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Fire protection · Sprayed fireproofing
Sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM) – the economical route to long ratings
Cementitious and mineral sprays are applied directly to steel beams, columns and decks. For steel hidden above ceilings or inside walls they are the lowest-cost way to reach ratings of two, three or four hours – and the denser grades protect exposed and industrial steel.
- 1 – 4 h
- Typical ratings per listed design
- Lowest
- Cost per m² at long ratings for concealed steel
- ASTM E605
- Thickness and density test field inspection
- Low · medium · high
- Density grades by exposure
How SFRM protects steel
SFRM is a mix of cement or gypsum binder with light mineral aggregates or fibres. It is pumped and sprayed onto the steel and follows every flange, web and connection. The cured layer insulates the steel; its thickness is taken from the listed design or assessed data for each member and rating.
Low-density grades are made for concealed steel. Medium- and high-density grades are harder and resist impact, humidity and weather – for car parks, plant rooms and industrial structures, including hydrocarbon-rated grades.
Product range
Sprayed fire protection types
Product-type pages with typical data – brand and listed system per specification.
Cementitious and mineral sprays
Low-, medium- and high-density cementitious, gypsum-based and vermiculite sprays for beams, columns and decks.
SFRM · concealed steelLow-density cementitious sprayA light cementitious spray for steel hidden above ceilings and inside walls – fast to apply over large areas, ratings up to about four hours.LowDensity classup to ≈ 4 hTypical ratingView product →SFRM · gypsum-basedGypsum-based sprayed fireproofingA lightweight gypsum spray for interior beams, columns and decks hidden behind ceilings and linings.GypsumBinderInterior, dry, concealedExposureView product →SFRM · exposed and industrialMedium- and high-density cementitious sprayDenser cementitious sprays with a harder surface for exposed steel, car parks, plant rooms and industrial structures, including hydrocarbon-rated systems.Medium / highDensity class1 – 4 hTypical ratingView product →SFRM · medium densityMedium-density cementitious sprayA step up in hardness and durability from low-density sprays, for steel that is not fully concealed.MediumDensity classInterior, semi-exposedExposureView product →Codes & compliance
Standards for sprayed fireproofing
Most often specified in our export markets.
United States
- UL 263 · ASTM E119Fire resistance – UL listed designs
- ASTM E605 · ASTM E736Thickness and density; cohesion and adhesion of SFRM
- UL 1709Hydrocarbon fire (industrial grades)
Europe
- EN 13381-4Passive protection applied to steel members
- EN 13381-3Protection applied to concrete members
Australia & New Zealand
- AS 1530.4 · AS 4100Fire-resistance tests; steel fire design
Summary for orientation only – the project specification, the adopted code edition and the authority having jurisdiction govern.
Coordinated with the steel
Primers, surfaces and thickness schedules
Not every primer is compatible with every spray, and some sprays need bare or specially prepared steel. World Steel matches the shop primer to the specified fireproofing, keeps contact surfaces clean and issues a member-by-member schedule. Compare with intumescent coatings and fire boards.
Advantages and limitations
When to choose a spray
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost for long ratings | Textured finish – usually hidden behind ceilings |
| Fast over large areas and complex shapes | Wet trade – needs protection of other work and curing time |
| Protects steel decks and connections | Low-density grades are easily damaged |
| Hydrocarbon grades available | Thickness and density must be checked in the field |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does sprayed fireproofing contain asbestos?
No – modern SFRM is asbestos-free and based on cement or gypsum with mineral aggregates or fibres.
Should steel be primed before spraying?
Only with a primer the spray manufacturer has approved – some products require bare steel. World Steel coordinates this before painting.
How is SFRM inspected?
Thickness and density are measured to ASTM E605 and bond strength to ASTM E736, against the listed design.
Plan the fire protection with the steel
Send drawings and fire ratings – we coordinate primer, steel and fireproofing.