Intumescent paint is a modern material that many architects and builders use to strengthen their buildings against fire. Naturally, customers will have questions about any type of innovative material, so you may have questions about how long fire-resistant paints last or when you need to reapply them. Keep reading for a quick breakdown of some of the most frequently asked questions about intumescent paint timing and expirations.
How Long Does Fire-Resistant Paint Last?
Fire-resistant coatings have several different time ratings. If you want to know how long they last in terms of when they expire, the answer is different for every flame-protection product. Intumescent paints can last anywhere from five years to 50 years with the right care. Unopened intumescent materials can go even longer without expiring. In fact, some may not lose their flame-protection potency at all under the right conditions.
How Long Do Coatings Minimize Flame Spread?
Fire-resistant paint and coatings help minimize the spread of flames during a fire emergency. This helps provide extra time for a building’s occupants to evacuate and call emergency services. While this is what intumescent paints are known for, you may be wondering how much extra time they actually provide. Depending on the brand, the number of coats applied, and other factors, fire-resistant paints provide anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes of extra fire protection. Every formula is different, so ask your intumescent manufacturer for specific details.
How Often Should You Reapply Fire-Resistant Paint?
Like many other building materials, fire-resistant paint will experience wear and tear over the years. Over time, these coatings will naturally start to lose their potency and may require reapplication. To avoid having a low level of fire protection, experts recommend scheduling a reapplication of your fire-resistant coatings about every five years. Of course, this timeline will change depending on the type of intumescent paint you use, the number of coatings, the brand, and many other factors. For these reasons, it is always best to refer to your manufacturer’s reapplication recommendations.
Now that you know more about how long fire-resistant paints last, you can see why it’s so important to work with a professional intumescent company. If you’re looking for an intumescent paint that will last for a good while and provide long periods of fire protection, FireFree Inc. can provide 2-hour rated intumescent paints. FireFree Inc. will provide all the details on burn ratings, shelf life, reapplication schedules, and more.
