Steel does not burn, but it loses strength as it heats up – roughly half of its strength at around 550 °C. In a fully developed fire unprotected steel can reach that temperature within minutes, which is why building regulations require many structures to resist fire for a stated period.
What the rules ask for
Thailand’s Building Control Act and its Ministerial Regulations set fire-resistance requirements for the structural members of high-rise, large and public buildings – typically one to three hours depending on the building and member. Insurers and corporate standards may ask for ratings in factories and warehouses too. Your architect or Thai licensed engineer defines the requirement; the fabricator turns it into a coating specification.
How intumescent paint works
Intumescent coatings look like ordinary paint. In a fire they swell to many times their thickness, forming an insulating char that slows heat flow into the steel. The required thickness depends on the fire period, the steel’s critical temperature and its section factor – the heated perimeter divided by cross-sectional area.
Five ways to reduce cost
- Design with section factor in mind – compact, slightly heavier sections can need much less paint.
- Use the real critical temperature of lightly loaded members rather than a conservative default.
- Choose the right product for the rating: thin-film for R30–R90, thicker systems only where needed.
- Apply in the factory for controlled thickness, faster curing and no site delays.
- Protect only what must be protected – escape routes, rated zones and key members.
Documentation for inspection
For every project we supply product data sheets, third-party assessment references (such as EN 13381-8, BS 476 or UL 263 listings) and a thickness record per member – the evidence your engineer and inspector need.
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