Fire Ratings for Structural Steel: 1-Hour to 4-Hour Explained
April 3, 2026
Fire ratings on structural steel is not a guarantee that the steel will survive a fire indefinitely. It is a time-defined performance standard: the
Fireproofing
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Cementitious vs. Intumescent Fireproofing: How to Choose the Right System
April 3, 2026
Cementitious fireproofing (SFRM) and intumescent coatings are the two primary methods of protecting structural steel from fire. They use completely different mechanisms, carry different
IBC Table 601: Fire Resistance Ratings for Every Construction Type
April 3, 2026
IBC (2021) Table 601 is the single page in the International Building Code that determines whether your structural steel needs fireproofing. Every construction type,
Fireproofing vs. Fire Retardant: Understanding the Difference
April 3, 2026
Fireproofing and fire retardant are not the same thing. They are governed by different IBC chapters, tested to different ASTM standards, applied to different
Commercial Fireproofing Cost: What to Expect Per Square Foot
April 3, 2026
Commercial fireproofing installed on structural steel costs between $5 and $35 or more per square foot, depending on the product system, fire rating, steel
SFRM Density Categories: Low, Medium, and High Density Explained
April 3, 2026
Spray-applied fire-resistive material (SFRM) comes in three density categories, and the one your project specifies determines how well the fireproofing survives on the steel
Commercial Fireproofing Requirements: What Building Owners Must Know
April 3, 2026
Whether your next project requires structural fireproofing is not determined by the steel itself. It is determined by a four-step code logic chain in
Spray-Applied Fireproofing: The Complete Contractor’s Guide
March 16, 2026
From density selection and bond strength requirements to IBC code compliance, special inspections, and installed cost, this guide covers everything contractors, architects, and specifiers
Commercial Fireproofing Code Compliance: Complete IBC Guide
March 12, 2026
Fire-resistance ratings, construction types, testing standards, and special inspections: commercial fireproofing code compliance involves multiple overlapping IBC requirements that determine what fire protection your