Intumescent Coatings Intumescent Coatings for Structural Fire Protection Tested intumescent paint systems for structural steel, timber and concrete. Fire ratings from 30 to 120 minutes, DFT verified and inspection ready from day one. Our Case Studies Request a Quote What are Intumescent Coatings? Intumescent coatings are specialist paint systems designed to protect structural elements from fire. Under normal conditions, the coating sits as a thin film on the surface of the steel. When exposed to high temperatures, the coating reacts chemically and expands to form a thick, insulating char layer. This char acts as a thermal barrier, slowing the rate at which heat reaches the steel and extending the time before the structure reaches its critical failure temperature. Intumescent coatings can provide fire ratings from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes, depending on the product system, the steel section factor and the required fire resistance period specified in the fire strategy. They are suitable for both internal and external applications, with water-based, solvent-based and hybrid systems available to suit different environmental conditions and project requirements. Products we use Tested systems from industry leading manufacturers We work exclusively with the UK’s most trusted passive fire protection manufacturers. Every product we install is third-party tested, fully certified and matched precisely to the tested detail your project requires. What We Do We deliver a fully managed intumescent coating service covering every stage from specification review through to application, inspection and handover. Specification & Section Factor Review: Before any coating is applied, we carry out a detailed review of the structural steel schedule, the fire strategy, environmental catagory and the specified fire resistance period. We verify the section factor (Hp/A) for each steel member against the manufacturer’s published data to ensure the correct product system and dry film thickness (DFT) is specified for every beam, column and connection. Getting this wrong is one of the most common, and most costly, errors in intumescent coating projects. An incorrect section factor means the wrong DFT, which means the steel is either under-protected or over-specified, both of which create problems at inspection. On-Site Application: Our applicators are trained and certified to apply intumescent coating systems from the UK’s leading manufacturers including Sherwin-Williams, Jotun, Nullifire and PPG. We are capable of preparing steel surfaces to the required standard, apply primer, intumescent basecoat and sealer coat in accordance with the manufacturer’s tested specification, and monitor wet and dry film thickness throughout the application process. We work around other trades on site, coordinating access and phasing to ensure the coating programme does not disrupt the wider build schedule. We cover the full range of on-site applications including primary and secondary steelwork, cellular beams, castellated sections, plate girders, hollow sections and complex connection details. Where steel is located at height, in confined spaces or in areas with limited access, we plan the methodology accordingly and ensure safe, compliant application regardless of the site conditions. What We Do DFT Inspection & Quality Assurance: Every coating we apply is subject to rigorous dry film thickness inspection. We take DFT readings across every coated member using calibrated gauges and record the results against the steel schedule and the manufacturer’s required thickness for the specified section factor and fire rating. Our inspection records cross-reference each member against the loading specification, ensuring that every piece of steel on the project has been coated to the correct standard, not just visually, but verified by measurable data. Documentation & Handover: On completion, we provide a full handover package including DFT inspection records for every coated member, product batch numbers, test references, application conditions and photographic evidence. Our documentation is prepared to satisfy building control, third-party fire engineers and Gateway sign-off, giving you a complete audit trail from specification through to final inspection. Remedial & Maintenance Coatings: We also carry out remedial works where existing coatings have been damaged during construction, where previous applications have failed inspection or where coatings have degraded over time. We assess the extent of the deficiency, prepare a remedial scope and carry out the work to the same certified standard as any new application. Request a Quote Frequently Asked Questions What fire ratings can intumescent coatings achieve? Intumescent coatings can provide fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes, depending on the product system, the steel section factor, and the fire strategy requirements. We work with you and the fire engineer to ensure the correct specification is applied. How do you verify the coating thickness? We use calibrated dry film thickness (DFT) gauges to measure the coating on every steel element. Readings are recorded per member and included in the handover documentation. Any areas below specification are rectified before sign-off. Can intumescent coatings be applied externally? Yes. We apply both water-based and solvent-based intumescent systems. Solvent-based coatings are typically specified for external or semi-exposed applications where greater durability and weather resistance are required. Do you work with specific intumescent coating manufacturers? We work with industry-leading manufacturers including Nullifire, Sherwin-Williams, Jotun and Carboline. The product system is selected based on the tested specification, fire rating requirement, and environmental conditions of each project. Contact