How Intumescent Paint Can Save Your Property?

Intumescent painting is a type of painting that chemically reacts with heat. The paint expands or intumescence to create an insulating coating on a building's steel structure. It delays the spread of fire in case of a fire accident in a factory or warehouse. If you are trying to understand why you should use intumescent paint in your factory or warehouse, you are at the right place. In this article, we will learn how intumescent pain works, how it is applied, and its benefits. As a warehouse or factory owner, you should ensure its safety. Our discussion will help you understand how intumescent paint enhances the property's safety.

How does intumescent paint work?

Intumescent paint helps to protect a building structure by generating thick insulating foam on the structure. But what happens exactly to the intumescent paint? The main elements of intumescent paint are aluminum polyphosphate, melamine, pentaerythritol, titanium dioxide, etc. When exposed to heat or fire, chemical reactions among these materials generate ammonia and carbon dioxide gases. These non-flammable gases create a thick layer of foam or char on the structure to prevent fire from affecting it. With that said, intumescent paint may delay the spread of fire or protect the structure, but it has a limitation. The foam may start generating at around 200°C, but it can protect the structure until around 500 °C. If the temperature exceeds that level, the painting may not be effective.

What is intumescent paint?

Intumescent paint is a chemical coating used for fire protection in buildings. When the chemical comes in contact with heat or fire, it expands to create a foam-like coating on the building structure. The foam delays the transfer of heat to the structure. It provides additional time for the building occupants or rescuers to evacuate safely. The paint can be used in buildings with a high chance of fire. You can also use it to limit damage to property due to a fire. You should also know that it is not a fire-resistant paint.

How do you apply intumescent paint?

The process of applying intumescent paint may vary depending on the material on which it is applied. Intumescent paint can be applied to steel, timber, and plaster. The basic process of applying the fire retardant consists of four stages. First, the surface should be cleaned to eliminate unwanted dust and particles. Second, a suitable primer should be applied. The primer works as an adhesive to the substructure. Third, the intumescent paint coating is applied to the layer of the premier. Finally, a top coat of intumescent paint is applied and left to dry for 24 hours. There should be at least an 8-hour gap between the previous layers.

How many types of intumescent paint are available in the market?

Intumescent paint is available in three categories: Water-based, Solvent-based, Epoxy-based,

Water-based intumescent paint is more eco-friendly and does not have a strong chemical smell. It can be applied in close-quarter spaces because it does not release volatile organic compounds (VOC) in great quantity. Solvent-based intumescent paint is more durable in harsh weather. But it can be harmful to people or the environment as it releases VOCs. On the other hand, epoxy-based intumescent paint is used in the chemical and marine industries. This type of paint is effective in harsh environments. Due to its hydrocarbon fire protection, it is mainly applied to steel structures.

Does it have any negative impact on the environment?

Intumescent paint may negatively impact the environment and people near the site. The release of VOCs from intumescent paint may disturb others due to chemical smells. However, unlike other fire protection methods, intumescent paint does not require toxic chemicals. This is a plus. Intumescent paint can increase the total sustainability value by protecting building structures from damage in a fire.

Conclusion

Intumescent paint can be helpful to protect your warehouse or factory. If you are dealing with chemical products, epoxy-based intumescent is the best fire retardant option. Chemicals in intumescent paint react to fire or heat, creating a foam-like protective insulant layer on building structures. This layer prevents structures from catching fire or being damaged. That being said, you should understand that intumescent painting requires professional expertise. You should always contact a professional painting contractor. Commercial Painting Contractors provides expert intumescent painting services across the UK. Contact us today for a free site analysis and quotation.