Fireproofing

Fireproofing loft conversions include providing an escape route to an outside door, installing fire doors, smoke alarms and ensuring the existing first floor ceilings have 30 minutes of fire resistance. Many local authorities in the UK will permit a small sprinkler system to be installed as an alternative to these fireproofing requirements. However, check with your local council first. For a building to qualify for a fire-resistance rating, it needs a certified listed fireproofing system. However, fireproofing a loft conversion will make the space much more fire resistant. Even with these fireproofing systems in place, a building can still be vulnerable to fire. There are no materials or processes that will make a building utterly immune to fire.

Asbestos was previously used in fireproofing but the material is now banned in the UK. There was a time when asbestos was a popular material in fireproofing homes and buildings as it was relatively inexpensive and had fire retardant properties. It was both non-combustible and non-flammable. However, asbestos was eventually banned from being used in the construction industry in 1999. Therefore, while asbestos may remain in some older buildings, modern structures are asbestos-free.

Yes, steel beams need fireproofing. According to building regulations, steel beams should be protected against fire as they can get incredibly hot and also warp or bend under extreme heat. If a steel beam holding up a building were to get so hot in a fire that it bends, this would likely compromise the stability of the building, which could be very dangerous. Steel beams, therefore, need to be covered in fire-rated plasterboard or two layers of single layer plasterboard.

Fireproofing spray is made of cement-like fibrous materials and gypsum, Portland cement, slag wool and vermiculite. You can use fireproofing, such as spray-on water absorbents, synthetic and natural materials, to provide an invisible layer that deflects heat and creates a fire-resistant surface.

Yes, spray fireproofing can be painted. It is possible to use an appropriate paint over fireproofing spray. However, you should only use the minimum amount of paint in thin coats to avoid saturating the material.

You can buy monokote fireproofing from specialist stockists of fireproofing products listed on Yell.com. Monokote fireproofing protects various buildings, including schools, hospitals, high rise buildings, office buildings and retail stores. The material provides insulation to a building to delay any loss of the structure’s integrity in the event of a fire. Monokote comes in different types of fireproofing materials and asbestos-free products, being easy to pump and spray.

The cost of fireproofing can start from £200 to £1,300 for a professional fire risk assessment. How much you can expect to pay for fireproofing will vary significantly depending on the type, age and size of building you wish to fireproof, along with the materials you plan to use.