Steel is one of the most common materials used in modern construction due to its strength, durability, and resistance to erosion.
However, steel can lose its strength when exposed to high temperatures during a fire. This can lead to the collapse of the building and pose significant risks to occupants and property. In this blog, we will explore the various methods and installation procedures for fireproofing a steel structure.
Importance of Fireproofing Steel Materials
Those unfamiliar with building construction might think steel is one of the most fireproof materials out there. However, while it is noncombustible, steel is not indestructible. This material reaches structural failure at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. As the average building fire burns at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the average fire will not necessarily melt steel—but it can weaken the material. When exposed to elevated temperatures, steel starts to deform and lose its signature strength and stability.
Fireproofing steel materials add an essential layer of protection to buildings, ensuring their structural strength in the event of a wildfire. Local building codes and regulations often mandate that structures meet specific fire safety standards. This is why implementing fireproofing strategies becomes a crucial step in helping buildings comply with these requirements and enhance their overall safety.
Government officials can halt construction projects completely if a structure does not pass fire safety inspections.
Different Methods of Steel Fireproofing
Fireproofing strategies are crucial to building design and construction, and as a result, there are many options available to ensure the safety and compliance of structures. Here are some of the common ways contractors and architects protect steel building materials:
Intumescent Paints and Coatings
The fire retardant paints and coatings are considered as the most modern and effective fire-resistant materials on the market. After a professional painter or contractor applies it to the different property assets, the paint provides passive fire protection until a fire event activates it. When the paint is exposed to flames and extreme heat, it will expand to provide a protective layer for whatever material it covers.
In the case of steel buildings, this protective layer absorbs the heat and flames that would usually cause the metal to start to melt. There are many types of intumescent paints. Some are formulated to protect certain materials, such as wood, stone, and steel. Be sure to use a fire-resistant coating made especially for the building you are designing.
Fireproof Boards
One of the more unique types of steel protection methods is using fireproof boards. These boards use fire-rated gypsum and other mineral materials to protect against flames. Like intumescent coatings, these boards prevent the spread of flames across the surface of a material. These boards have varying levels of thickness. Builders can fasten them to steel beams and other surfaces to provide protection.
Cementitious Fireproofing
Stone and mineral materials also come up in steel fireproofing. Similar to intumescent coatings, contractors can apply a cementitious material coating that also cushions steel from flames. These mixtures have various densities, which can lead to a thicker, less visually appealing coating. Cementitious mixtures are ideal for industrial applications.
Concrete has also been traditionally used for fireproofing efforts. Many contractors construct concrete columns to protect steel’s structural strength. This could involve surrounding the steel beams with a concrete shell or filling the beam with a concrete center. These natural materials provide more fire resistance and handle high temperatures better than steel.
Other Fire Safety Precautions for Steel Buildings
Alongside fireproofing materials, building designers should also put traditional fire safety technology in place in new buildings. For example, sprinklers, fire doors and windows, and other technology can help extinguish or contain a fire once it has been slowed by the materials above. The materials above are effective at preventing a fire’s spread for a certain amount of time, depending on the product.
These installations provide extra time for occupants to flee the building and authorities to arrive, but traditional fire safety technology can also help. Fire doors and windows can help contain the spread, and sprinklers can extinguish it completely. Every structure should have these modern fire safety appliances.
How to Install Fireproof Materials?
When working with fire-safe materials such as intumescent paints and coatings, it is crucial for your company to hire a reliable painter. If you do not have experienced painters on your staff, always consult a professional. Attempting to apply these paints yourself could lead to wasted resources or even put your health at risk.
Fireproof materials often utilize flame-dampening chemicals, which can pose health risks if you do not have the proper safety equipment during application. Additionally, without experience and insight into applying these materials, you could waste the coating itself or fail to apply it properly. This puts the future building and its occupants at risk because the fire safety measures may not be up to code.
Where to Find Steel Fireproofing Coatings?
If you are an architect or construction company looking for better ways to protect your steel structures, consider using intumescent paints from the fireproofing materials above. These fire-resistant paints can provide an extra layer of protection for any type of structure, including commercial buildings and industrial applications. Choose a paint that is specially designed for steel materials. You can find a variety of fire-resistant paints and coatings here at Firefree Coatings, Inc. Our experts can help you find the exact paint you need to add extra protection to your future building.
Conclusion
We hope this guide on everything you need to know about fireproofing a steel building has been informative and helpful for building owners and construction teams alike. Fireproofing any type of building material will help keep your occupants safe and protect your property from fire-related damage. If you are interested in learning more about fireproofing through intumescent paints, browse our website or contact our experts at Firefree Coatings, Inc. today. We can help match you with the safest paint for any type of application. We provide ASTM standard-testified fire retardant coatings to make your property less vulnerable to wildfire disasters.
