Fire safety is imperative in any environment, and industrial settings are no exception. Whether it’s handling combustible materials or storing hazardous chemicals, a fire can spell disaster for any industrial facility.
That’s where intumescent coatings come in. This proactive fire safety solution is designed to protect structures from extreme heat, helping your facility maintain structural integrity in case of fire.
At Brush Brothers Industrial Services, we’re proud to offer intumescent coatings to commercial and industrial facilities, helping to protect them from dangerous fires. Keep reading to learn more about how intumescent coatings work, who can benefit from them, and the role of professional coating services.
What Are Intumescent Coatings?
Intumescent coatings are specialized fire-retardant coatings that expand when exposed to extreme heat, expanding into a thick, insulating char layer and slowing the heating of structural steel or substrates.
Without an intumescent coating, steel can lose its strength within minutes in a fire, leading to catastrophic collapses and endangering everyone inside. That’s why the passive fire protection of intumescent coatings is so valuable — it helps structures maintain their integrity and gives workers extra time to evacuate.
Intumescent coatings are commonly used in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and warehouses, as well as steel structures.
Benefits of Intumescent Coatings for Fire Safety
Now that you know how intumescent coatings work, let’s take a closer look at their benefits.
Extended Evacuation Time
Like we mentioned before, by providing a barrier against heat, intumescent coatings protect structural components from the flames, giving occupants and workers additional time to escape safely. Those extra minutes could mean the difference between life and death.
Maintained Structural Stability
Intumescent coatings help delay or prevent the collapse of steel-framed buildings. Not only does this mean your building has a greater chance of being saved, but it also reduces the risk to firefighters and emergency personnel.
Compliance with Fire Safety Standards
Intumescent coatings can also help you comply with fire safety standards. They’re often tested and rated for specific fire resistance times — 30, 60, or even 120 minutes. They can be a valuable tool for meeting building codes and insurance requirements.
Versatility and Aesthetics
Intumescent coatings aren’t just for steel; they can also be applied to wood and concrete. This makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and architectural applications. Plus, they’re thin enough that they can be painted over, allowing for design flexibility and customized aesthetics.
Industries and Applications That Benefit Most
The industries and applications that can benefit the most from the fire safety provided by intumescent coatings include:
- Industrial plants and warehouses with heavy machinery
- Chemical plants that handle combustible materials
- Oil and gas facilities
- Commercial buildings and high-rises
- Public infrastructure, such as airports, stadiums, and transit hubs
- Data centers and facilities that house sensitive equipment
Intumescent Coatings vs. Other Fire Protection Methods
Intumescent coatings aren’t the only way to protect your facility from a destructive fire. Spray-applied fire-resistive materials (commonly referred to as SFRMs) offer similar protection; however, they have a thick, bumpy appearance. Plus, they can flake or crack over time, leaving surfaces vulnerable to corrosion.
Concrete encasement is another fireproofing method. Because it isn’t combustible, covering pipes or structures in a layer of concrete can protect them from flames. Fireproof boards can be used in much the same way.
Intumescent coatings are less bulky than any of the other options, easier to apply, and more aesthetically pleasing, making them the superior choice for fire safety in many situations.
Considerations for Using Intumescent Coatings
If you decide to use intumescent coatings to protect your structure from fire, it’s important to seek professional application. Working with the pros is the best way to ensure proper coverage and maximize the coating’s performance. You’ll also need to seek regular inspections and maintenance to make sure everything remains effective.
Improve Fire Safety with Brush Brothers Industrial Services
Intumescent coatings are a priceless addition to a wide range of industrial and commercial spaces, offering enhanced fire safety by slowing heat transfer, protecting structural integrity, and giving more time to evacuate.
If you’re developing a fire prevention strategy for your business, consider intumescent coatings from Brush Brothers Industrial Services. Contact us today to learn more information or schedule a consultation with our expert team.