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1. What is the difference between passive and active fire protection?
Active fire protection includes systems that require action to work, like sprinklers or fire alarms. Passive fire protection, which we specialize in, is built directly into the structure of the building—such as fire-resistant boards and intumescent coatings. These are designed to contain the fire, stop its spread, and prevent structural collapse without needing to be "turned on."
2. Can you apply fireproofing to existing structural steel?
Yes, absolutely. For exposed steelwork, we commonly use intumescent paint. Under normal conditions, it looks like a standard, high-quality architectural finish. However, in the extreme heat of a fire, it rapidly expands to create a thick, insulating char layer that protects the steel from melting and collapsing.
3. Will adding fireproofing ruin the aesthetic of my interior design?
Not at all. Modern passive fire protection is highly discreet. Intumescent coatings can be top-coated in almost any color to match your design. Fire-resistant boarding used around columns and beams can be seamlessly plastered and painted over, making the life-saving measures completely invisible to the naked eye.