SECTION 07 81 23

INTUMESCENT FIRE PROTECTION

Display hidden notes to specifier. (Don't know how? Click Here) 
 Copyright 2026 -  2026 ARCAT, Inc. - All rights reserved

PART 1    GENERAL
1.1	SECTION INCLUDES
A.	Thin-film intumescent fire protection.
1.2	RELATED SECTIONS
A.	Section 05 05 13.13 - Shop-Applied Coatings for Metal.
B.	Section 09 91 13 - Exterior Painting.
C.	Section 09 91 23 - Interior Painting: Field-applied paints matching intumescent fireproofing.
D.	Section 09 96 00 - High-Performance Coatings.
1.3	REFERENCES
A.	ASTM International (ASTM):
1.	ASTM D695 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Plastics; 2023.
2.	ASTM D790 - Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials; 2017.
3.	ASTM D2240 - Standard Test Method for Rubber Property--Durometer Hardness; 2015 (Reapproved 2021).
4.	ASTM D2794 - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact); 1993 (Reapproved 2024).
5.	ASTM D4541 - Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers; 2022.
6.	ASTM E84 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials; 2024.
7.	ASTM E119 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials; 2024.
B.	Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC):
1.	SSPC-PA 2 - Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry Coating Thickness Requirements; 2022.
C.	Underwriters Laboratories (UL):
1.	UL 263 - Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials; Current Edition, Including All Revisions.
1.4	SUBMITTALS
A.	See Section 01 30 00 - Administrative Requirements for submittals procedures.
B.	Product Data: Manufacturer's data sheets for each product used, including:
1.	Performance characteristics and test results.
2.	Preparation instructions and recommendations.
3.	Storage and handling requirements and recommendations.
4.	Installation methods.
C.	Shop Drawings: Framing plans, schedules, or both, indicating the following:
1.	Extent of fire protection for each construction and fire-resistance rating.
2.	Applicable fire-resistance design designations from a qualified testing and inspection agency acceptable to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
3.	Minimum intumescent fire-resistive coating thickness needed to achieve required fire-resistance rating of each structural component and assembly.
4.	Treatment of intumescent fire-resistive coating after application.
D.	Verification Samples: For each thickness, color, sheen, and finish required, submit sample squares on designated substrate illustrating finished appearance.
1.	Sample Size: Not less than 4 inches (102 mm).
2.	Sample Size: Not less than 6 inches (152 mm).
E.	Certificates: Certify intumescent fireproofing provided for this Project meets or exceeds specified requirements.
F.	Test Reports: Published fire resistive designs for structural elements of the types required for this Project, indicating hourly ratings of each assembly.
G.	Field Quality Control Submittals: Submit field test report.
H.	Manufacturer's qualification statement.
I.	Installer's qualification statement.
1.5	QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.	Manufacturer Qualifications: Company that specializes in manufacturing type of products specified, with minimum of ten (10) years of documented experience.
B.	Installer Qualifications: Company specializing in performing Work of the type specified and with at least five years of documented experience.
C.	Source Limitations: Provide each type of product from a single manufacturing source to ensure uniformity.
D.	Mock-Ups:
1.	See Section 01 40 00 - Quality Requirements for additional requirements.
2.	Mock-Up: For evaluation of surface preparation techniques and application workmanship. Approved mock-up will serve as the standard of comparison for subsequent work of this Section.
a.	Finish at least 100 sq ft (10 sq m) of surface in areas as designated by Architect.
b.	Evaluate mock-up for compliance with specified requirements, including thickness and finish texture.
c.	Do not proceed with remaining work until workmanship, color, and sheen are approved by Architect.
d.	Refinish mock-up area as required to produce acceptable work.
3.	Mock-up may remain as part of work.
4.	Mock-up may not remain as part of work.
1.6	PRE-INSTALLATION CONFERENCE
A.	Pre-installation Conference: Conduct conference at Project Site a minimum of 1-week prior to commencement of Work of this section.
1.	Attendees to Include:
a.	Architect.
b.	General Contractor.
c.	Applicator.
d.	Manufacturer's Technical Representative.
e.	_______.
2.	Agenda:
a.	Review schedule.
b.	Review substrates.
c.	Review mock-up requirements.
d.	Review manufacturer's installation requirements.
e.	Review materials and locations.
f.	Review moisture testing of concrete, protection of in-place conditions, surface preparation, application, protection, and coordination with other work.
g.	_______.
1.7	DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A.	See Section 01 74 19 - Construction Waste Management and Disposal for packaging waste requirements.
B.	Deliver materials in manufacturer's original, unopened containers with identification labels and testing agency markings intact and legible.
C.	Store products in manufacturer's unopened packaging until ready for installation.
1.	Store in dry, protected area at temperatures in accordance with manufacturer's written requirements.
2.	Protect from freezing, and do not store in direct sunlight.
3.	Dispose of materials that have come into contact with contaminants of any kind prior to application.
D.	Dispose of solvent-based materials, and materials used with solvent-based materials, in accordance with the requirements of the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
1.8	FIELD CONDITIONS
A.	Protect areas of application from windblown dust and rain.
B.	Maintain ambient field conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation, within limits recommended by manufacturer for optimum results. Do not install products under ambient conditions outside manufacturer's absolute limits.
1.	Provide temporary enclosures as required to control ambient conditions.
2.	Do not apply intumescent fireproofing when ambient temperatures are below manufacturer's recommended temperatures.
3.	Ensure relative humidity is within manufacturer's recommended limits in areas of application.
4.	Provide ventilation in enclosed spaces during application and for not less than 72-hours afterward.
1.9	WARRANTY
A.	See Section 01 78 00 - Closeout Submittals for additional warranty requirements.
B.	Manufacturer Warranty: Provide manufacturers standard material warranty.
PART 2    PRODUCTS
2.1	MANUFACTURERS
A.	Acceptable Manufacturer: Sherwin-Williams, which is located at:<BR />1 Sherwin Way<BR />Cleveland, OH 44113<BR />Toll Free Tel: 800-4-SHERWIN (474-3794)<BR />Tel: 216-566-2000<BR />Fax: 216-566-1392<BR />Email: request info (specifications@sherwin.com);Web: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers | https://www.uniflexroof.com 
B.	Substitutions: Not permitted.
C.	Requests for substitutions will be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 01 60 00.
2.2	PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
A.	Assemblies: Provide fire protection, including auxiliary materials, in accordance with requirements of each fire-resistance design and manufacturer's written instructions.
B.	Fire-Resistance Design: Indicated on Drawings, tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263; testing by a qualified testing agency. Identify products with appropriate markings of applicable testing agency.
1.	Steel members are to be considered unrestrained unless specifically noted otherwise.
2.	Extrapolation of member size or material thickness shown in individual designs has not been investigated by UL and would be considered to void the existing certified assembly.
2.3	SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
A.	Fireproofing: Provide intumescent fire protection systems tested by an independent testing agency in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 and acceptable to Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
B.	Structural Steel Columns: 
1.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1 hour. Design Number ___.
2.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1-1/2 hour. Design Number ___.
3.	Fire Resistance Rating: 2 hour. Design Number ___.
4.	Fire Resistance Rating: 3 hour. Design Number ___.
C.	Structural Steel Beams: 
1.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1 hour. Design Number ___.
2.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1-1/2 hour. Design Number ___.
3.	Fire Resistance Rating: 2 hour. Design Number ___.
4.	Fire Resistance Rating: 3 hour. Design Number ___.
D.	Structural Steel Beams and Exposed Steel Deck: 
1.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1 hour. Design Number ___.
2.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1-1/2 hour. Design Number ___.
3.	Fire Resistance Rating: 2 hour. Design Number ___.
4.	Fire Resistance Rating: 3 hour. Design Number ___.
E.	Exposed Steel Deck: 
1.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1 hour. Design Number ___.
2.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1-1/2 hour. Design Number ___.
3.	Fire Resistance Rating: 2 hour. Design Number ___.
4.	Fire Resistance Rating: 3 hour. Design Number ___.
F.	Exposed Interior Structural Steel Surfaces: Class A, flame spread index (FSI) and smoke developed index (SDI) of 25/450, maximum, when tested in accordance ASTM E84.
1.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1/2 hour. Design Number ___.
2.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1 hour. Design Number ___.
3.	Fire Resistance Rating: 1-1/2 hour. Design Number ___.
4.	Fire Resistance Rating: 2 hour. Design Number ___.
2.4	MATERIALS
A.	Fire Resistive Coating System: Thin-film intumescent fire protection system for structural steel.
1.	Sherwin-Williams Co; Firetex FX 5090; www.sherwin-williams.com.
a.	Application: Designated for exterior use purpose by a qualified testing agency acceptable to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
b.	Thickness: As required for fire-resistance design indicated, measured in accordance with requirements of fire-resistance design.
c.	Surface-Burning Characteristics: Comply with ASTM E84; testing by a qualified testing agency. Identify products with appropriate markings of applicable testing agency.
d.	Flame-Spread Index: 0.
e.	Smoke-Developed Intex: 75 or less.
f.	Durometer Hardness: Not less than 61, Shore D, in accordance with ASTM D2240.
g.	Adhesion: Not less than 318 psi, in accordance with ASTM D4541.
h.	Finish: Smooth Finish, to match Level 5 gypsum board, as specified in Division 06 or Division 09.
i.	Color and Gloss: As selected by Architect from manufacturer's full range.
B.	Sealers and Primer: As required by tested and listed assemblies and recommended by fireproofing manufacturer to suit specific substrate conditions.
C.	Topcoat: As required by tested and listed assemblies and recommended by fireproofing manufacturer to suit the specific system.
PART 3    EXECUTION
3.1	EXAMINATION
A.	Examine substrates to determine satisfactory condition to receive intumescent fire protection.
B.	Conduct tests in accordance with fireproofing manufacturer's written instructions to verify that substrates are free of substances capable of interfering with bond.
C.	Do not begin installation until substrates have been properly prepared.
D.	If substrate preparation is responsibility of another installer, notify Architect of unsatisfactory preparation before proceeding with the Work.
3.2	PREPARATION
A.	Surface preparation standard to comply with manufacturer's written instructions for each intumescent fire protection system installation.
B.	Thoroughly clean surfaces to receive fireproofing.
C.	Repair substrates to remove surface imperfections that could affect uniformity of texture and thickness of fireproofing system.
D.	Remove minor projections and fill voids that could telegraph through finished work.
E.	Cover or otherwise protect adjacent Work that could be damaged by fallout or overspray of fireproofing system and provide temporary enclosures as necessary to confine operations and maintain required ambient field conditions.
3.3	APPLICATION
A.	Construct fireproofing assemblies that are identical to fire-resistance design indicated and products as specified, tested, and substantiated by test reports; for thickness, primers, topcoats, finishing, and other materials and procedures affecting fireproofing Work.
B.	Comply with manufacturer's written instructions for each intumescent fire protection system installation application as indicated.
C.	Apply fireproofing on-site or off-site.
1.	On-Site: Coordinate application of fireproofing with other construction to minimize need for cutting or removal of fireproofing.
a.	Do not begin application of fireproofing until clips, hangers, supports, sleeves, and other items penetrating fireproofing are in place.
b.	Defer installation of ducts, piping, and other items that may interfere with application of fireproofing until application is complete.
D.	Install auxiliary materials as required, as detailed, and in accordance with fire-resistance design and fireproofing manufacturer's written instructions for conditions of exposure and intended use. For auxiliary materials, use attachment and anchorage devices of type recommended in writing by fireproofing manufacturer.
E.	Apply manufacturer's recommended primer to required coating thickness.
F.	Apply fireproofing to full thickness over entire area of each substrate to be protected.
G.	Apply coats at manufacturer's recommended rate to achieve dry film thickness (DFT) as required for fire resistance ratings designated for each condition.
H.	Apply intumescent fire protection by spraying to maximum extent possible, and as necessary to complete coverage by roller application or other method acceptable to manufacturer.
I.	Achieve uniform finished appearance in compliance with approved mock-up and approved samples.
J.	Do not install enclosing or concealing construction until after fireproofing has been applied, inspected, and tested and corrections have been made to deficient applications.
K.	Finishes: Where indicated, apply fire protection to produce the finish designated in accordance with the manufacturer's written standards.
3.4	FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A.	Perform field inspection and testing in accordance with Section 01 40 00 - Quality Requirement.
1.	Arrange for testing of installed intumescent fire protection by an independent testing laboratory using magnetic pull-off dry film thickness gauge in accordance with SSPC-PA 2, and ensure it meets requirements of the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
2.	Submit field test reports promptly to Architect.
3.	Perform tests and inspections of completed Work in successive stages. Do not proceed with application of fireproofing for the next area until test results for previously completed applications of fireproofing show compliance with requirements. Tested values must equal or exceed values as specified and required for approved fire-resistance design.
B.	Repair or replace intumescent fire protection at locations where test results indicate fireproofing does not meet specified requirements.
3.5	CLEANING
A.	See Section 01 70 00 - Execution and Closeout Requirements for additional requirements.
B.	Immediately after installation of fireproofing in each area, remove overspray and fallout from other surfaces and clean soiled areas.
3.6	PROTECTION
A.	Protect installed intumescent fire protection from damage due to subsequent construction activities so fireproofing is without damage or deterioration until Date of Substantial Completion.
B.	Touch-up, repair or replace damaged products prior to Date of Substantial Completion.

END OF SECTION