Intumescent coatings are passive fire protections that residential and commercial buildings use. If you are looking for ways to protect your building from interior or exterior fire threats, consider applying the right type of intumescent paint for your property. Keep reading to learn more about these products and understand the different types of intumescent coatings.
Water-Based Intumescent Coating
Water-based intumescent coatings are some of the most popular fire-protective materials for indoor use. Because they are water-based, they are more eco-friendly and produce less of a chemical odor than other types of coatings. However, their water-based nature also makes them less tolerant to humidity and moisture, which means they take longer to cure in humid environments. Still, if you want to stretch your construction budget, water-based coatings are less expensive than others. This makes water-based coatings ideal for businesses with smaller budgets.
Solvent-Based Intumescent Coating
Solvent-based coatings are the next step up from water-based options. If you need an outdoor coating option, solvent-based coatings are ideal. Manufacturers test solvent-based coatings against weather, temperature, and other harsh conditions to make sure they stand up for exterior use. This means they are also more resilient to humid climates, so they cure faster and work more efficiently in these environments. These coatings are best in semi-exposed environments to last their longest and work most effectively during a fire.
Epoxy-Based Intumescent Coating
Epoxy-based intumescent paints are more resilient than water- and solvent-based coatings, which means they are ideal for more than just outdoor use. Epoxy-based coatings also have increased resistance to corrosion and other extreme conditions, making them perfect for many high-pressure industries. For example, these coatings are common for protection in marine industries and chemical manufacturing due to their hydrocarbon fire protection. Manufacturers commonly use epoxy-based coatings for steel beams to protect industrial structures from structural damage during fires.
Whether you are a contractor, builder, homeowner, or business owner, understanding the different types of intumescent coatings helps you decide which one would be best for your applications. You can learn more about these products by browsing our 2-hour rated intumescent paints and more at Firefree Inc. We provide interior and exterior fire protection coatings for homes, businesses, and more.
