The technical name for Spray Applied Fireproofing is Sprayed Fire-Resistant Material (SFRM). It is used as part of a building’s passive fireproofing strategy. Spray applied fireproofing has thermal and acoustical properties and controls condensation. However, its main use is in insulating steel and metal decking from the high temperatures found during a fire.

Passive fire protection products, such as fireproofing, is used to delay (or even prevent) the failure of steel and concrete structures that are exposed to the high temperatures found during a fire. They do this by thermally insulating the structural members to keep them below the temperatures that cause failure.

SFRM is composed of cement or gypsum and often contains other materials like mineral wool, quartz, perlite, or vermiculite. The gypsum or cement makes up the majority of the solution and is selected because it hardens as it dries. The other materials are used to help lighten the solution or to add air as in insulator. Chemical hardeners are sometimes used to either speed up hardening or to make the final fireproofing harder than normal.

Applied fireproofing is available as a wet or dry spray formula and can also be troweled on. The fireproofing is generally delivered as a dry powder in bag, which is then mixed with water in the field. Proper lung and eye protection is required during mixing and application.

Modern formulas are asbestos-free and don’t contain free crystalline silica.

Use of Spray Applied Fireproofing

Spray applied fireproofing is primarily used to protect rigid structural elements including columns, beams, metal decking, and some steel joists from the effects of heat generated during a fire.

While not its primary use, SFRM may also provide acoustical treatment and thermal insulation for large areas where the structural members and metal decking are left exposed, but treated with SFRM. This should be thought of as an added benefit since there are other materials specifically made for providing acoustical or thermal insulation.

Spray applied fireproofing IS NOT suitable for surfaces exposed to moisture or high humidity levels. The moisture and humidity will deteriorate the products. In addition, the moisture may cause mold growth due to the porous nature of SFRM.

Spray Applied Fire Proofing Properties

There are three key properties of SFRMs: density (pcf), bond strength (adhesion/cohesion), and application thickness.

 Density

The IBC code amendments have no impact on density requirements which remain independent from bond strength.

Traditionally SFRMs have been divided into three distinct density product groups:

Low, standard, or commercial density (15-21 pcf) products contain gypsum as the binder. Low density SFRMs often provide higher yields and have faster coverage rates when compared with medium density products, which can reduce cost. However, low density products can flake away over time if they are exposed to contact from people, equipment, and even moving air so they should only be used when they are covered or protected.

Medium density (22-39 pcf) fireproofing generally contains a binder made from cement or a mixture of gypsum and cement. This provides a much more stable product that can withstand air movement and minor bumps and scrapes. Medium density fireproofing can be used in an exposed condition, but shouldn’t be used where contact by humans or equipment is possible.

High density [over 39 pcf] SFRM is usually made with a cement binder, which provides the hardest fireproofing product. High density is usually used in mechanical rooms and parking garages since it can withstand bumps and scrapes better than the lower densities.

Bond Strength

Bond strength of spray applied fireproofing was spotlighted in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. In this tragedy, the fireproofing was knocked off the steel columns and beams, which made them susceptible to the high temperatures of the fires that erupted.

The IBC code maintains the original 150 psf bond strength requirement for non-high-rise buildings under 75ft tall, but adds two new bond strength requirements for high-rise buildings with an occupied floor located more than 75ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

It is a misconception that medium density SFRMs should be specified to meet high-rise building code requirements. Until recently, the only way to meet the new code requirements was to specify a medium density SFRM product because the market lacked low density products that could achieve bond strengths in excess of 430 psf. However several new low density products can now achieve the bond strength requirements for high-rise applications.

Thickness

The International Building Code provides the fire resistance ratings required for various structural members in a building. The UL Fire Resistance Directory provides ratings for various SFRM assemblies in their group 700-899.

Manufacturers provide the thicknesses of their products needed to meet the various hourly ratings. These are based on the type and size of the structural members being protected.