Steel structures are widely used in the construction industry. This is because they have remarkable strength and design flexibility. In the event of a fire, however, steel can quickly lose its mechanical properties, which can unfortunately lead to catastrophic consequences. This is why fire protection painting of structures is such an important element to ensure the safety of buildings.
What is fireproof painting of steel structures?
Fire protection painting of structures is a very important process during which special protective paints are applied. Their purpose is to increase the resistance of the steel to high temperatures. Their application creates a protective layer on the surface of the steel, which effectively insulates the metal from the fire and slows down its heating. This makes the steel structure longer able to maintain its load-bearing properties, which is essential in the event of a fire.
Fire protection paints used in this process contain special chemicals. These work by reacting with heat to cause them to expand and then form an insulating coating. Different types of such paints are available, including water-based, epoxy, acrylic or intumescent (swelling) paints. Each has its own specific properties and purpose.
Fireproofing steel – what are the benefits?
The purpose of protecting steel against fire with fire protection paints is to extend the time during which a steel structure can withstand high temperatures. In practice, this means that if a fire does occur, the steel structure will last longer than normal, so that it is not immediately damaged. This provides time for evacuation as well as intervention by the emergency services.
But that’s not all, as fireproofing the structure can also have a positive effect on the aesthetics of the building. This is because the modern paints available on the market are also weather-resistant. As a result, the steel structure retains its appearance for a longer period of time.
How long does fire protection last?
Myths around the performance of fire-retardant paints have arisen – one of which is that it is impossible for a layer of this type of specificity to cope with a fire. Namely – a layer of fire-retardant paint is not enough to make a steel structure fully protected against fire for the life of the building.
This is the prevailing belief, while the reality is more complicated. It cannot be said that it is not, but the duration of protection depends on various factors, such as the thickness of the coating, the type of paint, weather conditions or the way the building is used. RS-MAL, for example, divides such work into several stages. It all starts with an on-site visit to the specific project, which allows the scope of the work to be assessed, as well as its feasibility. On this basis, the appropriate type of paint is selected. It is also extremely important to talk to the client in order to present the technology in which the service will be performed.
In addition, it is worth remembering to carry out a regular review of the condition of the fire protection and to renew it if necessary.
What are some other popular myths about fireproof painting?
There are other myths in the common consciousness about fireproof painting. Let’s get to know them!
- One of them is that this type of painting completely eliminates the risk of damage to the steel structure in a fire. This is not true. Although fire protection paints are effective in slowing down the heating process of steel, they do not provide 100% protection against high temperatures. This happens if the fire operates for too long, which will lead to the steel eventually being damaged.
- Another myth refers to the fact that all fire protection paints are the same. The opposite is true, as they differ in their properties depending on their chemical composition and purpose.
- There is also a persistent belief that fire protection painting is expensive and time-consuming. On the one hand, the initial cost of fire protection paints can be higher than for traditional painting, but on the other hand, such an investment pays off in the long term.
So we can see that facts and myths are of great importance when thinking about fire protection painting, especially when it comes to the resistance of steel structures. In the article above, we have dispelled the most important doubts and presented proven information!
