Primary Areas to Focus in SFRM Applications

Spray-applied Fire Resistive Material (SFRM) is a proprietary blend of natural thermal insulators (Vermiculite or Perlite) and a cementitious bonding medium (Gypsum or Portland cement) and is often one of the most common terms you will hear from the industrial fire protection consultants.

The implementation of SFRM can be challenging. Many owners, construction managers, and even contractors are unaware of their obligations until it is too late. Spray contractors are frequently thought to be competent and up to the task because they already have the necessary equipment. The expert team of fireproofing contractors will have a thorough understanding of fireproofing techniques, materials, and standards, resulting in mistakes, under- or over-applied product, curing concerns, and scheduling issues.

However, often it is too late, and the material has so many flaws that it must be eliminated and the process must be restarted from the beginning. Sometimes the problems aren't as severe, yet they nevertheless cause considerable project delays. You may avoid these schedule and budget busting concerns in the first place with the help of an experienced consultant.

Before applying the adhesive, examine the strength of the bond

Protective coating is usually applied to steel members. Various types of primers or even PU coats might be used as a protective covering. The success of fireproofing depends on the bonding between the protective coating and the SFRM both during the fire and over time. The SFRM datasheet does not mention any protective paint, but bonding and adhesion strengths vary. If the surface has already been primed, the primer's specifications should be gathered and discussed with the SFRM supplier. Another option is to use a mockup coat and have the bond strength verified. The rule of thumb for bond strength pass value is 80% of the value in the product data sheet.

Substrate surface Quality

Mill scale rust, oil, grease, flaking material, dry cement slurry, and dried mud can all impact the SFRM's bonding to the steel surface. While dirt, heavy dust, grease, and oil can be easily removed, cleaning rust and cement slurry will be challenging. Due to moisture retention in the SFRM, the existing rust will worsen in the future. The rust patch should be necessary for removal by chemical or grinding procedure, no matter how inconvenient it is. For added protection, primer can be reapplied.

Failure to take environmental condition in to account

The application of SFRM fireproofing must take place within a specific temperature and humidity range. The curing process will be hampered if the sprayed SFRM dries quickly. The application pitfall is caused by the rapid drying of the surface, which results in the formation of cracks. As a result, the mixing of water with SFRM and the curing process by sprinkling extra water are adjusted according on the environmental conditions.

When the entire process is done under the supervision of experts, all these concerns are addressed from the beginning leaving little scope of mishap.

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