Spray-applied fireproofing protects structural steel in a fire. It has to be applied on clean steel, at the right thickness, and protected from the trades that follow.
In this article
Timing
Apply after the steel is complete and before ducts, pipes and ceilings block access.
Surface preparation
Steel must be clean. Some primers and coatings are not compatible with fireproofing.
Keep reading — free
The rest of this article is worth the 20 seconds
Tell us where to send it and the full piece unlocks right here, along with everything else on this blog.
Rather just talk? Message us on WhatsApp.
Attachments first
Hangers and clips should be installed before spraying when possible, to avoid scraping it off later.
Thickness
Thickness follows the fire rating design. It is measured during inspections.
Inspections
Schedule inspections before other trades cover the steel.
Patching
Trades that damage fireproofing must report it. Patching is done by the fireproofing contractor.
Protection
Weather and moisture can damage some products. Protect the work.
Getting started
Add a fireproofing release step before MEP rough-in in the schedule.
Common mistakes
Spraying over incompatible primer, trades scraping it off and covering before inspection.
Example
A general contractor required every trade to mark damaged fireproofing with tape and report it daily. The final inspection passed on the first try, unlike the previous project, which needed a week of patching.
Release checklist before other trades
Fireproofing applied in the area, inspection passed, damaged spots patched and photos taken. Only then release the area for MEP rough-in and ceilings.
Communicating with trades
Show photos of damaged fireproofing in the coordination meeting. Trades that understand the cost of patching take more care.
Run tighter jobs and win the right ones.
We help construction companies build the systems, online presence and client relationships that bring better projects.
Frequently asked questions
Who inspects spray fireproofing?
On many commercial projects, thickness and density are checked by a special inspector or testing agency according to the code and specifications. Areas that fail must be repaired and rechecked.