Structural Steel Fire Protection
Anglia Decor are specialist structural steel fire protection contractors applying intumescent coatings to beams, columns, trusses and connections for 30, 60, 90 and 120-minute fire ratings across commercial, industrial and public buildings in the UK. Third-party certified to ASFP standards with full inspection documentation on every project.
For tendering enquiries, please email info@angliadecor.co.uk
Intumescent Fire Protection Coating Systems and Specification Service
Structural steel loses 60% of its load-bearing capacity at 550°C. In an unprotected building fire, steel beams and columns reach critical failure temperature within 15 to 20 minutes. Intumescent coatings are thin-film paint systems that react to heat: at approximately 200°C the coating expands (intumesces) to 20 to 50 times its original thickness, forming a carbonaceous char that insulates the steel and slows the temperature rise. That insulating barrier gives the building's occupants time to evacuate and the fire service time to respond , 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes of protection depending on the coating thickness applied.
Anglia Decor applies single-component and two-component intumescent systems from Sherwin-Williams (Firetex), International (Interchar), Nullifire, and Carboline. The system and dry film thickness (DFT) are specified by the project's fire engineer based on the steel section size (Hp/A ratio), the required fire rating, and the building's structural design. Thin-film intumescent coatings at 250 to 2,000 microns DFT provide up to 120 minutes of fire protection while maintaining a smooth, decorative finish on exposed steelwork , the standard for offices, retail, schools, hospitals, and any building where the steel structure is architecturally visible.
For concealed steelwork , roof structures, plant rooms, service risers , cost-effective single-coat systems applied at higher thickness provide the required fire rating without the decorative finish. Anglia Decor specifies the most cost-effective system that meets the fire engineer's requirements, ensuring compliance without over-specification. Every project is documented with dry film thickness readings at every measured point, cross-referenced against the manufacturer's assessment for the specific steel section and fire rating.
Intumescent Coating Application by Specialist Fire Protection Contractors
Intumescent coating application demands precision that general painting contractors cannot deliver. The dry film thickness must fall within a tight tolerance band specified by the manufacturer's fire assessment for each steel section size. Too thin and the coating does not provide the rated fire protection. Too thick and the coating may sag, crack, or fail to intumesces correctly. Anglia Decor's applicators are trained and assessed by the coating manufacturers and hold CSCS, IPAF, and PASMA certification for site access.
Surface preparation follows the coating manufacturer's requirements , typically Sa 2½ blast cleaning for new steelwork and St 2/St 3 power tool preparation for maintenance work on existing structures. The intumescent basecoat is applied by airless spray in multiple passes to build the required DFT without sagging. Mesh reinforcement is embedded between coats on thick-build applications (typically above 1,500 microns) to prevent cracking and delamination. A compatible topcoat , polyurethane for UV-exposed steelwork, alkyd for interior , seals and protects the intumescent layer from moisture, impact, and environmental damage.
Anglia Decor has applied intumescent fire protection to office developments, retail centres, school extensions, hospital buildings, warehouse mezzanines, car park structures, and listed building conversions. Every project is completed with a certificate of conformity confirming the coating system, DFT readings at every measured location, the fire rating achieved, and compliance with the fire engineer's specification. Third-party inspection by an ASFP-registered inspector is arranged where required by the building control authority or the client's insurance requirements.
View Some of Our Painting Work
Swipe to see more images
Protect Your Steelwork from Fire?
Certified intumescent coatings meet building regulations. Full documentation provided.
How It Works
Our straightforward process ensures you get the right solution with minimum hassle
Structural Survey & Assessment
Assess steelwork and determine fire resistance requirements.
Specification & Planning
Select coating system and outline certification pathway.
Surface Preparation
Blast clean steelwork to manufacturer specifications.
Coating Application & Certification
Apply fire protection coating with testing and certification documents.
For tendering enquiries, please email info@angliadecor.co.uk
Why Businesses Trust Anglia Decor for Structural Steel Fire Protection
Trusted by businesses across the UK for expert, reliable service
Certified Fire Protection Applicators
Team trained and certified by leading coating manufacturers.
Building Regulation Compliance
Coatings meet all fire resistance requirements and standards.
Full Documentation
Comprehensive certification and test reports provided.
Specification Expertise
Correctly specify coating thickness for required fire rating.
Rapid Application
Efficient application process minimises project timeline.
Quality Assurance
Continuous monitoring and thickness testing throughout.
Case Studies
Real projects delivered by Anglia Decor. See the work we've completed for businesses like yours.
Trusted by leading brands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is intumescent fire protection?
Intumescent coatings are thin-film paint systems that expand to 20 to 50 times their original thickness when exposed to heat, forming an insulating char that protects the steel from fire. They provide 30, 60, 90, or 120-minute fire ratings depending on thickness.
How thick is intumescent coating?
Dry film thickness ranges from 250 microns (30-minute rating on large sections) to 2,000+ microns (120-minute rating on small sections). The required thickness is calculated by the fire engineer based on the steel section size and fire rating.
Does intumescent coating look like paint?
Yes. Thin-film intumescent systems produce a smooth, decorative finish that looks identical to standard paint. They are specified for exposed steelwork in offices, retail, schools, and hospitals where the structure is architecturally visible.
Do you provide fire protection certificates?
Yes. Every project includes a certificate of conformity with DFT readings at every measured location, the coating system specification, fire rating achieved, and compliance with the fire engineer's requirements. Third-party inspection is arranged where required.
Can intumescent coatings be applied to existing steelwork?
Yes. Existing steelwork is prepared by power tool cleaning to remove rust, loose paint, and surface contamination. The intumescent system is then applied over the prepared surface. This is common for building refurbishments, change-of-use conversions, and fire regulation upgrades.
What fire ratings can intumescent coatings achieve?
30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes depending on the coating system, thickness, and steel section size. 30 and 60-minute ratings are standard for most commercial buildings. 90 and 120-minute ratings are specified for hospitals, high-rise buildings, and specialist structures.
Ready to Start Your Structural Steel Fire Protection Project?
Our structural steel fire protection specialists will assess your facility and provide a tailored solution with minimal downtime.