In the construction industry, commonly available fireproofing coatings are generally divided into three main groups:
– Mineral coatings
– Insulating and expanding paints
– Fire resistant boards
Imen Datis Asia » articles » What is fireproof coating? Checking the types of fireproof coating
Fireproof coating is a protective shield for structures against fire, which is used to increase the resistance of building structures against fire., which are more accurately known as “fire resistant coatings”, one of the main pillars of safety and retrofitting of tall buildings with They are metal structures. The main purpose of using these covers is to prevent buildings from collapsing during a fire.
To clarify the importance of these covers, we can refer to this example:
Suppose a commercial complex is being built in which fireproof coatings are not used. In the event of a fire, the temperature quickly reaches 500 degrees Celsius within a few minutes, and the metal pillars of the building lose their resistance and begin to bend.
In such a situation, due to the lack of fire-resistant coverings, people in the complex have very little time to leave. But if this complex is equipped with fireproof covers, this time will increase to about two hours, and the safety and evacuation operations will be more successful.
Due to their variety and wide application, these devices help engineers working in industries to achieve their final goals.
Imen Datis Asia Technical and Engineering Company is one of the top providers of fire alarm and extinguishing equipment, all types of fire fighting and water supply pumps, etc. in the country, with the aim of increasing safety and protecting people’s lives and property.
A fire is a terrible nightmare that can happen at any moment and cause irreparable loss of life and money. To deal with this latent danger, it is necessary to use fireproof insulation. These insulators act as a defensive shield and by creating a barrier against the heat of the flames, they help maintain the strength of the structure and provide more time for people to escape.
Fireproof insulators play an important role by delaying the destruction of the structure until the firemen arrive. This delay, even if it is only a few minutes, can save many lives.
Considering that today the main focus in the construction industry is on increasing safety, the use of these insulations is one of the first effective measures in this direction. Every person active in the construction field has the duty to pay attention to the safety aspects of their structures. For this reason, the implementation of these types of covers is considered a human and necessary task.
Fireproof coatings prevent heat from penetrating the building frame during a fire and can last from a few minutes to a few hours (depending on the type of coating). Therefore, if there is a fire in a building, the presence of these insulators can help the trapped people. However, it should be noted that the use of these covers alone is not enough and the presence of fire extinguishing systems is also necessary.
So far, we have generally learned about fireproof coatings, but we must be careful that the implementation of these coatings in small residential buildings (one and two stories) is not necessary, unless that building is built under a very large building with many floors. In general, the main application of fireproof coatings is mostly in the following cases:
– Commercial buildings and arcades
– Residential buildings with a large number of units
– Marine structures such as oil platforms and ships
– Refineries and petrochemicals
– Roof and wall of tunnels
– Underground mines
– Production units and factories
– Large warehouses for storing goods
– Industrial sheds
– and…
The risk of fire in these places is much higher than in other places. For this reason, it is necessary to use fireproof coatings in these cases. Although these covers can be implemented in smaller structures, but places where the risk of fire is higher should be prioritized. Therefore, if you know a structure in which activities are carried out that increase the possibility of fire, do not forget the importance of implementing fireproofing in it.
In the construction industry, commonly available fireproofing coatings are generally divided into three main groups:
– Mineral coatings
– Insulating and expanding paints
– Fire resistant boards
These coating materials are divided into two categories: gypsum and cement, each of which is combined with insulating compounds and special additives and is marketed as two types of insulation with a gypsum base and a cement base.
It should be noted that insulating coverings with a plaster base have limitations in their use; But their type of cement base is accessible and usable in almost all cases. These coatings are usually applied on structures in thicknesses between fifteen and thirty millimeters.
Among the advantages of this type of coating, we can point out its simplicity of implementation, which does not require a specialized team and is implemented similar to plastering in buildings. Also, its reasonable price is another advantage of these mineral insulation coatings.
Another important advantage of using these insulations is the reduction of project time, because by implementing this type of insulation, two operations of insulation and removal of plaster and soil are performed simultaneously, which also reduces the cost of projects. In addition, unlike many insulators, these coatings will not undergo any physical or chemical changes over time and are resistant to corrosion. Also, if the building is destroyed and repaired, this insulation can be restored and the integrity of the surface is achieved again.
It is worth mentioning that these types of fireproof coatings can be used in residential buildings that are being inhabited. In addition to not burning in fire, they also protect materials and equipment behind them, such as metal structures and electric cables.
One of the key features of these insulations is integrity after implementation. Unlike fireproof boards that may have gaps, this type of coating does not create thermal gaps due to its mortar and ensures proper performance during fire.
Considering that this product is completely natural and mineral, it does not cause any environmental pollution and easily returns to nature. Also, it does not cause breathing problems for workers and provides proper breathing safety.
In the end, although the unsightly appearance and relatively high thickness may be the disadvantages of these coatings, these disadvantages can be overlooked due to the many advantages.
Fireproof paints are produced using advanced technology. These types of fire-resistant coatings, which are used to protect metal structures and cables during fire, are divided into two categories:
Fire retardant coatings
Insulating paints act as a kind of fire retardant. These coatings act as a heat-absorbing agent and reduce the speed of fire progress and the amount of damage to cables and metal structures.
Fireproof coatings
Fire-resistant paints used on metal structures prevent the metal from heating up and causing serious damage in the event of a fire by puffing and creating an insulating layer against heat.
These fireproof paints are sprayed on surfaces using airless sprayers in multiple layers with a very low thickness (about 250 microns) to reach the desired thickness, which is usually between 3 and 5 mm.
The strength of the foaming paints compared to other fireproof materials is that they are decorative and require very little space. Also, the speed and ease of implementing these fireproof protective coatings can be done easily and with different tools after preparing the surface. Among the weaknesses of these coatings, we can mention their relatively high price, which seems reasonable considering the advanced technology used to produce this type of insulation. It is worth noting that currently only one type of expandable fireproof paint has been approved by the fire department in Iran.
Fire-resistant boards are produced by pressing a combination of special resins or ceramic fibers and similar in the form of sheets, which are available in thicknesses of 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm. These types of boards are widely used and are considered to be the fastest method for fireproofing and protecting buildings.
The use of fireproof boards is considered to be one of the fastest ways to protect the building. In terms of cost, these types of covers are considered as an economic option; But it should be noted that board-shaped insulators are not easily applicable on poles and their repair is usually associated with challenges.
Fireproof plaster base coating
Gypsum-based fireproof coatings are similar to cement-based coatings, but they are offered with slight differences and spray coatings are used to implement them. Of course, it should be noted that spraying this type of coating requires expertise and not every person can effectively apply it to the surface.
Fire retardant paints
Fire retardant paints form a thinner film on surfaces (on the order of microns) and when exposed to extreme heat, they swell slightly and form a charred structure. This charcoal structure prevents the transfer of heat to the underlying layers. Fire resistant paints are usually more expensive than plaster and cement based coatings.
Fireproof plates
Fireproof plates are structurally similar to electric cable ducts and are considered as the most expensive type of fireproof coverings. These plates are installed on surfaces in thicknesses of 10 to 25 mm and are known as the easiest and fastest insulation that can be applied on surfaces.
A combination of mineral-based fireproof coatings and fireproof paints are usually used in buildings.
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Roof implementation operation before retrofitting
The stability and maintenance of walls, columns, roofs and other building components in fire conditions is one of the vital principles of structural safety. For this purpose, special standards have been developed for the safety of structures. In this regard, the properties of materials, their resistance and their use in different structures and against fire are evaluated based on a set of standards and in various conditions and applications.
To collect and compile these standards, fireproof materials and coatings are exposed to fire under strict control and for a certain period of time. As a result, the performance of materials and their components is evaluated based on the level of fire resistance as well as comparing the behavior of these materials before reaching the first critical point.
Finally, a report on the behavior and resistance of each material against fire is prepared and presented. These methods are known as standard fire tests, and their effectiveness is determined based on the duration of time these materials can withstand fire. These standards are approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Fire Authority.
Some of these standards are as follows:
– UL 263 standard
– UL 723 standard
– ASTM E736 standard
– ASTM E605 standard
– UL 1709 standard
The use of fireproof coatings is not only essential in fire control, but also brings several benefits, including:
Reducing costs due to fire: By increasing the resistance of the structure against fire and reducing possible damages, the costs related to reconstruction and repairs are significantly reduced.
Compliance with laws and regulations: In many countries and building standards, the use of fireproof coatings is required for certain structures.
Creating a safer environment for residents and employees: By increasing the level of fire safety, more peace of mind and security is provided to people in the building.
Longevity: Many fireproof coatings are highly durable and require little maintenance.
Imen Datis Asia Company, as a company approved by the fire department, in addition to consulting in order to obtain fire department approval, is an importer and supplier of all types of fire equipment, including fire pumps, fire valves, fire alarm and extinguishing equipment, and all types of fire sprinklers. It is one of the best and most reliable domestic and foreign brands.
For more information and price inquiries, please contact our experts.
Choosing the right fireproof insulation depends on various factors, including the type of structure, the materials used, the severity and type of fire risk, and legal requirements. For the optimal choice, it is suggested to use the advice of experts and fire engineers.
Finally, it should be noted that the use of fireproof insulation is an important step in ensuring the safety of the residents of the building, as well as the preservation of valuable assets. By choosing and installing these insulations correctly, you can be sure of the safety of yourself and your loved ones against fire hazards.
Fireproof, also known as fireproof, refers to a group of methods and materials that are used to increase the resistance of building materials against fire. The main purpose of fireproofing is to provide enough time to control the fire, safely evacuate the residents and prevent the fire from spreading to other floors and structures.
A fire can cause significant human and financial losses. According to the statistics provided by the fire department, financial losses caused by fire have increased significantly in recent years. Implementing firewalling can significantly reduce these risks.
There are several methods for fireproofing structures, the choice of which depends on the type of structure, materials used, and environmental conditions. Some common methods include:
Imen Datis Asia Company is recognized as one of the top companies in the private sector in the field of safety and fire fighting, relying on modern knowledge, continuous activity and the cooperation of highly specialized forces. This group is always trying to continuously and dynamically expand the safety and firefighting infrastructure of our beloved country Iran and take great steps in order to achieve goals such as the development and industrialization of new technologies.