Intumescent paint for steel is one of the most common ways to give structural steel passive fire protection in the UAE. This guide explains how an intumescent coating works and where it is used. See also our intumescent coating page.
Why structural steel needs fire protection
Structural steel loses roughly half of its strength at around 550 to 600 degrees Celsius, and building fires can exceed those temperatures. Protecting steel beams, columns and supports helps maintain structural rigidity and reduces the risk of collapse.
How intumescent paint works
When a fire or excessive heat develops, the intumescent paint activates. A chemical reaction makes the coating form a foam of non-flammable gases, producing an insulating char layer that can reach up to 50 times the thickness of the coating. This slows the spread of the fire and protects the structure from failure for longer.
Where intumescent paint is used
- Steel beams, columns and supports in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
- Other materials including wood, composite parts and concrete.
- Projects where the coating should not change the mechanical properties of the material it protects.
Evora Technical Services in the UAE
Evora Technical Services (Evora UAE) is approved by Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and works across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Our office is in Al Garhoud, Dubai, open Sunday to Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm and Saturday 8:00am to 2:00pm. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 6700 119 or use our contact page. You can also read our guide to fire proofing contractors in the UAE.
FAQ
How long does intumescent coating last?
According to our FAQ, intumescent coatings typically last 10 to 15 years, and under the right conditions certain coatings can last up to 20 years. Periodic inspections and maintenance checks are needed.
How long can intumescent paint protect a steel frame?
It can safeguard a steel frame for up to 120 minutes.
Is intumescent paint the same as fire rated paint?
Fire rated paint is the common name for intumescent coating. See our fire rated paint page.
How intumescent paint protects steel
Intumescent paint is a thin fireproof coating for structural steel. When the steel heats up in a fire, the coating swells into a thick, insulating char that slows the rise in steel temperature, so the steel keeps its load-bearing strength for the fire rating the building needs.
- Exposed structural steel beams and columns in commercial and industrial buildings
- Steel in warehouses, plant rooms, car parks and retail buildings
- Steel frames where a smooth, paint-like finish is wanted
More questions
What affects the coating I need?
The fire rating, the steel section and loading, indoor or outdoor exposure, and the finish and colour.
Related: intumescent coating, steel fire proofing.
Evora is approved by Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and works across the UAE. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 6700 119 or request a quote.
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