fire protection essex

Structural Steel Protection

When designing steel structures, fire safety is crucial to prevent collapse. The main objective is to maintain the steel temperature below a crucial limit. If the temperature gets too high, steel loses its strength and could fail to support the building.

Buildings need to meet specific fire-resistance levels as per national standards. Standard requirements are for the structure to resist fire for 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, or 240 minutes.

We use several methods for fireproofing steel buildings:

  • Encasement with Fire-Resistant Boards – These insulate the steel against intense heat.
  • Protective Membranes – Horizontal or vertical membranes shield the steel.
  • Fire-Retardant Sprays – These add a flame-resistant layer to the steel.
  • Intumescent Coatings – These swell when hot, forming a protective barrier.

The aim is to reduce how quickly the steel heats up, keeping its strength during the required fire-resistance period. Properly fireproofed, steel buildings can endure fires for a prolonged time.

Choosing the Right Fire Protection for Steel Structures

To determine the best fire protection for your steel building, we examine its design, surroundings, and visual preferences. It’s often best to combine protection methods for improved safety.

1. Fire-Resistant Boards

  • Made with heat-resistant materials like calcium silicate.
  • Consistently high-quality from factory manufacturing.
  • Some types may be more complex to install.

2. Intumescent Paints

  • Expand under high heat to insulate steel
  • Water or solvent-based options preserve steel’s appearance
  • Need proper application and drying times

3. Fire Protective Sprays

  • Mixed at the site with various ingredients.
  • Can be shaped to fit intricate structures.
  • Must be accurately applied under suitable conditions.

Our experts will help you pick the best protection for your building, mixing strategies for robust protection that meets regulatory standards.

fire risk assessments

How do fire boarding systems work?

Fire barrier boards are highly resistant to heat. In a fire, they absorb heat but don’t let it pass to the other side, maintaining their structure. This protection means that the structure behind the boards stays cool in the face of fire.

Thanks to this, our fire boarding systems can be used for many applications, including:

  • Encapsulating structural steels
  • Dividing buildings into sections.
  • Adding protective layers to essential load-bearing parts of a building.
  • Shielding electrical cables.
  • Covering ducts for air and smoke.

Why are fireboarding systems so important?

Fireboarding systems are an effective way of stopping fire and smoke in their tracks. Here are some of the many reasons why the correct fire protection systems, such as fire boarding systems, are so important:

  • Saves Lives
    Undeniably, the main priority for any fire protection system is to save lives and fire boarding systems are an effective way of doing this. Encasing structural steel members reduces the temperature sufficiently to stop them from buckling which allows occupants and staff more time to escape.
  • Limits Fire Spread
    Fire boarding systems are non-combustible and provide high levels of passive fire protection to building structures. This means measures are in place to reduce building-wide damage by containing fire and smoke in one area. Compartmentalising a fire in this way will also increase the amount of time occupants have to act appropriately to the risk.
  • Protects Structure
    Fire boarding systems are a great way of protecting crucial structures from buckling and collapsing in the event of a fire and maintaining their load-bearing capabilities for as long as possible. Restricting the spread of a fire in this way will significantly protect a building’s structure against the long-term impacts of fire.
  • Legal Regulations
    By law, a building should have effective fire protection measures in place in both residential and non-residential settings. The level of fire resistance required depends on the type of building, but a combination of passive and active fire protection systems should be in place to adhere to the law.
  • Saves Money
    Although many buildings and properties are covered by insurance, unavoidable damage from smoke and flames could still be caused to personal belongings and valuables in the event of a fire. Having the correct fire protection systems in place is crucial to saving you money in the long term.

What is a passive fire protection system?

Passive fire protection is a vital part of any fire strategy or plan and involves systems being built into the structure of a building to protect people’s lives and reduce the damage done to buildings in the event of a fire.

Why work with us?

Many Years of Experience

Our combined years of experience make us the first choice for any residential or commercial project.

acoustic sealing

Competitive Pricing

All of our professional services are underpinned by competitive, affordable pricing.

Range of Services

We offer a wide range of services including all elements of fire protection systems for your complete satisfaction.

Fully Insured

We’re an accredited third-party company who is fully insured, certified and code compliant within the industry.

High Standards

We are committed to delivering the highest standards of workmanship possible.

100% Fire Safe

We provide a first-class service to our clients to ensure each project is 100% compliant and fire-safe.

Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at our reviews to see what our satisfied clients had to say about their experience with us.

Get in touch with us today!

As one of London’s & the Southeast leading fire & acoustic installers, we at Britannia Acoustic and Fire believe in developing strong working relationships, delivering efficient and cost-effective packages whilst maintaining the highest standards of workmanship. Our combined years of experience and expert knowledge make us the first choice for any residential or commercial project. If you’re looking for highly professional fire protection company, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

As well as supplying and installing acoustic and air sealant, we also provide services including:

  • Penetration Seals
  • Pipe Collars & Wraps
  • Cavity Barriers/Curtain Wall Systems
  • Structural Steel Systems
  • Consultancy & Surveys
  • And more…!

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    Contact Info

    01708 982373
    office@acousticandfire.co.uk
    Unit B5 Queensbridge Industrial Park,
    London Road, West Thurrock,
    Essex, RM20 3LH
    soundproofing solutions