Cafco extends ‘SprayFilm’ capability
16/11/2004
Following a recent test program at a UKAS accredited test laboratory, SprayFilm WB3 thin film intumescent coating, manufactured by Alfreton based Cafco International, has become the first water based product to be able to provide fire ratings up to two hours on a wide range of steel sections, in accordance with BS 476 Part 21.
At higher ratings, such as 120 minutes, the required final thickness increases, but SprayFilm WB3’s high build capability reduces the number of coats required, which also facilitates lower labour costs. Solvent based products exist that can offer 120 minute protection, but because of their solvent content they can present application problems on site.
The accreditation now means that Cafco is able to recommend a fast, safe and easy-to-use product for providing between 30 and 120 minutes fire resistance on structural steel, including I-section beams, H-section columns and hollow sections.
SprayFilm WB3 has been used for a number of years on many major national and international projects and has proved to be a cost-effective alternative to solvent based equivalents. It is based upon polyvinyl acetate resins and fillers that cure to provide durable, decorative and effective fire protective finish, which is required can be sealed and protected with a decorative topcoat. When subject to fire, a chemical reaction takes place causing the coating to expand and form an insulating layer, which prevents the temperature of the steel rising to a critical level.
In addition to being fully tested to BS 476: Part 21 and ASTM E119 from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), SprayFilm WB3 has also been assessed in line with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) publication ‘Fire protection for structural steel buildings’, as referenced in Approved Document ‘B’ of the Building Regulations.
Cafco’s portfolio of structural fire protection materials includes spray applied cement and gypsum based products, other intumescent paints and a lightweight mineral wool board system. Its all embracing nature enables the specifier and/or contractor to adopt a single-source product mix and match approach to any given building.
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