Spray on cementitious fireproofing is usually a gypsum or cement based fireproofing material which is spray applied to a residential or commercial structure to prevent the structure from catching fire. With several different types of fireproofing materials available these days it can be confusing and difficult to choose one when trying to decide which type to use for your home, office or commercial building.
Here are 3 things to consider when researching the different types of fireproofing:
1) Cementitious fireproofing is usually the most cost efficient
Fireproofing materials can vary greatly from brand to brand, and it’s important to do diligent research before choosing a brand OR a provider. Typically, spray applied fireproofing is lower in cost, and many people actually prefer it. Spray on cementitious fireproofing is becoming one of the most common materials to use when fireproofing your structure, as it is cheap, efficient, and not difficult to apply. You may find your best bargains when choosing spray on cementitious fireproofing.
2) Learn more about the type of structure you will be fireproofing, and what works best for it
Different building materials won’t all respond alike to the same type of fireproofing. It is very important when doing your research to make sure that you learn what brand/type of fireproofing material will work best for your structure. For instance, cementitious and intumescent fireproofing both work well on steel structures, but may not be the best choice for wood structures. Stay conscious of this factor when shopping around.
3) Make sure the company who will be applying the fireproofing does so with adequate thickness
Sometimes when looking at a fireproofing company’s website or ad, you will see them advertise that they “never have to respray”, or that they “always spray with adequate thickness”. They do this because it is in fact something to promote. Companies who apply fireproofing material too thin on a structure will often cause it to have to be resprayed or redone because it won’t protect the building from fire. Depending on the size of the structure, this could cost millions of dollars. It’s always good to keep an eye out for companies that advertise that they do it right the first time. In the end, this can save you a ton of time and money.
Intumescent and spray on cementitious fireproofing can benefit you and your structure in several ways. However, you want to be precise with your research and make sure that what ever decision you make is the best one possible.