Universal Fireproofing Patch is the ultimate patch solution for repairing Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) because it works! Simply mix with water and apply with a trowel.
Universal Fireproofing Patch (UFP) is a state-of-the-art fireproofing patch that can be used to repair existing SFRM fire proofing material. It solves the two biggest issues affecting the patch and repair of existing thermal coatings. One, the high cost of patching and repair is reduced by 50% and two, the material is fully vetted by not one, not two, but three nationally-recognized, completely independent testing laboratories.
It’s important to fireproof rigid-structure elements such as columns, metal decking, and beams in buildings. Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) protects the integrity of rigid-structure elements against extreme heat for up to 3 hours by thermally insulating them during fire conditions.
Proper maintenance and repair of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) is a health and safety issue as well as a potential liability issue that every facility manager should be concerned about. Use Universal Fireproofing Patch to repair any damage in the SFRM that occurs after application. It’s compatible with every known brand of SFRM coating and performs thermally equal to or better than any existing SFRM.
Fireproofing Can Become Damaged
If rigid-structure elements are protected from fire with Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material, it’s important to keep the SFRM intact. It often gets accidentally damaged during building renovations or construction or even through careless daily activity. Sometimes, SFRM is removed by electrical, plumbing, mechanical and cable contractors when doing their work. Any activity that damages or removes part of the SFRM greatly increases the chance of structural failure during a fire. To maintain the fire rating of the structure, these damages must be repaired with the right fireproofing patch material. The material should adhere to, and be compatible with, the range of common SFRMs. It should also perform with the right density, adhesion, cohesion and fire resistance. Universal Fireproofing Patch meets all these criteria.
What Happens when SFRM Fireproofing is Exposed to Fire?
Keeping all parts of a structural element below critical temperatures during fire conditions is crucial for protecting the building’s occupants. Excessive heat in just one area can lead to structural failure with catastrophic results. Direct exposure to flames will quickly raise the temperature of exposed steel to about 1,500°F. The steel structural element loses about 65% of its strength to support its load at approximately 1,100°F. At this point, even when a small portion of the structural support element is exposed, the entire building can fail because a simple patch was needed in the SFRM coating. There are no standards or codes that allow relaxing the integrity of fireproofing. Properly maintaining fireproofing protections can quickly become a life or death issue in a fire.
Common SFRM Patching Methods That Fail
It’s easy to properly patch damaged fireproofing but many times contractors choose the wrong materials or methods. When making a patch, contractors need to consider material compatibility, ambient temperature, and how much (or little) product to use. Contractors should avoid the following methods:
- Using a Trowel to Apply Spray Material
Intuitively, the idea of patching a SFRM breach using a trowel to apply the original SFRM spray coating seems like a good shortcut. But most wet-application materials contain a slippage agent to facilitate pumping the wet material through a hose. Spray patching material simply won’t stick well when applied with a trowel. Universal Fireproofing Patch is designed to be applied with a trowel, saving time and money.
- Using Broken Bags of SFRM
Builders often save broken bags of SFRM for later patching. But fireproofing properly requires using compatible material, not old product that may have become contaminated, leading to limited effectiveness and verification. Selecting a poor-quality material can lead to difficulty applying the patch, decreased integrity of the structure in the event of a fire, and increased danger to the people inside the building. Don’t be tempted.
- Using Building Materials Instead of Fireproofing Patch
Just because a fireproof patch looks good doesn’t mean it will do the job. Sometimes builders try to shortcut proper SFRM repair by using joint compound, sawdust and other construction scrap and applying these materials as a patch. This is one of the most dangerous methods a builder could use. It may look good for the moment, but this patch is likely to fail, and it does nothing to restore the fire rating of the structure. And most importantly, it does nothing to protect the building occupants in case of a fire. Compromised fireproofing can lead to a failed structure and greater risk to occupants. Always use the proper material and application method for the safety of the building occupants. Universal Fireproofing Patch is made for the job.
For more detailed information, see the Universal Fireproofing Patch Product Data Sheet.
Click here for more information and to order either the 5 lb. or 25 lb. bucket of Universal Fireproofing Patch on this website.