Intumescent Fireproof Coatings; Their Uses and Applications

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the Spray-applied Fire Resistant Materials and intumescent mastic materials used to protect structural steel in commercial and industrial buildings and structures. Intumescent fireproofing materials are specifically discussed including the initial testing by UL, their listings, uses, applications and inspection in the field. Fireproofing materials are applied to structural steel of buildings and structures to insulate the structural steel in a fire to keep the steel from heating up, softening and thus loosing its strength and failing. The fireproofing acts to extend the amount of time a structure can resist a fire in order to stay up and allow people time to escape a fire and not collapse on the people that will hopefully come and put the fire out.