INTUMESCENT Coating

What is Intumescent Fireproofing?

Intumescent fire-resistant materials (IFRM), known as intumescent coatings or intumescent paint, provide highly effective passive fire protection. They are applied in thin layers to substrate materials such as steel, wood, drywall or concrete and blend flawlessly into existing architecture while supporting structural integrity and occupant safety in the case of a devastating fire.

Definition of Intumescent Coatings 

An intumescent coating is a coating that is specially formulated to protect vulnerable and flammable substrates. When in its natural state, intumescent coatings look smooth—just like most other paints. However, when exposed to heat or flames, it quickly expands and forms a char that reduces the transfer of heat from the fire to the underlying substrate, thereby acting as an insulating layer and delaying the time it takes for the structure to fail.

The Purpose of Intumescent Coatings

When load-bearing materials in a building are exposed to flames, they will collapse, potentially leading to devastating damage and loss of life—unless the substrate is protected with a fireproof coating to stave off the flames as long as possible.

The purpose of intumescent coatings is to slow the spread of a building fire, allowing more time for occupants to escape and for first responders to extinguish the fire. Additionally, intumescent coating helps prevent damage and protect the structural integrity of the building itself during an emergency.

Typical Intumescent Coating Lifespan

The lifespan of intumescent coatings depends on several factors, such as the quality of the intumescent product, whether the intumescent coating is exposed to the elements, and how well it is applied. Typically, when maintained appropriately, intumescent coatings can last for several years or even a few decades before they need to be reapplied.

Ingredients Commonly Found in Intumescent Coatings

There are several ingredients in intumescent paint that are responsible for giving the coating its notable fireproofing benefits. While each brand or product will differ, common ingredients include ammonium polyphosphate, melamine, pentaerythritol and titanium dioxide.

Types of Intumescent Coatings 

Intumescent coatings are available in three main forms: water-based, solvent-based and epoxy-based.

While water-based intumescent products offer a smoother, more attractive finish, solvent-based intumescent materials are less sensitive to moisture, humidity and temperatures. Epoxy-based intumescent coatings offer advanced durability and extremely strong physical and mechanical properties, making them ideal for areas exposed to high levels of wear and tear or extreme weather.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Intumescent Fireproof Coating 

The cost of intumescent fireproof coating is based on factors such as the substrate material, the size of the area to be coated, the quality of the product, the cost of labor and how the coating is applied.

When compared to other fireproof coatings like cementitious coatings, the initial price of intumescent paint may be higher. However, cementitious coatings require more coats and therefore increased labor costs. In many cases, intumescent coatings turn out to be the more affordable option.