★★★★★
Happy Customers!
We had our brand new house in Lethbridge insulated with spray foam done by Steve's Urethane, and we are very happy with the results! The staff was great to deal with and the crew was efficient and very tidy. I would recommend Steve's Urethane to anyone interested in spray foam insulation.
Lisa B
Thermal Barriers and Fireproofing Systems in Lethbridge
At Steve’s Urethane in Lethbridge, safety is the foundation of every project we undertake. While modern building materials offer incredible efficiency and strength, they often require an extra layer of protection to meet safety standards. Thermal barriers provide that essential shield, offering a high-performance fire rating that protects both the structure and the people.
What is a Thermal Barrier?
A thermal barrier is a protective layer installed over spray foam insulation or structural steel to delay its involvement in a fire. While modern spray foam contains flame retardants, specific areas still require an additional thermal barrier to meet the building code. A thermal barrier acts as a "shield," providing a fire rating. This crucial window of time slows the spread of flames and limits smoke production, allowing occupants to evacuate safely.
The Rule of Thumb: If the space is "habitable" (like a living room, office, or finished basement) or used for storage, the building code typically requires a thermal barrier over exposed spray foam.
Our Thermal Barrier Solutions
We offer several methods to protect your property, depending on the design and use of your building:
1. Intumescent Coatings
In many projects—especially industrial shops, vaulted ceilings, joist boxes or crawlspaces—leaving the spray foam exposed is more practical. In these cases, we apply an intumescent paint.
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How it works: This specialized coating is sprayed directly over the foam. When exposed to extreme heat, it undergoes a chemical reaction, expanding into a thick, charred layer that protects the substrate from the fire.
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Benefits: It’s lightweight, follows the contour of the foam, and satisfies safety requirements without the need for heavy framing or drywall.
2. Cementitious Thermal Barriers
For projects that require a more heavy-duty or rugged finish—such as parking garages, mechanical rooms, or high-traffic commercial spaces—a cementitious barrier is an excellent alternative.
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How it works: This is a cement-based, plaster-like coating that is sprayed directly over the foam insulation. Unlike paint, it creates a hard, durable shell. It is a dense, non-combustible composition that provides a natural physical shield that prevents heat from reaching the foam.
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Benefits: It is highly impact-resistant and holds up well in damp environments where drywall might fail. Because it is spray-applied, it easily covers complex shapes and tight corners, providing a seamless, masonry-style finish that is both fire-rated and incredibly tough.
Structural Steel Cementitious Thermal Barriers
When your project involves exposed steel beams or columns, protecting the building’s "skeleton" is just as important as insulating the walls. In these scenarios, we use a specialized structural cementitious spray designed specifically for steel.
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How it works: This material is a dense, mineral-based mixture applied directly to bare structural steel. It acts as a heat sink and insulator, preventing the steel from reaching "critical temperature," which is the point where metal begins to lose its structural strength and bend.
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Benefits: It provides high-performance fire resistance for structural steel. It is incredibly durable, sticks firmly to metal surfaces, and is often used in high-rise construction, warehouses, and parking structures where the building's structural integrity is a top priority.
Why is it Necessary?
In some situations, the building code requires an approved thermal barrier to meet compliance. Additionally, thermal barrier protection offers:
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Insurance Compliance: Some insurance companies require a thermal barrier.
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Building Inspections: Achieves code requirements and pass inspections.
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Peace of Mind: It ensures that you are safe and comfortable.
Choosing the right barrier depends on your specific project and local regulations. At Steve’s Urethane in Lethbridge, we’re happy to walk you through the options and make sure your installation is safe, efficient, and fully compliant. Call us today.