What are Intumescent Sealants and Their Role In Fire Protection
Intumescent sealants play an essential role in fire protection and are commonly used when small and inaccessible areas need to be sealed, for example around doors and windows.
But what are the benefits of intumescent sealants, how do they work, and are they easy to use? We’ll take a look at all this and more.
What are Intumescent Sealants?
Put simply, intumescent sealants are a means of passive fire protection that expands when exposed to extreme heat and forms a fire-resistant seal that slows down the spread of fire and smoke. They are typically made up of a combination of materials such as graphite, ammonium polyphosphate, and other fire-resistant materials.
Are intumescent sealants easy to install?
Intumescent sealants boast a variety of benefits, making them ideal for situations when a simple, yet quality fire protection solution is absolutely necessary.
What are the advantages of using intumescent sealants?
Reduce the likelihood of injury
One of the biggest advantages of intumescent sealants is their ability to slow down, or even stop for a period of time, smoke and fire in their paths.
This, therefore, is a key factor in reducing the likelihood of injury from burns or smoke inhalation. When you consider the fact that there were 334 fire-related fatalities in Great Britain during 2021/22 [Statista], it becomes evident that intumescent sealants and, other fire protection methods, are essential.
A cost-effective solution
When compared with other fire-resistant materials and solutions, intumescent sealants offer great value for money.
One cartridge can be priced from as little as £1.98+VAT, making them extremely cost-effective while still offering high-quality and reliable fire and smoke protection.
Aesthetically pleasing
Effective fire protection doesn’t need to be garish or overtly noticeable. Another key benefit of intumescent sealants is that they can be incredibly subtle without compromising their high levels of protection.
They are often available in a variety of colours and can be matched and blended into their surroundings to the point where many people barely notice them.
What are the disadvantages of using intumescent sealants?
One thing we would say to consider when it comes to the limitations of how intumescent sealants work is to ensure you’re using one that protects against both smoke and fire.
It’s important to remember that smoke doesn’t necessarily mean heat. Therefore, other fire doors in a building may still have gaps around them as they’ve not yet been exposed to the heat of the fire, allowing cold smoke to pass through the gaps.
Where should intumescent sealants be Installed?
A great thing about intumescent sealants is their material is often compatible with common building materials. This means that they can be installed particularly in areas where traditional fire-resistant materials such as gypsum board, fire-retardant coatings, or mineral wool insulation may be difficult or impractical to use.
At Noberne Seals, we pride ourselves on being market leaders in passive fire protection. We only offer products that have been independently tested and 3rd party accredited. To find out more, contact the team today.
