How Cementitious Fireproofing Ensures Safety in Parking Structures
Believe it or not, fire safety in parking structures and garages is a growing concern amongst property owners and the public. Many parking garages can be large and difficult to navigate, making them more hazardous to the general public. There is also an increased risk of fire-related issues in parking garages due to the high volume of vehicles and an increased risk of electrical fires. This is why owners of parking structures should take adequate measures to fireproof their property. A professional fireproofing company can help lower the increased risk of injury. At EcoStar, we utilize cementitious fireproofing due to its excellent fire resistance, durability and energy efficiency. If you are currently in the construction phase of a new parking or building structure, contact us today for fireproofing services.
Read on to learn more about how cementitious fireproofing can increase safety in parking structures!
What is Cementitious Fireproofing?
Cementitious fireproofing is a single-component, mill-mixed, spray-applied plaster material that is meant to protect a building from fire damage. It is intended to protect buildings from collapsing due to fire exposure. Typically, cementitious fireproofing is applied to either exposed or concealed structures made of steel.
Cementitious fireproofing is known for being a highly effective method, making it a popular choice. It is typically able to withstand around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, giving it an excellent ability to withstand a typical orange fire. This type of fireproofing can also withstand fire without becoming compromised for approximately 2 hours.
These two major characteristics of cementitious fireproofing make it an excellent choice for enhancing safety in parking structures. The high-temperature resistance can help prevent fires from spreading around your property, giving citizens a better ability to locate safe escape routes. The 2-hour resistance window can also help prevent parking structures from collapsing due to fires. This offers citizens more time to escape in the chance of a fire.
Importance of Fire Safety in Parking Structures
Fire Risks in Parking Structures
Parking structures present unique challenges when it comes to fire safety. There are a lot of electrical elements and gas-powered vehicles that can increase the risk of fires. Vehicles can ignite due to mechanical failures, fuel leaks, or even external factors like arson. The confined nature of parking structures also makes it easier for fire and smoke to spread rapidly.
Consequences of Fires
The consequences of fires in parking structures can be severe. Aside from the immediate threat to life, fires can lead to substantial property damage and financial losses. The structure of your building can be damaged and even collapse. There are always expensive repairs associated with fire damage. Implementing effective fire safety measures can help reduce these risks.
Benefits of Cementitious Fireproofing in Parking Structures
Enhanced Safety
When your parking structure is effectively fireproofed, it enhances safety for those who use it. Parking structures can be challenging to navigate at times, especially if you are new to that particular parking structure. This can make it difficult to escape in the chance of a fire. Having extra time to escape can save somebody’s life if they are ever in this predicament. Overall, fireproofing your parking structure will help keep people safe from spreading fire.
Structure Protection
Another benefit of cementitious fireproofing is that it protects your building’s structure from becoming damaged or even collapsing from fire damage. Traditional structures that are not fireproofed can begin to collapse in as little as 15 minutes. If your structure begins to collapse while people are inside, their lives are at risk. Cementitious fireproofing can delay building collapse for around two hours. This provides ample time for a proper evacuation and for rescue forces to arrive before the parking structure can collapse.
Cost-Effectiveness
There are a few ways in which fireproofing can help save you money.
- Cementitious fireproofing can help lower insurance rates, as it is a precautionary investment that can protect your building from expensive damage.
- Fireproofing can prevent your parking structure from collapsing. Building collapse and fire damage restoration can be extremely expensive.
- Parking structures can hold hundreds, if not thousands, of valuable cars. Fireproofing can help protect those cars from being engulfed in flames. Otherwise, it may be expensive to restore all of those vehicles. Fireproofing can help protect these vehicles.
- Public buildings and structures face lawsuits all of the time when large-scale accidents like fires occur. Occupants can sue for damages. Just hiring a lawyer to deal with this can be expensive. Fireproofing your structure can help you avoid this.
Let a Fireproofing Company Enhance Safety in Your Parking Structure
Fireproofing your parking structure can go a long way in enhancing safety. Cementitious fireproofing is extremely high-quality and durable, allowing it to protect your building from collapse. This can help protect those who may be inside, giving them a better chance at survival. This makes fireproofing any public building or structure a no-brainer. EcoStar Insulation is both an insulation company and a fireproofing company that can help you protect your building against fires. Contact us today to learn more about fireproofing!
