Intumescent coatings provide 1–3 hour fire-resistance ratings for structural steel beams, columns, and connections in Denver commercial construction. 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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1–3 hour fire-resistance ratings for structural steel
Thin-film application — doesn't change the profile of steel members
Code-compliant with IBC, ASTM E119, and UL standards
Suitable for concealed and architecturally exposed steel
Certified applicators with 20+ years experience
Coordination with GCs, engineers, and architects
A proven, methodical approach refined over 20+ years of professional installation.
We review structural drawings and fire protection specifications to determine the required fire rating, coating system, and dry film thickness for each structural member.
Structural steel is cleaned and primed per manufacturer requirements. Surfaces are inspected to ensure proper adhesion conditions.
Intumescent coating is applied to the specified dry film thickness using spray, brush, or roller methods. Multiple coats may be required for higher fire ratings.
We perform dry film thickness (DFT) testing across all coated surfaces, document results for inspection, and coordinate with building inspectors for approval.
Structural steel is the backbone of Denver's commercial buildings, but it loses strength rapidly when exposed to fire temperatures. At 1,000°F, steel retains only about 50% of its yield strength — making fire protection essential for structural integrity and occupant safety. Intumescent coatings provide this protection in a thin-film application that expands when heated, forming an insulating char barrier that keeps steel below critical failure temperatures. Sky Insulation applies intumescent fire protection coatings to structural steel beams, columns, hollow structural sections (HSS), trusses, and connections for commercial, institutional, and multi-family construction projects throughout Denver and the Front Range. Our certified applicators deliver consistent coating thickness and coverage per manufacturer specifications, ensuring every application meets the specified fire-resistance rating. For Denver's commercial construction market — from high-rises in Downtown to mixed-use developments in RiNo and the Denver Tech Center — intumescent coatings offer the advantage of code-compliant fire protection that can be concealed behind finishes or left exposed as an architectural feature. Sky Insulation works with general contractors, structural engineers, and architects to specify and install the right coating system for each project.
Our intumescent coating applications meet all IBC, ASTM E119, and UL fire test requirements — ensuring your project passes inspection on the first visit.
Intumescent coatings keep steel below critical temperatures during fire events, preventing structural failure and protecting building occupants.
Suitable for both concealed steel (behind drywall) and architecturally exposed structural steel — with paintable topcoats for any design aesthetic.
Our applicators are factory-trained and experienced with the major intumescent coating systems used in Denver's commercial construction market.
Intumescent coatings can provide fire-resistance ratings of 1 to 3 hours for structural steel, depending on the coating system, application thickness, and structural member type. The required rating is determined by building code based on construction type and occupancy.
When exposed to temperatures above approximately 400°F, intumescent coatings undergo a chemical reaction that causes them to expand up to 50 times their original thickness. This creates a dense, insulating char layer that dramatically slows heat transfer to the steel, keeping it below failure temperatures.
Both are effective and code-compliant. Intumescent coatings are preferred when steel will be exposed or when a paintable finish is needed. SFRM is more cost-effective for concealed structural steel where appearance doesn't matter. We install both and can recommend the best option for your project.
Dry film thickness typically ranges from 30 mils (0.75 mm) for a 1-hour rating to 100+ mils (2.5+ mm) for a 3-hour rating, depending on the structural member type and coating product. Multiple coats are applied to achieve the required thickness.
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
