Recent high profile Manitoba projects such as Manitoba Hydro Place Head Office, Eaton’s Powerhouse Development, and the Brandon Research Centre all have something in common. These projects feature advanced fire proofing techniques that make use of intumescent paint, a key service offering from Penta Protective Coatings Ltd.
Intumescent paint is a spray on product that expands in the presence of fire. The chemically bound water in intumescent swells to absorb heat – increasing in volume and decreasing in density – making it an ideal material for fireproofing applications. It is generally categorized as a passive fire protection measure because it is used to compartmentalize a fire and decrease the chance of loss of life and/or property.
Beyond the obvious life safety requirement there are several important advantages to using intumescent paint.
For one thing, it is a lot more durable. So long as it is applied evenly, it can be a very effective fireproofing technique. For members of the design community, it is a lot better to look at aesthetically and architecturally.
However, the impact on the project budget can be substantial. Intumescent paint can be 5-10 times more expensive than other fireproofing products.
Another concern is that intumescent paint is being sold by companies with little to no experience in properly applying the product, thereby creating a false sense of security. Penta is an authorized installer of industry leading A/D Fire Protection Systems and Grace Fire Protection products.
A lot of companies are popping up that can’t install these product properly. We are big on testing to make sure it works properly. Quality assurance and safety is important to us.
KBS Coating Australia said,
July 25, 2011 @ 3:32 pm
It was great gaining knowledge on intumescent coating ,as the loss to a production facility or business due to fire can be financially staggering and sometimes crippling.