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Cast Epoxy vs Thin Film Intumescent

By Tony Tiernan
May 5, 2021
1:11 pm

With well over 20 years experience in the intumescent fire protection industry we've had the opportunity to see the long term results of using cast epoxy intumescent in contrast to thin film intumescent from a practical and aesthetic frame of reference. Below we present anecdotal evidence for our findings.

13 years after installation

Cast Epoxy Intumescent still going strong

No compromise on aesthetics

nor on integrity and longevity

Developed, manufactured and installed

by Interact Structural Fire Protection

Now let's look at thin film intumescent paint.

Thin film intumescent applied to columns

can develop problems over time

They receive superficial repairs

but to what specification?

Even after expensive repairs

water ingress reappears

After expensive repairs were carried out by the paint manufacturer, the problem of water ingress reappeared, and so we understand that a complete secondary cladding system has recently been installed, at great expense, to conceal and protect the fire protection coating.

Problems at the base of columns

due to poor maintenance, corrosion and flaking often occur

Repairs in difficult locations

can mean major disruption to the public

Conclusion

Whilst cast epoxy is initially more expensive and takes longer to install, in the long run, time and money are saved for the client, and the results are far superior to thin film paint. And let's not forget the fire protection period provided is longer with cast epoxy.

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Tony Tiernan

Materials Specialist: Epoxy fire protection Castings

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