General Information and FAQ
What is Fireproofing
As an integral part of the life safety considerations implemented in new construction projects, fireproofing of structural steel and building assemblies is a requirement in most modern commercial buildings. Fire protection of steel is shown in hourly ratings generally 1 Hr, 2 Hr, 3 Hr & 4 Hr, representing the length of time the protected member is designed to withstand the heat of a building fire before losing integrity as determined by laboratory testing. Hourly ratings are achieved by encasing the steel in materials specifically designed to slow the heat transfer from a fire, fireproofing coatings must be applied to a specified thickness as determined by the required hourly rating, the size of the steel member and the product being used.
United Spray provides a wide range of fireproofing services and can provide complete turnkey fireproofing solutions for projects of all sizes. Our estimators work with our clients to ensure that the proper UL designs are selected based on project conditions and requirements while looking to identify value engineer options to reduce cost while maintaining code compliance and quality. Our teams of professional installers have decades of experience working on large and high-profile projects and work closely with general contractors and other subcontractors to insure a smooth installation. After installation United Spray can provide maintenance patching to ensure that buildings do not fall out of compliance.
Types of Fireproofing
Applied Fireproofing
Installed as a wet mix or dry mix application, this is perhaps the most common form of fireproofing found in new building construction today. Generally the most cost effective option this product is generally used in concealed locations where aesthetics are not a concern.
Intumescent Coating
Intumescent Coating provide a wide range of benefits, most notably a clean aesthetic finish that can be seamlessly incorporated into any high end space. With options that allow for exterior grade finishes that will hold up to weather this product line offers a high end look while keeping the building in compliance.
Board Fireproofing
Board Fireproofing is generally found in areas where the overtime dusting or flaking of traditional fireproofing could present a hazard. Commonly used in industrial and manufacturing facilities, this fireproofing option also has no temperature requirements for installation for areas where environmental controls are not an option.
Fire Rating Requirements
Fire-Resistance Ratings for Structural Members are generally governed by IBC section 704, rating requirements for the primary structural frame is based on construction type as defined in Table 601
Why do I Need Fireproofing
Fireproofing preserves steel structures for a given period in case of high-temperature rises that occur during fire event. Maintaining structural integrity of a building for a longer period provides extra time for occupants to leave the premises and minimizing overall fire damage in a building.
Common Fireproofing Products
Commercial Density / Low Density
- CAFCO® BLAZE-SHIELD® II
- CAFCO® BLAZE-SHIELD® II HS
- CAFCO® 300
- CAFCO® 300 HS
Medium Density
- CAFCO® BLAZE-SHIELD ® HP
- CAFCO® 400
- CAFCO® 400 AC
- MONOKOTE® MK-6s
- MONOKOTE® MK-6 HY
- MONOKOTE® MK-10 HB
- MONOKOTE® Z-106/HY®
High Density
- CAFCO® FENDOLITE® M-II & TG
Intumescent Coating
- CAFCO® SprayFilm® WB 3
- CAFCO® SprayFilm® WB 4
- CAFCO® SprayFilm® WB 5
- HILTI® Fire Finish 120+
- CARBOLINE®Thermo-Lag E100S
Board Fireproofing
- ISOLATEK®CAFCO-BOARD®