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03 / Intumescent Coatings

Intumescent coatings to structural steel.

A thin, decorative finish in normal conditions. In a fire, it expands to many times its thickness, forming an insulating char that keeps the steel below its critical temperature and holds the structure for the rated period.

Structural steelwork
How It Works

How intumescent protection works

Structural steel loses strength rapidly at elevated temperatures. Without protection, an unprotected column or beam can reach critical temperature within minutes of a fire starting. Intumescent coatings work by reacting to heat: the coating swells to form an insulating foam char that dramatically slows the temperature rise in the steel underneath, buying the time needed for safe evacuation and fire service intervention.

Performance is entirely dependent on correct film thickness. If the Dry Film Thickness (DFT) is below the specified minimum — even slightly — the coating will not achieve its rated period. That is why we measure, record and document every application.

Scope of Works

What we deliver

  • Full surface preparation: shot blasting and mechanical cleaning
  • Water-based and solvent-based intumescent systems
  • DFT readings at wet film, intermediate and final stage
  • Finish coats in any specified colour or sheen
  • 60, 90 and 120-minute ratings to BS 476 Part 21 and BS EN 13381-8
  • Application records and DFT logs as Golden Thread completion documents
Evidence & Compliance

Why DFT records matter

A completed intumescent application that hasn't been DFT-checked is an assumption. Our DFT records show the actual measured film thickness at each location, cross-referenced to the product data sheet and the design requirement. That record is your evidence that the specified rating was achieved — and it survives the building's life.

Why Alpha Fire

What sets us apart

  • Third-party accredited under IFC / KIWA Nr 3039
  • DFT records supplied as completion documents on every project
  • Experience on data centres, heritage, hospitality and industrial sectors
  • Integrated scope with board protection and coatings where required
Work with us

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