Intumescent fire protection coatings that allow exposed structural steel to meet Denver fire code while maintaining a clean, finished architectural appearance. Serving Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Centennial, Boulder, Littleton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Parker, Golden, Englewood, and the surrounding Denver metro area within 100 miles.
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Preserves the appearance of exposed structural steel
Color-matched topcoats for any architectural finish
1–3 hour fire-resistance ratings per IBC and Denver Building Code
Expands when heated — invisible until activated by fire
Ideal for AESS (Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel)
Works closely with architects and designers on finish specifications
A proven, methodical approach refined over 20+ years of professional installation.
We coordinate with architects and designers on fire rating requirements, surface finish expectations, and color-matching specifications for the exposed steel.
AESS surfaces are prepared to a higher standard than concealed steel — cleaned, primed, and inspected for surface imperfections that could affect the finished appearance.
The intumescent base coat is applied to the required thickness with careful attention to surface quality, minimizing texture, drips, and irregularities.
A color-matched decorative topcoat is applied for the final architectural finish. We verify thickness compliance and coordinate with inspectors for fire code approval.
Denver's architectural landscape increasingly features exposed structural steel as a design element. From RiNo breweries and LoDo restaurants to converted warehouse offices, loft-style residences, and modern retail spaces, architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) has become a hallmark of Denver's creative, industrial-chic design scene. But exposed steel still requires fire protection — and traditional cementitious fireproofing (SFRM) would destroy the aesthetic. Intumescent coatings solve this challenge perfectly. Applied in thin layers like paint, these coatings are virtually invisible on the finished steel surface. They can be color-matched with decorative topcoats to achieve any desired finish — from raw industrial to polished and painted. During a fire, the coating expands up to 50 times its thickness to form an insulating char barrier, providing 1–3 hour fire ratings without any visible bulk. Sky Insulation specializes in intumescent coating applications for architecturally exposed steel in Denver's commercial, hospitality, and residential markets. Our applicators work closely with architects and designers to ensure the finished product meets both fire code requirements and aesthetic expectations — because in these spaces, the fire protection needs to be as invisible as it is effective.
Intumescent coatings look like standard paint on exposed steel — providing fire protection that is completely invisible in the finished space.
Color-matched topcoats let architects and designers maintain full creative control over exposed steel finishes — from raw industrial to polished and painted.
Fire-resistance ratings of 1–3 hours satisfy Denver Building Code and IBC requirements, keeping your project compliant without compromising the design.
Intumescent coatings are UL-listed and ASTM E119-tested fire protection systems trusted on exposed steel in commercial buildings worldwide.
Yes. Intumescent coatings can be applied to wide-flange beams, columns, hollow structural sections (HSS), trusses, and connection details. The coating system and application method are tailored to each structural member type.
Virtually any finish is possible. Intumescent coatings are designed to be topcoated with standard paint finishes — from flat and satin to semi-gloss and high-gloss. Colors can be custom-matched to any specification. Some projects leave the intumescent base coat visible for a textured industrial look.
Intumescent coatings add a thin layer (typically 30–100 mils) that is not perceptible on structural steel members. With a properly applied topcoat, the finished appearance is indistinguishable from standard painted steel.
Yes — intumescent coatings cost more than SFRM on a per-square-foot basis because the material is more expensive and application requires more skill for visible surfaces. However, the premium is justified by the preserved architectural aesthetic and design flexibility.
Serving Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Centennial, Boulder, Littleton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Parker, Golden, Englewood, and the surrounding Denver metro area within 100 miles.
Based in Denver, CO, we provide professional insulation, fireproofing, and waterproofing services to homeowners and businesses within a 100-mile radius.
+ Surrounding communities within the Denver Metro Area
