Understanding the Science Behind Cementitious Fireproofing's Properties
Fireproofing your building during the construction process can truly make a difference in the case of an emergency in the future. Tall corporate buildings, in particular, can become rather dangerous when there is a fire as there is typically high occupancy and a long distance to travel to access fire exits. If your building is not well equipped to deal with a fire, then there can be catastrophic damage to your property and those in it. This is why fireproofing your building or home is extremely important.
Fireproofing your building can keep the occupants safe and give them a much higher chance of survival if a fire was to break out. Taking precautions to prevent fires on your property can also reduce your liability as a building owner. This is also a great practice to safeguard your important, confidential, expensive, and/or precious property.
The chemical properties of cementitious fireproofing make it the best choice for fireproofing your property. It is extremely durable, easy to apply, and effective. When protecting your building, it is prudent that you select top-notch fireproofing, as you don’t want to go through all of the hassle and expenses for abysmal performance. If you are looking into updating your building, contact EcoStar Insulation for fireproofing services or blown in insulation services. We offer top-quality cementitious fireproofing applications to ensure that your building remains safe.
To learn more about the science behind cementitious fireproofing, keep reading!
Properties of Cementitious Fireproofing
Cementitious fireproofing is specifically crafted to be able to protect the structures of buildings, particularly metal components, from building fires. Similarly to how it sounds, cementitious fireproofing is made of a mill-mixed cement that forms a plaster-like material. The strength of the cement and the spray application technique gives the fireproofing a durable finish and great flexibility during application. Overall, this makeup creates an extremely fireproof surface.
Chemical Properties
Cementitious fireproofing often starts off as a powder that is then mixed with water to form the cement plaster. When cement interacts with water, a process called hydration occurs. During hydration, cement undergoes a chemical transformation, forming strong crystalline structures and hydrates such as calcium silicate hydrates. These compounds not only bind the particles together but also foster the material with great strength and resilience to fire.
Science of Application
Once the cementitious fireproofing mixture is made and mixed, it is applied by spraying the steel on concrete elements of a building that require fire protection. The material is a thick liquid when it is applied, and over time the material will dry down and harden into a dense thermal barrier. This barrier will effectively insulate the surface underneath protecting it from extreme heat from fires. This is especially important for metal elements, as metal can melt under high temperatures. As fireproofing protects the elements of your building, it keeps the structural integrity of your building intact as well, preventing extensive damage and your building from collapsing. The load-bearing capacity of the metal, concrete and wooden structures is significantly extended by having fireproofing.
Heat Resistance
The reason why cementitious fireproofing is the best option for keeping your building fire-resistant is because the material has low thermal conductivity. This means that is does not conduct/transmit heat well, which is perfect, as it minimizes heat transfer throughout the building.
On average, cementitious fireproofing can resist around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The average building fire temperature is right below this, making this fireproof option extremely effective. It can withstand a fire for few hours a well which gives building patrons a great chance at escaping safely.
Benefits
Overall, cementitious fireproofing is the best choice for fireproofing your home or building. Aside from the previously mentioned benefits, cementitious fireproofing is great for the following reasons:
- There is no flame spread
- There is low smoke development
- It is non-combustible
- It doesn't crack
- It doesn’t corrode
- It is mold-resistant
Cementitious Fireproofing with EcoStar
Safeguarding your building from a fire can save people’s lives. Patrons of high-rise buildings are at higher risk of getting hurt during building fires, as there is often a longer distance between them and fire exits. This is why fireproofing your building is a must. It protects the people inside, protects your building and surrounding buildings from collapse, and protects any valuables inside. Taking precautions against fires can also save you from damages and repairs.
The science behind cementitious fireproofing reveals how and why it is such an effective option for making buildings fire-resistant.
- The hydration process gives the material great strength and bonding properties.
- The material's spray application and dry-down create a barrier between the surfaces it is applied to and potential fire.
- The main ingredient is cement, making it extremely resistant to fires, giving it the ability to protect a building from hours of fire damage
If you want to take the next step towards protecting your new building from fire damage, contact EcoStar today for fireproofing services.
