Interested in Intumescent Coatings Support?
We provide our intumescent coatings expertise around the entirety of the UK but have offices in the following locations.
Get in touch with our team for assistance on your next fire stopping project.
Intumescent Paint Contractors
Intumescent Paint Coating Contractors
Our highly skilled professionals specialise in applying intumescent paint coatings that provide crucial fire resistance to structural elements. Our meticulous attention to detail and adherence to industry standards ensure that your building is equipped with the highest level of fire protection. Trust us to deliver exceptional results and safeguard your property from the devastating effects of fire.
Intumescent Spray Fireproofing Services
Ark Fire Protection is a leading intumescent spray fireproofing contractor. We have many years of experience in the fire protection industry and have projects underway across the UK. We offer a comprehensive service which includes an initial survey, specification and design advice, supply and installation of products, and on-going maintenance. Our team of fully qualified and experienced staff are dedicated to providing a high quality service that meets the needs of our clients.
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive fire protection solution that meets the needs of our clients. In order to do this, we work closely with our clients to ensure that their specific requirements are met. We also offer a free, no-obligation quotation service so that you can be sure you are getting the best possible price for your fire protection needs. Contact a member of our team today to find out more about our services and how we can help you.
Intumescent Coatings For Steel
Ark Fire Protection are one of the specialists in fire protection services with one core focus – protecting people and buildings from fire. Intumescent coatings are used in conjunction with other fire protection elements to achieve Passive Fire Protection.
Ark Fire Protection can apply Intumescent Coatings to structural steel to ensure they are capable of withstanding high temperatures and ensure the structural stability of the building.
Intumescent Coatings for Fire Protection
Intumescent coatings for structural steels are a proven and effective method of protecting buildings from the risk of structural damage. All of the intumescent coatings used by Ark Fire Protection have been rigorously tested, meeting EU standards, giving confidence to our customers of advanced protection from fires which may cause threats to the structural elements of buildings.
Intumescent coatings, often referred to as reactive paint, reacts with the heat caused from a fire, specifically temperatures exceeding 120°C. When exposed to temperatures above this threshold, the paint will intumesce (swell) up to 50 times the thickness of the original paint forming a proactive, carbon layer which thermally insulates the steel for a set period of time. Depending on the coating, this is usually in the range of 30 – 120 minutes. This period allows people to be safely evacuated from the building and protects the very structure of a building before firefighters can extinguish the blaze.
Our Accreditations
When it comes to Passive Fire Protection, you need a company that you can rely on. Ark Fire Protection is proud to be accredited by the leading industry bodies – ensuring that we always meet the highest standards of quality and safety, and that our customers can always expect a first-class service.
We’re also ISO 9001 certified, meaning that our quality management systems are regularly audited and approved. So when you choose Ark Fire Protection, you can be confident that you’re making the best possible decision for your property.
Why Choose Ark Fire Protection?
All Intumescent and cementitious coating works are third party accredited, Health & Safety accredited and ISO 9001 quality assured.
Great projects start with great technology
Onetrace is a powerful cloud-based application that is supporting Ark Fire Protection to raise standards across the fire protection industry.
Providing Ark with one system to capture, monitor, review and report on all fire protection work being conducted in real time.
What is Critical Temperature?
During a fire the high temperatures reach can have a detrimental impact to the structural properties of steel. At 300°C the steel’s strength has already been compromised. When the temperature exceeds 400°C the structural strength of the steel has significantly decreased by 60%. A typical building fire reaches temperatures around 1000°C giving context to how immense heat impacts structural steel.
The critical temperature for structural steel typically ranges between 550°C – 650°C. At this critical temperature the structural steel will no longer be capable to support the weight of the building. Steels will start to distort and collapse.
- Intumescent coating on structural steel with primer underneath before being exposed to extreme heat over 120° degrees.
- Intumescent coating on structural steel after being exposed to extreme heat over 120° degrees.
When is Intumescent Paint Required?
Intumescent Coatings are applied to buildings to delay the spread of fire as outlined in the standards set by BS 476 Parts 20 – 23 1987. These coatings are categorised by time, such as “30 minutes”. Our intumescent paint systems are available for both steel and timber structures – and are often specified by building control authorities in the UK.
Experienced & Trusted Intumescent Paint Fireproofing
Here at Ark Fire Protection, we’ve been providing trusted intumescent paint installation services for years to a wide range of different clients. Our certified, highly-trained technicians have extensive experience in all aspects of fire protection, and are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible. From taking care of the initial consultation to applying the paint, we make sure that you’re safe and your property is protected from potential fires.
We understand that every situation is different and tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. We always use high-quality products and take great care when installing them correctly according to industry standards.
Cementitious Coatings
Cementitious fire protection is usually sprayed on successive layers of steel or concrete to protect from the devastating effects of fire and protecting the structural integrity of the building. Cementitious material is produced by mixing it with water to create a uniform slurry mix that is then pumped to a nozzle and sprayed directly onto the substrate. This helps reach all the hidden gaps for complete coverage.
How Do Cementitious Coatings Differs From Intumescent Coatings?
Cementitious coatings are similar to intumescent coatings however they do not produce black smoke, char or expand when exposed to fire. Cementitious coatings are relatively inexpensive and are extremely effective at withstanding high temperatures.
The Ark Intumescent Fire Protection Services Include...
- Intumescent Fire Protection for Steel
- Intumescent Fire Protection for Wood & Timber
- Soffit & Member Works to Car Parks
- Fire stopping for Walls & Floors
- On-site Thickness Checks & Certification
- Insulation to Roof Spaces
- Cavity Barriers to Ceiling Voids
- Timber Fire Protection
The two types of intumescent coatings, Soft Char and Hard Char
Soft char
Soft char intumescent paints generate a light char, which is a fantastic heat retardant. In the event of fire, water vapour (the hydrates), is released resulting in a cooling effect. Once all the vapour has been released, the remaining char will slow the heat transfer to the substrate. We use soft char intumescent paints primarily to protect structural steel internally.
Hard char
Hard char intumescent paints produce a harder char, which is another brilliant fire retardant. Harder chars are made with sodium silicates and graphite. These paints are mainly used for plastic pipe protection, however can be used for steel fireproofing.
What are the Benefits of Using Intumescent Coatings?
How Much Does Intumescent Paint Expand and Why is That Important for Fire Safety?
A thin-film coating of intumescent paint will expand at a rate of 50:1, whereas a thick-film coating expands at a rate of 5:1, as a general rule. This expansion generates a microporous carbonaceous foam that significantly slows down the heat flow from the fire to the surface beneath it. This buys valuable time for individuals to escape the building, or for firefighters to extinguish the blaze.
Intumescent coatings work by protecting steel surfaces from the high temperatures of fire. They act as an insulator, therefore keeping the structural integrity and shape of the steel as it should be; in turn, preserving the safety of the bulding that it is supporting. The application of intumescent coatings can be undertaken in multiple different ways. It can either be applied by hand or through spraying. We can apply intumescent coatings with leading applications such as the Putzmeister SP11 which will deliver a great finish.
Why Intumescent Coatings are Needed
1. Fire Protection: To provide passive fire protection by delaying the spread of fire and the collapse of structural elements. When exposed to high temperatures, these coatings expand and form an insulating char layer, which protects the substrate from heat.
2. Structural Integrity: Steel loses its strength and load-bearing capacity at high temperatures. Intumescent coatings help maintain the structural integrity of steel frames and components during a fire. By insulating the steel, these coatings provide critical extra time for evacuation and for firefighters to control the fire, potentially preventing collapse.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Building codes and fire safety regulations require the use of fire-resistant materials and coatings in construction. Intumescent coatings help builders and property owners comply with these standards.
Working With Leading Manufacturers
Intumescent Paint Contractors for a Range of Sectors
Our team at Ark Fire Protection have years of experience when it comes to intumescent paint contracting. Whether it’s for Commercial, New Builds, Healthcare (NHS), Student Accommodation, Industrial, Education, Residential, Facilities Management, Social Housing, or Insurance sector, we have the expertise and knowledge to provide high-quality intumescent paint application services.
Different sectors have unique requirements when it comes to fire protection, and our team understands the importance of tailoring solutions to meet these specific needs. We work closely with architects, contractors, and building owners to provide customised intumescent paint applications that comply with all relevant regulations and standards.
Intumescent Paint Frequently Asked Questions
What is intumescent paint?
Intumescent paint reacts when its temperature is, or exceeds, 120°C. This results in a soft charring effect at its surface (which insulates and reduces transmission of heat into the substrate) and the release of water vapour, which cools the substrate.
What does intumescent mean?
An intumescent is a substance that swells as a result of heat exposure, thus leading to an increase in volume and decrease in density. Intumescents are typically used in passive fire protection.