Fireproofing buildings has always been important.
However, with continued news headlines and more laws and guidelines surrounding appropriate building materials now in force, fireproofing buildings, starting with construction materials, is now vital.
If you’re looking for a structural steel partner you can trust, make sure to visit this page and chat with a member of our Morfab team for further information.
What is fireproofing in structural steel?
Required for a building’s safety and design specifications, all steel elements used in building construction can withstand high temperatures without compromising structural integrity; however, there are certain areas of protection to incorporate to improve and increase levels of fire resistance, which we want to look at further in this post.
For example, it’s important to pay particular attention to the fire resistance ratings that materials are now given.
Fire resistance ratings measure how long structural integrity can be upheld in rising temperatures, such as fires. Ultimately, how long can the structural steel used remain intact during a fire?
There are minimum fire resistance ratings and guidelines that all fabricators and design architects must adhere to in the planning and construction stages to ensure full compliance, and the requirements around this measurement will take into account local building codes, building use, type of construction, occupancy, etc.
Structural steel fireproofing
When steel is exposed to certain rising temperatures, structures can begin to weaken, and structural integrity can start to decline.
This means that for all fabrication steel is strong, durable, and recyclable; it must also be fireproofed.
The primary methods of protection include intumescent coatings, cementitious fireproofing, the use of fireproofing boards, and more, which we will look at in more depth below.
Steel fabrication near me
Intumescent
Aesthetically pleasing steel fabricators will often choose this type of fireproofing solution if they need to maintain the appearance of the steel.
When exposed to heat, this type of coating expands to form a thick insulating foam layer, protecting the steel structure underneath.
This advanced, water-based level of protection is applied in thin layers to expand in heat, offering a solvent-based textured finish. It is a flexible solution that is less sensitive to moisture and humidity and offers strong physical and mechanical properties. With the ability to withstand high levels of wear and tear, intumescent is an incredibly durable element.
Cementitious
A cement-based material (mixed with water), cementitious, is sprayed onto the steel to create a robust and effective coating.
This type of fireproofing coating is suitable for internal and external steel components.
Multiple layers must be applied to the steel, delaying the rate at which flames from a fire would affect the steel component.
It’s important to note that this type of coating appears bulkier in appearance and is a more industrial tool.
Note: Concrete fireproofing solutions take up more space and are not as aesthetically pleasing. However, it is suitable in areas and construction designs that aren’t intended for large volumes of people/activity.
Fire resistant boards
A popular solution (yet not the most cost-effective), fire-resistant boards are non-combustible and used to encase steel beams, including columns, in their entirety.
Fire boards are available in various depths/thicknesses to help create an additional barrier – a lifeline in emergencies.
Thought of as a flexible blanket system, boards of this caliber can be used for specific applications to offer a reliable buffer. They’re also easy to install, resistant to moisture, provide thermal insulation, and support acoustic control.
Before using any coating solution, make sure to prepare the surface of the steel and build in regular maintenance and inspection checks going forward, picking a fireproofing solution that meets your needs.
All components must meet building codes, and all products and structural steel components must be tested, quality checked, and certified to industry standards.
Benefits of fireproofing structural steel
- Lower insurance premiums as a higher level of protection has been provided.
- Reduces potential fire damage as layers of additional fireproofing have been created before it reaches main beams and steel structures.
- It provides confidence and peace of mind for both design architects and those occupying/using the building.
- Vital for building safety and meeting compliance codes and regulations.
- It is essential to ensure the integrity of a building remains intact, reducing the risk of collapse and improving the building/structure’s longevity.
- Provides extra time for people to escape a building in an emergency situation, protecting human life as well as the building.
- It prevents fires from spreading quickly as fireproofing solutions act as a barrier.
To learn more about “the advantages of using steel beams in construction,” click the link here.
Steel fabricators near me
When working with structural steel, you should always work with experienced, professional, and, most importantly, trusted teams.
Teams like Morfabrication.
We work with various types of structural steel and steel beams, and we take into account the conditions in which the steel is exposed to, the environment it is being used in, etc.
The construction industry is seeing more effective and sustainable fireproofing solutions becoming available to support more modern building designs.
To find out more about how we can support you, email your requirements to info@morfabrication.com, and we’ll be in touch.