire team at Raider Painting is committed to providing the highest quality of services to all of our clients, and we always strive to exceed expectations with our intumescent coatings applications.

Ensure the safety of your employees, customers and structures from disaster by letting Raider Painting take care of your fire protection needs. Here are the top reasons why:

Expert Fire Protective Coating Application

At Raider Painting, our extensive product knowledge and hands-on experience ensure that your intumescent fire-resistant coatings for steel will work as intended. Thanks to our extensive experience in the industry, we have developed a thorough process in our intumescent coatings for steel applications. 

Our contractors initially inspect the structures in question to prepare them for the primer coat. We only use primers that are approved by manufacturers so adequate adhesion can be achieved. Next to priming the steel, we use multiple coats of intumescent coatings to accomplish the coating thickness required by the fire rating.

Committed Team From Start to Finish

Throughout the entire process, Raider Painting has a dedicated team that works closely with you every step of the way. From initial consultations to project completion, you can always expect a member of our team to answer your questions and aid in fixing whatever issue that might come to light. Our customer service department is something that we are proud of, and we have consistently given our clients superior support during their projects with our company.

Long History of Accomplishments

Being accomplished professionals for nearly 40 years in operation, we have served countless establishments and facilities all over the country. We are proud to say that we helped our clients achieve their goals through our tailored solutions.

But don’t take our word for it! Instead, read our case studies and client testimonials.

Contact Raider Painting Today!

Intumescent coatings for steel and other surfaces serves as excellent barriers to the spread of devastating fire and can play a critical role in saving lives as well as structures. Raider Painting can provide complete capabilities for these, from inspection, application and even clean up. 

Our team of expert intumescent coating contractors can help you bring a higher level of safety to your building. Click here to learn about our full range of services, then get in touch with us to request a free estimate for your project.

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