In order to meet building regulations when working commercial construction, fireproof building materials are a must-have. From using fireproofing spray on site to ordering fireproof columns for delivery, opens in a new windowcontractors have many options to fireproof steel.
But which is the right choice?
Commercial construction building columns should be constructed with concrete and structural steel. If you use columns that are not already fireproofed for your construction project, you’ll need to use the necessary materials to create a fireproof covering at an additional cost in order to pass inspection.
Fireproofing spray also referred to as spray-applied fireproofing and sprayed fire-resistive material (SFRM), is a popular yet dangerous fireproofing method on construction sites. It serves as an insulator for steel columns, protecting them from extremely high temperatures.
Materials commonly found in spray-applied fireproofing include:
Manufacturers also throw in chemicals that accelerate the hardening process in efforts to save time for construction workers, but prolonged or continuous exposure can lead to health issues.
Fireproof paint, or Intumescent paint, is a more visually appealing on-site fireproofing option. It starts as a mix of chemicals that release vapors when exposed to extreme heat. These vapors turn into foam, which becomes a black insulating material with fire retardant properties.
Intumescent paint is typically applied to columns in layers, allowing you to control the thickness of the fireproofing material. The problem with this is that it’s more difficult to measure the thickness, so you can’t gauge the right fire retardant rate of your columns. Too many layers can also lead to peeling or sagging over time, meaning the fireproofing will need to be redone.
Fireproofing spray and intumescent paint may seem convenient, but they’re not the safest materials to use on a job site. When implementing fire protection methods, you need to make sure the materials you’re using don’t pose a threat to the health of your coworkers.
Exposure to SFRM can lead to a number of health issues, ranging from simple eye irritations to more severe conditions. These are just a few of the conditions that have been reported by those who work closely with fireproof spray:
Fireproofing spray isn’t aesthetically pleasing, either. After applied, it becomes a thick, spongy sort of surface, forcing contractors to add the cost and labor of an additional cover for the surface to which the spray was applied. When you’ve got tons of structural columns for a single project, extra costs add up quick.
Tougher to measure fireproof rating
Painting thick coats or too many coats can lead to sagging during the drying and curing process
Dries and cures with an almost porous texture, similar to the skin of an orange
It’s possible to sand down and refinish intumescent paint for a smoother surface, but this just adds to the cost of your project.
Not many fireproofing material manufacturers exist, making it a competitive market. They know they can charge ridiculous prices for their products because you’re literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. Imagine needing to fireproof all of the intermediate columns in your mixed-use parking garage. After factoring in the cost of labor and materials for the 2-hour fire-retardant classification, you could be spending $1,188 per column.
Every step of this tedious process, from prepping the surface that needs to be fireproofed to waiting for the spray to dry, sucks up valuable company time. On-site fireproofing can hold up production, too. In some cases, the use of these materials requires an additional inspection, which needs to be factored into the project timeline if you want to make the deadline.
Outsourcing your fireproofing needs to a company that comes to your job site to apply fireproofing materials not only eats your budget but poses a health risk to everyone. It’s easier on everyone’s health–and wallets–to have fireproofing done to exterior columns off-site.
You can easily save time and money by using prefabricated fireproofed columns in your project. Eliminate the financial burdens and health risks associated with SFRM and intumescent paint.
opens in a new windowUsing prefab fireproofed columns cuts the costs and production time associated with fireproofing materials on site. Fireproof columns also require significantly less maintenance, which saves you and your customers the high costs associated with maintaining or recoating columns covered in SFRM and intumescent paint. This lets you offer more competitive rates to potential customers, gaining more business.
When structural columns are made off-site, workers aren’t exposed to the dangers of fireproof building materials. No residue is left behind from messy sprays or intumescent materials, so construction workers aren’t at risk of the many health issues associated with the harsh chemicals.
Black Rock Fireproof Column makes fireproof columns using steel, concrete, and a unique proprietary insulating material that contains vermiculite for fire protection.
Our building columns come in round, square, and rectangular shapes. If none of our standard sizes or shapes meet your needs, we can easily create custom columns to your specifications. When you order your building columns from us, these are just some of the benefits you’ll get:
Black Rock Fireproof Column works with steel fabricators and structural steel detailers to ensure all requirements are met before we start the fabrication process. Our fireproof columns meet all necessary rules and regulations.
Save time and money by eliminating messy fireproof building materials like fireproof paint and SFRM from your fireproofing routine. Prefabricated fireproof columns are the solution.
opens in a new windowContact Black Rock Fireproof Column today to request a budget and order ready-to-use prefab or custom fireproof columns for your commercial construction project.
