Steel is designed to endure harsh conditions. This iron alloy is so sturdy that it can be found in nearly all commercial and industrial constructions, typically as structural components (steel beams). Despite their durability, however, steel beams aren’t invincible. When exposed to extreme heat (e.g., temperatures at or above 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit), structural steel starts to lose its integrity – at 2,500 ºF, it will start to melt. These latter temperatures aren’t common, as most commercial fires peak at around 1,100 ºF – still, a raging fire can do a number on your building’s steel components, let alone its other assets and materials. More importantly, such an event will put your people in harm’s way. As such, installing both active and passive fire protection (AFP and PFP) methods is crucial for protecting both your people and property. Fireproofing is a major element of PFP.
Let’s break down why properly fireproofing the steel beams inside your commercial property is essential to your operations.
Your commercial property is primarily held up by structural steel beams. Therefore, anything that threatens the strength of these components threatens the integrity of your entire building. As mentioned above, your property is unlikely to undergo temperatures high enough to melt these beams, but a severe and prolonged fire can diminish their tensile strength and alter their shape, so they no longer hold firm. Knowing this, fire prevention should be one of your top priorities – this includes a multitude of tasks such as ongoing facility maintenance, proper storage measures, careful use of electronics and combustible materials, and so on. Fires can still occur despite your preventive measures, however. Fire protection wall installations and fireproofing provide powerful buffers that reduce the intensity of heat that reaches the steel itself, thereby decreasing the chance of collapse.
Assets and building features can often be replaced after a serious fire – people, on the other hand, cannot. A structural collapse is devastating, but all the more so if some individuals cannot escape the property in time. Fireproofing is an essential measure for protecting the safety and lives of all occupants by extending the amount of time for safe egress. Some methods of fireproofing create a larger window of time than others. Intumescent coatings (which are applied like commercial interior painting) grow in size and thickness into a foam-like substance when exposed to high enough temperatures. In this insulative state, these coatings allow for fire ratings of up to four hours. In other words, when protected by intumescent fireproof paint, steel beams can maintain their integrity for several hours, providing ample time for occupants to safely get out and for firefighters to arrive on the scene.
Fireproofing your property’s steel beams doesn’t just protect your people and assets – it also protects your bottom line and reputation. Federal, state, and local laws dictate commercial fire codes to protect citizens and mitigate property damage. If you run a business, you have to keep your facility up to code, following all relevant regulations put forth by these organizations. If you fail to comply with these codes, you put more than your people and property at risk, as your business may get slapped with large fines and other legal penalties. In this way, proper fireproofing is the most important form of maintenance painting you can perform. Keeping your steel beams and other surfaces shielded from flames will help you pass every fire code inspection.
Fireproofing the steel components in your commercial property is key in protecting your people, property, and long-term interests. At PAINTech, we provide more than basic commercial painting services for our customers across Pennsylvania, The Main Line area, Delaware, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Fireproofing is one of the many specialty services we offer, along with sandblasting, waterproofing, power washing, and more. Contact us to learn more about all of the services that we offer!
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