Fire proof paint Singapore

The basics of Fire Proof Paint

In Singapore building owners and the building industry have to follow strict building regulations and provide safe and effective means of escape. Fire proof coating systems have proved to be real game changers in this area. In Singapore the general rule is: the higher the building, the longer the material needs withstand flames. In case of fire, a  fire resistant paint guarantees extended time for evacuation, more time for the firefighters to arrive and minimised damage. In this article we provide you with professional advice on the matters to take into account when choosing the right fire proof paint.

Types of fire resistant paint and suitable substrates

Fire proof paint can be applied prefab or after construction on a variety of substrates. It offers durable protection for tens of years and does not disappoint aesthetics. Whether you are looking for a transparent or RAL color finish, its applicable on:

• Steel – when exposed to high temperatures a steel structure of a building can collapse. When applied, steel coating can provide fire protection up to 120 minutes.
• Wood and timber – one of the fastest burning materials can be upgraded to withstand fire for 30 or even 60 minutes.
• Concrete – has fire retardant properties itself. However, if coated, it is likely that the concrete surface will retain its strength to a greater extend.

Fire rproof paint comes in two types which can be applied either independently or as a fire protective system.

1. Intumescent coatings: almost predominantly applied as undercoats. This type of fire proof paint starts swelling when the temperature reaches 200°C forming an insulating char on the substrate. Not only does it protect the substrate from ignition but also from the effects of the heat; for example steel starts melting in 500°C.
2. Fire retardant coatings: undercoats for regular paint or topcoats for intumescent coating. These coatings release flame damping gas when the temperature rises to extremes. The gas keeps flames at a distance and so protects the surface from them. This is the most common type of fireproof paint for wood as an independent coating.

If these two coatings are applied as a complete system, the topcoat prevents flames from coming close to the surface, which postpones the start of the swelling process of the undercoat. Once the topcoat cannot withstand the fire, the undercoat swells and insulates the surface for even longer.

In Singapore you can see (or not see because of its transparency) examples of applied intumescent paint and fire resistant coating solutions on Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Raffles Place, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and on The Lotus Inspired ArtScience Museum.

Determine whether the building requires 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes of fire protection

Once you have information about your building, you can identify the right coating systems for your project and the right fire protection specification to protect it for years to come. In general the costs of fireproof paint can be indicated by the amount of coating needed and the required fire resistance: the higher fire rating the coating must have, the greater the investment to apply it. Following these guidelines will allow you to pick appropriate fire proof paint, allowing you to avoid overspending on unnecessary degrees of protection or simply making the wrong choice.

Fire proof paint will not stop fire from spreading, but slow it down so people can evacuate

1. What is the building height?
   The higher the building, the stricter the requirements: a building higher than 5 meters must be at least 90 minutes fire proof. A building lower than 5 meters does not always have specified fire resistance which is why you should always consult a specialist when considering fire proof paints.
2.  Is it a Residential  or non-residential building?
   Are people sleeping in the building or is there a possibility for that? The buildings below 5 meters must be 60 minutes fireproof, and buildings between 5 and 13 meters must last for 90 minutes. If the building is higher than 13 meters, the requirement is 120 minutes of resistance to fire.
3. What is the risk factor of the building?
   In some cases the fire resistance must be 120 minutes regardless the height and purpose of the building. This is true to industrial facilities and places with a heightened fire risk such as offshore structures and chemical processing plants. This is also true to archives, libraries and museums where valuable information or goods are stored.

Note that the aforementioned factors are not affected by the substrate type; same rules count for wood and steel. Always consult a specialist about fire protection coatings to make sure your building is appropriately protected and meets the set standards. Our experts are happy to help you receive a competitive proposal for the coating you need: just send us a message by clicking the “request a quote” button at the bottom of this article.

Get a certificate from a certified fire proof painting contractor in Singapore

We advise you to leave the application of fireproof paint to a certified contractor. Every building has specific requirements for fire resistance, and it takes a trained professional to apply the coating effectively. The building type, substrate type, and end use requirements all impact the choice of coating and the way it is applied, including such factors as film thickness. An inspection report needs to be drawn up by the contractor, including calculations for film thickness and the suitable materials for the project.

Furthermore you have local legislation to keep in mind. In Singapore, the Singapore Civil Defence Force SCDF released the Fire Code 2013 for buildings. Also, there is a Fire Safety Act at the Singapore Statutes Online. Once the coating has been applied, you will receive a certificate. This certificate confirms that you have complied with all relevant regulations and used the correct fire proof paint.

Fire Proof Paint Specialists in Singapore

Depending on the substrate material, there are several fire proof paint specialists in Singapore whose services are available to you. Which one you should contact, depends on the substrate – most of them can help you with coating steel, but wood and concrete require different expertise. We at Coating.com.sg are happy to help you find the right specialist for your project, and provide you with a quote. Just use our 100% free quote service by clicking the “Request a quote” button at the bottom of this article. Our experts are here to help.