Commercial
Intumescent Spraying& Fire Protectionfor Structural Steel
Passive fire protection applied on-site to structural steel — buying critical time for safe evacuation, delivered as part of a single coordinated commercial coatings package.
Operatives progressing through TTP assessment, working toward FIRAS accreditation.
On-site
Applied in place
Working toward
FIRAS accreditation
One contact
With steel painting
£10m
Public liability cover
Overview
Intumescent Spraying explained
Intumescent spraying applies a fire-protection coating to structural steel that, in the event of fire, expands to insulate the steel — protecting its load-bearing capacity and buying critical time for safe evacuation.
Who it's for
It is for main contractors, developers and building owners who need passive fire protection to structural steel as part of a commercial build or refurbishment.
When it's needed
It is needed where structural steel requires a specified period of fire resistance, typically identified in the fire strategy and specification for a commercial building.
Why go professional
Professional application matters because intumescent coatings only perform to their fire rating when applied at the correct thickness by trained operatives — under-application silently undermines the protection when it is needed most.
The cost of leaving it
What happens if it's ignored
Putting the job off — or trusting the wrong finish — rarely stays a small problem.
- Unprotected structural steel loses strength rapidly in a fire, threatening the stability of the whole structure.
- Intumescent applied below the specified thickness will not achieve its fire rating — a failure that is invisible until it matters most.
- Poorly coordinated fire protection and steel painting can leave gaps in responsibility between trades.
- Delaying fire-protection works can hold up sign-off and occupation of a commercial building.
How we work
Our process, step by step
A clear, proven system that removes the guesswork and delivers a finish that lasts.
- 1
Enquiry & fire spec
We review the fire strategy and specified fire-resistance period for the steel elements.
- 2
RAMS & planning
Method statements and risk assessments are prepared, and works coordinated with steel painting where relevant.
- 3
Access & protection
Safe access is established and surrounding areas protected before application.
- 4
Apply to thickness
The intumescent system is applied on-site to the specified thickness for the required fire rating.
- 5
Inspect & hand over
Application is checked against specification and handed over as part of the coordinated package.
The benefits
Why choose Shaw Spray for intumescent spraying
Passive fire protection
On-site application that protects structural steel and buys time for safe evacuation.
Single point of contact
Coordinated alongside our structural steel painting for one responsible team.
Flexible hours
Out-of-hours and weekend working available to suit live sites and programmes.
Qualified teams
Site-safe operatives working within your principal contractor's regime.
Progressing accreditation
Operatives progressing through TTP assessment, working toward FIRAS accreditation.
Insured delivery
Backed by £10m public liability cover, with RAMS available on request.
In detail
Intumescent Spraying: materials, methods and more
How intumescent coatings protect steel
Intumescent coatings are a form of passive fire protection. Under normal conditions they look like a standard paint finish, but when exposed to the heat of a fire they react and expand to form an insulating char that slows the temperature rise of the steel beneath. This preserves the load-bearing capacity of the structure for the fire-resistance period set out in the building's fire strategy, giving occupants critical time to evacuate and the fire service time to respond.
Application to the specified thickness
The performance of an intumescent system depends entirely on it being applied at the correct dry film thickness for the specified fire rating and steel section. We apply intumescent coatings on-site to the required thickness, controlling the application so the system will perform as specified. Because under-application cannot be seen once the finish is on, competent, controlled application is essential — which is why we are progressing our operatives through TTP intumescent coating assessment.
Working toward FIRAS accreditation
We are currently progressing our operatives through TTP intumescent coating assessment and are working toward FIRAS accreditation. We are always happy to discuss the current status of our accreditation in relation to your specific project and its requirements, so you have a clear and honest picture before appointing us.
Delivered with structural steel painting
We deliver intumescent spraying as part of our wider structural steel and commercial coatings offer, which means fire protection and corrosion protection can be coordinated under a single point of contact. This avoids gaps between trades, keeps the programme moving, and is supported by qualified, site-safe teams with RAMS available on request, working across London and the South East.
FAQs
Intumescent Spraying — your questions answered
Are you FIRAS accredited?
We are currently progressing our operatives through TTP intumescent coating assessment and are working toward FIRAS accreditation. We are happy to discuss the current status in relation to your specific project.
What does intumescent coating do?
It is passive fire protection that expands when exposed to fire to insulate structural steel, preserving its load-bearing capacity and buying critical time for safe evacuation.
Do you apply it to the specified thickness?
Yes. The system is applied on-site to the dry film thickness required for the specified fire rating, because performance depends on correct application.
Can you deliver it with steel painting?
Yes. We deliver intumescent spraying as part of our wider structural steel and commercial coatings package, giving you a single point of contact.
Can you work out of hours?
Yes. Out-of-hours and weekend working is available to suit live sites and programmes.
Can you provide RAMS?
Yes. Risk assessments and method statements are available on request for every project.
Do you cover London and the South East?
Yes. We deliver intumescent spraying on-site across London and the South East as part of our commercial coatings work.
Related
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On-site spraying of architectural metalwork, feature elements and fabric walling to specification.
Cladding Refurbishment
On-site cladding respray and refurbishment that renews building envelopes without full replacement.
Get started
Ready for a intumescent spraying that lasts?
Book your free, no-obligation survey today. Tell us about your project and we'll respond the same day.
Operatives progressing through TTP assessment, working toward FIRAS accreditation.