While structural steel is exceptionally strong, it loses its load-bearing capacity rapidly when exposed to temperatures exceeding $550°C during a commercial fire, risking catastrophic structural collapse. At FSD Maintenance, we provide specialist structural steel protection across Kent and the South East to insulate core steel frameworks against intense thermal exposure. Our certified solutions ensure that beams, columns, and hollow sections retain their design strength, providing crucial extra time for building occupants to safely evacuate and for emergency services to control the incident.
We offer a comprehensive suite of structural fireproofing methods tailored to the specific design, environment, and aesthetic requirements of your project:
Engineering protection thicknesses to deliver precise 30, 60, 90, or 120-minute fire resistance ratings depending on building height and usage.
Thin-film coatings that follow the natural profile of the steelwork, making them ideal for modern architectural designs with exposed steel.
Spray-applied and boarded solutions designed to withstand high-exposure environments, including commercial plant rooms and industrial warehouses.
Using digital Dry Film Thickness (DFT) gauges to verify that the applied protective layers exactly match required safety parameters.
Working flexibly alongside main contractors on new builds or executing discreet retrofits in existing Kent commercial properties.
Structural fireproofing requires absolute precision to pass building control. FSD Maintenance applies structural steel protection systems rigorously tested to BS 476 Parts 20-22 and the European standard BS EN 13381. Our calculations are derived based on the specific section factor (A/V or Hp/A) of each steel profile. This ensures complete alignment with Approved Document B of the UK Building Regulations and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Yellow Book guidelines, giving building owners fully certified, legally defensible safety compliance.
Structural steel begins to lose its yield strength at around $550°C. At this critical temperature, it loses roughly 50% of its load-bearing capacity, which can lead to rapid bending, buckling, and structural collapse if it is not protected by an insulating fire barrier.
Intumescent paint is a thin, decorative coating that expands into a thick, insulating char when exposed to heat, preserving the aesthetic shape of the steel. Cementitious fireproofing is a thicker, plaster-like spray compound primarily used in hidden or industrial areas where cost-efficiency and high-durability matter more than visual appearance.
We use advanced electronic Dry Film Thickness (DFT) gauges to measure the coating at multiple points along the steel profiles. These metrics are compiled into a formal quality control report, demonstrating to building control and insurers that the exact required material thickness has been achieved.
Absolutely. We regularly work on commercial refurbishments and historical conversions. Our team can assess the existing steelwork, strip away failing historical coatings if necessary, and apply modern, space-saving board or intumescent systems to upgrade the building to current UK fire safety standards.
Don’t wait for an inspection failure to secure your property. Speak directly with a Kent-based passive fire protection specialist today to discuss your project requirements or to book a comprehensive site survey.
