Terms & Conditions

You are agreeing to be bound by these web site Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this web site are protected by applicable copyright and trade mark law.

Use License

Permission is granted to temporarily download one copy of the materials (information or software) on Sharpfibre Limited web site for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:

  • modify or copy the materials;
  • use the materials for any commercial purpose, or for any public display (commercial or non-commercial);
  • attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software contained on Sharpfibre Limited web site;
  • remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials; or
  • transfer the materials to another person or mirror the materials on any other server.

This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by Sharpfibre Limited at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format.

Disclaimer

The materials on the Sharpfibre Limited web site are provided as is. Sharpfibre Limited makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, Sharpfibre Limited does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.

Limitations

The materials on the Sharpfibre Limited web site are provided as is. Sharpfibre Limited makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, Sharpfibre Limited does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.

Revisions and Errata

The materials appearing on the Sharpfibre Limited web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. Sharpfibre Limited does not warrant that any of the materials on its web site are accurate, complete, or current. Sharpfibre Limited may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. Sharpfibre Limited does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.

Links

Sharpfibre Limited has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its Internet web site and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Sharpfibre Limited of the site. Use of any such linked web site is at the user’s own risk.

Site Terms of Use Modifications

Sharpfibre Limited may revise these terms of use for its web site at any time without notice. By using this web site you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms and Conditions of Use.

Governing Law

Any claim relating to the Sharpfibre Limited website shall be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Get a Quote

From initial planning to seamless post-installation support, Sharpfibre offers an all-encompassing solution that spans a wide range of products, effectively addressing the majority of passive fire-related concerns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Active vs Passive Fire Protection: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to building safety, fire protection is critical. There are two main types of systems: active fire protection (AFP) and passive fire protection (PFP). Both are essential, but they work in different ways.

Active Fire Protection (AFP)

Active systems need to take action to fight a fire. They detect, alert, or suppress flames.

Examples:

  • Fire alarms & smoke detectors
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Emergency lighting
  • Smoke control systems

Passive Fire Protection (PFP)

Passive systems are built into the structure of a building. They don’t move or activate, but they contain fire and slow its spread.

Examples:

  • Fire-resistant walls, floors & doors
  • Firestopping around pipes and cables
  • Fireproof coatings
  • Building compartmentalization

Why Both Matter

  • Active protection detects and fights the fire.
  • Passive protection holds it back and buys time.

Together, they create a safer environment, protect escape routes, and give firefighters more time to respond.

Types of Structural Steel Protection and Why It’s Important

Structural steel is strong and durable, but in a fire, it weakens quickly. At around 550°C, steel can lose half of its strength, which may cause buildings to collapse. That’s why fire protection for steel structures is essential.

Common Types of Steel Fire Protection

  1. Intumescent Coatings – Paint-like layers that expand into an insulating char when exposed to heat.
  2. Board Systems – Fire-resistant boards fixed around steel beams and columns.
  3. Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) – A cement-like spray that slows heat transfer.
  4. Concrete Encasement – Steel surrounded by reinforced concrete for fire resistance and strength.
  5. Fire-Resistant Casings/Cladding – Prefabricated panels that combine protection with aesthetics.

Why Steel Protection Matters

  • Prevents structural collapse in a fire.
  • Provides more time for evacuation and firefighting.
  • Meets building regulations and safety codes.
  • Reduces damage and repair costs.
  • Improves insurance compliance.

Key Takeaway

Steel fire protection systems—like intumescent paint, board encasement, and spray coatings—are vital for building safety. They slow down heat damage, save lives, and protect investments.

What Is Cementitious Fire Protection?

Cementitious fire protection is a spray-applied coating made from lightweight cement-based materials. It is applied directly onto structural steel, concrete, or other building elements. Once hardened, it creates an insulating layer that slows the rise in temperature during a fire.

This type of fireproofing is especially common in:

  • High-rise buildings
  • Warehouses
  • Stadiums and airports
  • Industrial facilities

How It Works

  • The coating is sprayed onto steel surfaces.
  • In a fire, it absorbs and resists heat, keeping steel below critical failure temperatures.
  • This gives building occupants more time to evacuate and firefighters more time to respond.

Benefits of Cementitious Fire Protection

  • Proven performance: Widely used and tested across industries.
  • Cost-effective: Often cheaper than other steel fire protection methods.
  • Versatile: Can be applied to beams, columns, decks, and walls.
  • Lightweight: Adds little extra load to the structure.
  • Regulation compliant: Meets most fire safety codes and standards.

Things to Consider

  • Requires professional application to ensure thickness and coverage are correct.
  • Surface preparation is important for good adhesion.
  • Not always the most attractive finish — sometimes covered with cladding for aesthetics.

Final Thoughts

Cementitious fire protection is one of the most practical and effective ways to protect steel structures from fire. By slowing heat transfer, it prevents steel from losing strength too quickly, helping safeguard both people and property.

If you’re planning a construction project, talk to a fire protection specialist about whether cementitious coatings are the right choice for your building.

Important Regulations for Intumescent Paint in Steel Buildings in the UK

Structural steel is widely used in UK construction due to its strength and versatility. However, steel loses strength quickly in a fire, making fire protection critical. Intumescent paint is one of the most effective solutions, providing a protective layer that expands when exposed to heat and insulates steel from fire. But in the UK, its use is governed by strict regulations and standards.

What Is Intumescent Paint?

Intumescent paint, also called intumescent coating, is a fire-resistant material applied to steel structures. When exposed to high temperatures, it expands into a thick char, delaying structural failure and giving occupants and firefighters more time to respond.

Key UK Regulations and Standards

1. Building Regulations Approved Document B

  • The main legal framework for fire safety in UK buildings.
  • Requires structural elements, including steel, to achieve specified fire resistance periods (e.g., 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes) depending on the building type and occupancy.
  • Intumescent coatings must be applied in a way that ensures compliance with these ratings.

2. BS 476 Series

  • British Standard BS 476 specifies fire resistance testing for building materials.
  • Intumescent paints are tested under BS 476 Part 20/21 (non-loadbearing elements) and Part 22 (loadbearing steel elements) to confirm fire performance.

3. BS EN 13381-8

  • A European standard adopted in the UK for structural steel fire protection.
  • Provides test methods for intumescent coatings, ensuring that the applied thickness achieves the required fire resistance.

4. Certifire and Third-Party Certification

  • Products should be third-party certified (e.g., Certifire, LPCB).
  • Certification ensures the paint has been tested for fire resistance and meets UK building safety standards.

5. Application and Maintenance Regulations

  • Must be applied by trained and certified applicators.
  • Surface preparation, coating thickness (DFT), and environmental conditions must meet manufacturer and regulatory standards.
  • Coatings must be inspected and maintained to ensure continued fire protection.

Why Compliance Matters in the UK

  • Life Safety: Provides critical extra time for evacuation in high-rise and commercial buildings.
  • Legal Requirements: Non-compliance can lead to fines, insurance issues, and enforcement action by building control.
  • Insurance & Liability: Certified fire protection is often required by insurers and for liability protection.
  • Building Longevity: Maintains structural integrity and reduces fire-related damage costs.

Final Thoughts

Intumescent paint is an effective fire protection solution for steel buildings in the UK, but it must meet strict regulatory standards. From Approved Document B and BS testing to certified application and ongoing maintenance, compliance is key to ensuring safety, legality, and long-term building performance.

Working with certified suppliers and professional applicators is essential for meeting UK fire protection requirements and safeguarding both people and property.

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