Safeguard your building, infrastructure, assets, and occupants with high-quality commercial fireproofing designed for durability and performance. EcoStar Insulation is a leading fireproofing company serving the Greater Toronto Area with premium intumescent and cementitious fireproofing solutions. With years of experience, high-quality materials, and skillful installation, we are trusted by construction professionals and businesses throughout the region.
How Does Fireproofing Work?
Fireproofing products are applied to steel and concrete substrates, forming a uniform base, solid bond and dust-free surface, providing exceptional performance with high yield capability and durability. The chosen products are tested and certified to the highest industry standards.
The fireproof coating is used to protect concrete tunnels and metal bridges and even to coat vaults. Fireproofing is made from components tested and suggested by the building industry, including Monokote MK-6, Cafco Blaze Shield and Cafco 300. These materials are combined with chemicals such as calcium hydroxide, mica, fibrous plasters and other combinations to speed up hardening. It does not include asbestos and is safe to use in homes and commercial buildings.
When temperatures within a structure start to rise due to a fire, explosion, or other extreme heat event, intumescent and commercial fireproofing applications are designed to prevent the speed at which vital infrastructure heats up. This buys time for anyone inside to escape and to avoid collapse altogether.
Benefits of Commercial Fireproofing Solutions?
When you install high-quality spray fireproofing solutions preventatively, you can save money, damage, and lives.
Some of the benefits of fireproofing include:
- Keeping the structural steel below the critical temperature
- Protect electrical circuits from reaching a dangerous temperature point and keep them operational.
- Stops containers with liquid from boiling and expanding, causing a vapour explosion.
- Avoids total structural damage from building collapse
- Prevents you as the owner from huge financial losses
- Helping you with the insurance rates
Fireproofing and Ontario Building Code Requirements
Fireproofing is now a requirement for multi-family properties and commercial buildings. Fireproofing should be addressed, even in cases where the structure is built from metal. It will keep you safe in case of fire and serves as a coat to prevent electrical circuits from overheating.
Passive fireproofing is strongly recommended for buildings such as:
- High-Rise Buildings
- Commercial Buildings (shopping malls, office buildings, and industrial facilities)
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (Apartments, condominiums, and other multi-unit residential complexes)
- Institutional Buildings (Hospitals, schools, churches, government offices, and other institutional buildings)
- Historic Buildings
What is Passive Fireproofing?
Several methods are available for builders and architects to consider for fire prevention.
Passive fireproofing (PFP) is a relevant safeguard measure to be considered from the initial stages of construction and is implemented in the design elements. By using the right system, the spread of fire and smoke can be prevented successfully, resulting in ample time for evacuation and the appropriate protocols to be executed. Some examples are fire doors, room compartmentalization and the installation of the fire-resistant coating.
Different types of fireproofing applications are available, and at EcoStar Insulation, our focus is mainly on cementitious and intumescent fireproofing.
- Cementitious Fireproofing: Cementitious products are the most common materials used for fireproofing services. It is a single-component, spray-applied, mill-mixed plaster designed to protect the structural foundation of the building from failing. This can be applied to concealed and exposed steel structures.
- Intumescent fireproofing: Intumescent coatings are typically less thick than cementitious because of their properties. They swell up when exposed to heat, which ultimately slows the heating of the steel structure, providing sufficient response time. It is applied as paint and has the added benefit of being used for aesthetic design purposes.
Free Fireproofing Cost Estimate with Our Experts
Fireproofing is a vital addition for commercial and many residential properties throughout Toronto and the surrounding regions. At EcoStar Insulation, we provide free, custom, and convenient fireproofing cost estimates and quick turnaround times so you can get your project moving faster with the insights you need.
Choose from fast over-the-phone estimates, where you can share your project details with us. Our specialists will provide a general cost estimate for fireproofing installation based on the description and details you share about the project. You can submit your building plans and blueprint for a more detailed fireproofing estimate, giving our specialists more insight into your project. Based on the documents, we’ll provide a meaningful estimate and answer any questions you might have.
For the most accurate and thorough fireproofing estimate, we recommend in-person consultations. When we visit the site, our team can get a more detailed and realistic understanding of your needs.
Does Cementitious Fireproofing Require Maintenance?
Cementitious fireproofing is a type of fire-resistant coating applied to structural materials, such as steel, to enhance fire protection. Its purpose is to slow down heat transfer, providing valuable time during a fire to minimize structural damage. This fireproofing material is long-lasting and effective, but does it require maintenance to retain its effectiveness? Let’s take a look.
For the most part, cementitious fireproofing has been designed to be durable and require little maintenance. It is, nonetheless important that regular inspections be conducted so that it remains in good condition and provides the best fire protection possible. Here are the major considerations in maintaining cementitious fireproofing:
- Routine Inspections: Inspections help an individual to identify damages, wear, or cracks in the structures that lower the fire resistance. Generally, it is recommended to perform the inspections annually or as part of the safety assessment of a building.
- Repair of Damages: Should there be any damage, such as chipping or cracking, repairs should be undertaken immediately. With timely repair, the protective coating will be able to perform in the event of a fire.
Why Maintenance Is Important to Cementitious Fireproofing
- Guarantees Fire Safety Compliances: The regular inspections and maintenance ensure that fireproofing is within compliance set by the local fire safety codes.
- Extends Fireproofing Service Life: Early detection and repair of slight damages averts major issues, hence prolonging the service life of fireproofing.
In other words, general maintenance for cementitious fireproofing is low; however, periodic inspections and prompt repairs are of extreme importance.
Our Fireproofing Products
With a range of fireproofing products available in the market, we utilize only the best materials. This includes:
Monokote: Sprayed applied fireproofing
Carboline Fireproofing Products
Fire causes billions of dollars in damage and hundreds of deaths every year. Fireproofing would be a smart move for every homeowner.
Our Guarantee
We at EcoStar Insulation strive to provide the best quality products and the highest standard of expertise. Our service includes a free consultation with an estimator where you have the opportunity to discuss application, products and design options available for your project. Our team will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage.
Contact us for your free estimate.
