KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE & COMPLIANT WITH CINDER SOLUTIONS
Fire Rated Coatings
Fire-rated coatings are specialized paints and coverings that protect building materials from fire by slowing flame spread, reducing heat transfer, and maintaining structural integrity for longer periods, allowing for safe evacuation and firefighting. They work actively, often by expanding into a thick char layer (intumescent) when heated, insulating the substrate like steel or wood from extreme temperatures, and providing crucial minutes or hours of protection.
Overview
Summary
Fire rated coatings are specially formulated paints or sprays designed to protect structural and service elements from fire. In construction and electrical environments, they are commonly applied to steelwork, cable trays, ducts, and other critical components. When exposed to high temperatures, these coatings react to slow heat transfer and help maintain the fire-resistance rating of the protected element.
Legal
The use of fire rated coatings is often required to meet building regulations, fire strategies, and insurance requirements. Proper specification and application ensure compliance with approved fire resistance periods and tested systems. Failure to install certified fire rated coatings can lead to non-compliance, increased liability, and costly remedial works following inspection or fire risk assessments.
Preventing
Fire rated coatings work by insulating the underlying material during a fire, delaying temperature rise and reducing the risk of structural collapse. This is especially important for steel, which can lose its load-bearing strength rapidly when exposed to heat. By slowing fire development and heat transfer, these coatings help contain fire within a compartment and prevent escalation.
Protecting
In electrical installations, fire rated coatings help protect cable trays, supports, and containment systems, reducing the risk of early failure during a fire. Maintaining the integrity of these systems is essential for life safety systems such as emergency lighting, alarms, and evacuation controls. Fire protection coatings help ensure these systems remain operational for as long as possible in emergency conditions.
Did you know?
Common Applications of Fire Rated Coatings
• Structural steel beams and columns
• Timber structures and surfaces
• Concrete elements
• Industrial and commercial buildings
Fire Rated Coatings plays a critical role in structural fire protection by:
• Delaying structural failure during a fire
• Maintaining building stability for longer
• Allowing occupants more time to escape safely
• Supporting fire-fighting operations
• Reducing the risk of progressive collapse
Fire Rated Coatings work by reacting to heat when exposed to fire. Depending on the type of coating used, they may:
• Expand (intumesce) to form a thick, insulating char layer
• Reduce heat transfer to the underlying structural element
• Protect steel from reaching critical temperatures
• Maintain fire resistance for tested durations (e.g. 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes)
Common Fire Stopping Applications
Fire Stopping plays a critical role in life safety and property protection by:
• Containing fire within a compartment
• Reducing the movement of smoke
• Allowing more time for occupants to escape safely
• Providing additional time for emergency services to respond
• Limiting structural damage
