Fireproof painting of concrete
Although concrete itself is non-combustible and heats up slowly, structures made from it often contain components susceptible to ignition. That’s why proper fire protection is so important. This can be achieved with special fireproof coatings for concrete. How do they work, how are they applied, and when are they most crucial?
Fireproof painting of concrete – why is it important?
As mentioned earlier, concrete itself does not require fire protection. However, many construction techniques involve the use of reinforcements that contain materials susceptible to ignition. These include mats and adhesive tapes used to reinforce floors and other structural elements, improving their load-bearing capacity. The adhesives used in these materials typically have low fire resistance. To ensure an adequate level of safety for the building and its occupants, fireproof painting of concrete should be applied.
How to prepare concrete for fireproof painting?
Removal of old coatings
For fireproof paint to adhere properly to a concrete surface, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Any remnants of old coatings should be carefully removed.
Filling in gaps and defects
Chips, cracks, and gaps on the concrete surface can hinder the adhesion of fireproof paint. Therefore, all damage should be repaired before painting begins.
Surface leveling
Concrete painted with fireproof paint must be perfectly leveled. To ensure proper adhesion of the coating, the surface should be thoroughly sanded.
Removal of contaminants
To remove dust, grease, and other contaminants that hinder paint adhesion, the concrete surface should be washed using, for example, a pressure washer.
Fireproof painting of concrete and regulations
Fireproof painting of concrete is not only a way to ensure the safety of a building’s users and its contents—it’s also a step toward compliance with construction standards. This mainly refers to the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of April 12, 2002, on the technical conditions that buildings and their location must meet (Journal of Laws 2002 No. 75, item 690), which specifies, among other things, the fire resistance of various building components.
When is additional fire protection necessary?
Fireproof painting should be considered especially when a concrete structure includes bonded reinforcement elements. Such reinforcement negatively affects the fire resistance of concrete due to:
The presence of adhesives and epoxy resins – These materials can begin to soften or degrade at temperatures as low as 50°C, reducing the structural strength.
Susceptibility to high-temperature degradation – In case of fire, the fiberglass used in these types of reinforcements may lose rigidity, leading to a weakened structure and increased risk of collapse.
Fireproof painting of concrete – key methods
Spray painting
This method involves spraying the paint using specialized spray guns. Thanks to its high efficiency, it is ideal for covering large surfaces, such as industrial halls.
Fireproof painting of concrete – building safety
Concrete structures covered with fire retardant paint provide a much higher level of operational safety. By protecting fire-prone elements, such as glued reinforcements, fire retardant painting effectively reduces the risk of negative effects of fire.
Painting with a brush
Primarily used for hard-to-reach places, such as corners or wall edges. The brush also works great for details with unusual or irregular shapes.
Painting with a roller
A method characterized by high efficiency and ease of applying paint. It works primarily for painting large surfaces – ceilings, floors and walls.