Fire Protection

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Intumescent Paint – Definition, Benefits, and Application

  • By Jason Adam
  • 18 Jan, 2018

What is intumescent paint?

Intumescent, or fire resistant, paint is a coat of liquid that can be applied or sprayed onto the structural members of a building to increase the structure’s firefighting capacity. It is classified as a method of passive fire protection

These paints work by swelling and expanding in the presence of heat and developing a charred surface,which protects the substrate inside from the adverse effects of direct exposure to fire.

The expansion process takes place due to the presence of certain heat-sensitive chemicals which are suspended in the paint using binders.

When a direct source of heat is applied, the binder gives way, exposing the chemicals to the flames. These substances then under go a vigorous reaction which releases gasses and the entire body of paint expands and swells up.

The sudden increase in the volume and subsequent decrease in the density of the intumescent paint slows down the heating of the substrate inside, increasing its fire rating and preventing it from melting.

Through proper applications, fire ratings of 2+ hours have been achieved for steel members, and 30+ minutes for timber beams, giving the building’s residents an ample amount of time to escape safely.
intumescent paint

What are its benefits?

Intumescent paints have 5 great benefits


  • They act as an insulator, preventing the structural member from coming into direct contact with the fire. This greatly enhances the firefighting capabilities of a structure and makes it safer for use.
  •  The paint comes in a wide variety of different finishes, such as matte, glossy, and colored, allowing clients to add an aesthetically pleasing finish to steel structures without the need for any glass or fiber.
  • While the application of intumescent paint does need to be monitored carefully, it doesn’t require any particular maintenance once it has dried.
  • It’s excellent for use in refurbishment projects since the original rustic feel of the metal can be preserved, while enhancing its structural capabilities.
  • The paint can be used on a wide variety of materials such as metal, wood, concrete, stone, bricks, plaster, and fiberboard.

How is it applied?

The application is done using a three-step process:

  •  First, a primer is applied to the substrate. This primer must be compatible with the element it is being sprayed upon. For example, a product meant for use on wood won’t have the same effect on steel or concrete.

  • Next, the base coat is applied, which will provide the primary protection in case of a fire. The base coat contains the heat-sensitive chemicals mentioned earlier in this post.

  • Finally, a decorative topcoat is added to seal in the primer and base coat, and to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to the structure.

By Jason Adam 08 Mar, 2018

The recent blaze in the Grenfell Tower, UK, was just another gruesome reminder of the immense damage fires can cause, with 72 people killed, 70 left injured, and hundreds displaced from their homes.

The worst part is that the Grenfell Tower fire, like so many other high-rise blazes before it, would have been avoidable if proper measures had been taken at the time of the building’s construction.

According to official reports, the tragedy happened because a small fire accidentally broke out in an electrical appliance on the fourth floor. The rapid spread of flames was assisted by the structure’s external claddingwhich hadn’t been designed for proper fire safety regulations, and the entire building was soon engulfed.

The blaze burnt continuously for around 60 hours before firefighters finally brought it under control.

On-going enquiries into the incident have confirmed that the insulation used between the external cladding and the aluminium structure was to blame for the spread of fire.

According to fire safety experts, the insulation hadn’t been designed for use with non-combustible cladding, and the material practically ‘lit up like a matchstick’ the second it came into contact with the flames.

More information will come out as the enquiry delves deeper into the matter, but the Grenfell tragedy has already brought light to the very important, and often ignored, issue of fire safety; more importantly, ensuring fire-protection during the construction of high-rise buildings.

By Jason Adam 08 Feb, 2018

The use of electronic devices has increased the risk of fire as well. They could certainly be devastating, that’s why it is necessary to take necessary steps that could keep us safe from any huge destructions. The buildings should be constructed by following the strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the long-term safety of the people who are going to reside in it.

There are a lot of approaches that could be practiced to make your building and house safe place against any hazardous fire situations. Since the electronic devices are more, the fire igniting material is also used very commonly; that’s why it is just more than necessary to take precautionary steps right during the development phase. The use of Intumescent Paint on pipes and other material could ensure the better safety of a building in fire situations as well.

By Jason Adam 02 Jan, 2018

Introduction:

This piece of writing shares some common points that should be born borne in mind while looking for fire and safety solution providers in the UAE. Such as:

  • Location
  • Online reviews or WOM (word of mouth).
  • Customer service
  • Versatility
  • Qualification, certification and experience.

 


    • Location
      Selection of a service provider located near to you no doubt will be your first priority, isn’t it? That is the right way to look at it; you don’t want distant solution providers who may not be able to respond in a timely manner just because of their remote locations.
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