Fireproofing

FCS has quickly become the contractor of choice for Intumescent Fireproofing regardless of the application. Our team of industry professionals has extensive experience as the largest applicators in the Northeast. As a certified installer of the numerous Intumescent brands, FCS is able to effectively and knowledgably service all fireproofing projects, regardless of size and location.

What is Intumescent Fire Proofing?

Structural Steel under fire with temperatures above 1,000°F loses its strength, thus is coated with fireproofing to retard structural collapse and prevent loss of life.

Unlike boarding and spray solutions, Intumescent coatings enable designers to use the structure as an integral part of the aesthetic design of a building. In addition, the advanced ‘thin film high solids’ technology of these coatings provides maximum protection, while taking up the minimum amount of space. Intumescent coatings provide an appearance similar to that of a paint finish, and remain stable at ambient temperatures. However, in a fire situation the
increase in temperature causes a chemical reaction, and the Intumescent coating expands to several times its original thickness. This provides an insulating foam-like coating which protects the substrate.

We are the Approved Applicator of all of the major manufacturers in the US.

We are one of the larger applicators of intumescent coatings in the USA, and have been doing it for the last 30 years. We do not apply the low density, low cost fireproofing. Application of intumescent requires the skills of a spray painter. We have a large core of experienced and certified applicators.

Following are the advantages of intumescent over fiber low density and cement medium density fireproofing:

*Aesthetics:	*Safety
Thin film	Superior bond strength
Unlimited top coat colors	Hardness
Painted exposed steel look	High impact resistance
Smoothness	Abrasion resistance
Dust Free	Lightweight

There are three basic types of intumescent fireproofing for steel:

1. Water Based: Fire rating up to 3 hours.

• Advantage: Low cost, easy application, smoothest.
• Disadvantage: Interior use only, building needs to be watertight,temperature and humidity are a factor in application.
• Typical Uses: Atriums, airport halls, clean rooms, data centers.

2. Solvent Based: Fire rating up to 3 ½ hours.

• Advantage: Flexibility of application conditions can leave exposed to weather for short periods, more thickness per coat.
• Disadvantage: Odor, drying time.
• Typical Uses: Parking garages, stadiums, industrial

3. Epoxy Based: Fire rating up to 4 hours.

• Advantage: Exterior use, dries very hard, best for hydrocarbon fires.
• Disadvantage: cost, requires special equipment and skills.
• Typical use: Industrial – Refinery, offshore oil rigs, building exterior steel, public buildings requiring extra safety from hydrocarbon fires.

We have plenty of experience applying all three types – and can help the customer with the correct use for their project.

Application: Shop and Field

We are the pioneers in the shop/field combo application. We assume one source responsibility of receiving raw steel from the fabricator, blast, prime and apply fireproofing in the shop, and touch-up the connections in the field after erection.

Advantages:

• Cost and time saving for the project.
• Work in a controlled enviornment.
• Better quality control.

Application: Field.

With our years of experience, we have the management and application skills to plan and execute a challenging installation anywhere in the world. We have trained applicators to spray 10,000 gallons of thin film coating in a month. We can save critical time for the project.

We are always looking for a challenging installation. Give us a chance to share our experience and save time and money on your next project.