Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
What is a Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Material (SFRM)?
In the past, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) defined product classifications as “Cementitious Mixtures” or “Sprayed Fiber” materials. These product classifications have been withdrawn and combined to form a new single product classification called Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Material (SFRM).
The term “cementitious” often misleads design professionals to believe that the product contains cement, when in fact, most commercial density products called “cementitious” do not. Ironically, most of the materials that were included in the “Sprayed Fiber” category, actually do contain cement.
Isolatek International has categorized SFRMs as either “Wet Spray” or “Dry Spray” materials. These terms better describe the manner in which the material is mixed, conveyed and applied.
A more in-depth analysis of the definition.
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What is an Intumescent Coating?
Intumescent Fire Resistance Coatings are paint-like coatings that expand and char in a fire to insulate structural steel for up to 4-hours.
Thin Film Intumescent Coatings, such as CAFCO SprayFilm, give Architects the ability to design using structural steel that can be decorative and aesthetically pleasing. Intumescent Coatings can be top coated to match their surroundings and allow steel to be left exposed to view while providing the necessary fire resistance ratings.
What are CAFCO® 300 and CAFCO 400?
CAFCO 300 and CAFCO 400 are “wet spray” Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Materials (SFRMs).
CAFCO 300 is a commercial density SFRM that combines vermiculite with a gypsum based binder. CAFCO 300 is typically used in concealed commercial application to provide fire resistive ratings on structural steel for up to 4-hours.
CAFCO 400 is a medium density SFRM that blends vermiculite and a portland cement binder.
CAFCO 400 is used in semi-exposed commercial application to provide excellent physical property performance while also providing fire resistive ratings on structural steel for up to 4-hours.
CAFCO 300 and CAFCO 400 provide a clean uniform appearance, with a smooth texture and cost efficient application. CAFCO 300 and CAFCO 400 offer the best fire resistance performance per unit thickness of any SFRM.
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What are CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD® II and BLAZE-SHIELD HP?
CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II and BLAZE-SHIELD HP are inorganic “dry spray” SFRMs.
CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II is a commercial density SFRM that combines mineral wool with a portland cement binder. CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II is typically used in concealed commercial applications to provide fire resistive ratings on structural steel for up to 4-hours.
CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD HP is a medium density material that combines mineral wool with a portland cement binder. CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD HP is used in semi-exposed commercial applications to provide excellent physical property performance while providing fire resistive ratings on structural steel for up to 4-hours.
The CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD products are designed to endure construction abuse as well as exposure to extreme weather conditions. CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II and CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD HP are classified by UL as investigated for exterior exposure. CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II (67% by weight post consumer) and CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD HP (56% by weight post consumer) offer extremely high-recycled content to provide unparalleled LEED credit potential. CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II achieves excellent durability, requires no pre-mixing during application and reduces labor costs to make CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II the most cost effective SFRM in the world.
Where should I use a commercial density material?
CAFCO 300 and BLAZE-SHIELD II are specified within the American Institute of Architects (AIA) MasterSpec – Section 07811 for concealed applications of Sprayed Fire Resistive Materials (i.e. above ceilings, behind walls, elevator shafts, etc.).
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Where should I use a medium or high-density material?
CAFCO 400, CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD HP and CAFCO FENDOLITE® M-II, high-density SFRM, are specified within the American Institute of Architects (AIA) MasterSpec – Section 07811 for Exposed Sprayed Fire Resistive Material (i.e. parking garage, canopies, storage areas).
Where should I use CAFCO-BOARD™?
CAFCO-BOARD is a rigid, mineral wool board that is mechanically fastened to structural steel to provide up to 4-hour fire protection.
CAFCO-BOARD is ideally suited to protect structural steel in areas where there is limited clearance around perimeter walls, retrofit applications, seismic activity zones, moment connection framing and abatement projects where speed and dry application are required.
There is no need for tarping, masking, ventilating or heating of the work area since there is no minimum application temperature.
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Do your products contain asbestos?
All products manufactured by Isolatek International are certified to be asbestos free. Ensure that all fire protection material suppliers provide Asbestos Free Certification and independent test verification per EPA 400/4M-82-020.
Download a copy of Isolatek International Asbestos Free Certification.
What are the patching / repair procedures?
CAFCO 300 or CAFCO 400 that has been damaged or removed may be repaired by sprayed or hand troweling freshly mixed product to the affected areas. The maximum area that can be patched by hand troweling CAFCO 300 or CAFCO 400 is 1 sq. ft. CAFCO FIBER-PATCH may be used to patch damaged or removed CAFCO 300 or CAFCO 400 in areas not exceeding 1 sq. ft.
CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II or BLAZE-SHIELD II that has been damaged or removed may be repaired by re-spraying the product to the affected areas. In addition, CAFCO FIBER-PATCH may be used to hand patch damaged or removed CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II or CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD HP in areas not exceeding 3 sq. ft.
Download a copy of Isolatek International patching specs.
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How long does it take for the material to dry?
Depending upon thicknesses, environment conditions (i.e. temperature, air-flow, moisture, etc.), the period required for CAFCO Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Materials (SFRMs) to fully cure is 14 to 28 days or more.
Adequate ventilation must be provided, particularly when spraying in enclosed areas such as basements, stairwells, shafts and small rooms. A minimum of 4 complete air exchanges per hour is required until the material is dry.
What do I do with painted / primed steel?
The coating must be identified prior to fire protection. Isolatek International has tested a wide array of paints / primers on wide flange beams and columns for compatibility with our fire protection products. A painted/primed beam or column must achieve 80% of the manufacturer’s published bond strength on a clean uncoated 1/8 inch thick plate when tested in accordance with ASTM E736; the beam flange must not exceed 12 inches; the column flange must not exceed 16 inches; and the beams and column web must not exceed 16 inches. If the painted/primed members do not meet all of the above conditions, mechanical reinforcement (metal lath, steel studs) must be fastened to the substrate prior to fire protection.
Contact the Technical Services Department to see if the primer that was utilized on the project is tested.
Download a copy of Isolutions #5 - Primed Steel Guidelines for SFRMs.
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What do I do if my roof deck is painted?
If a steel deck is to be painted/primed, it must be listed in the specified Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Design as a classified painted deck for the particular fire protection product and certified for fire test compatibility by the deck manufacturer for the exact deck designation. CAFCO BOND-SEAL (mixed as an adhesive) is required on all roof deck.
The deck manufacturer must provide written confirmation that the paint/primer and the deck supplied to the project are those which are classified by UL. In addition, the deck must be listed in the UL roof assembly being utilized and Isolatek must confirm paint/primer adhesion compatibility.
CAFCO-BOARD is an ideal solution to painted roof decks and a wider variety of project sequencing issues that typically result in time and material patching. Include CAFCO- BOARD in all your SFRM base specifications.
For situations where the deck utilized on a project is painted, contact the deck manufacturer and/or Isolatek International to determine if the deck and paint is UL Classified.
Which of your products can be exposed to the weather?
Our dry mix, portland cement based CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II and BLAZE-SHIELD HP are the only commercial density (low density) and medium density SFRMs that have been subjected to advanced exterior exposure conditions at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and have shown satisfactory physical and fire resistance performance, resulting in a "Investigated for Exterior Use" classification by UL.
CAFCO FENDOLITE M-II, high density SFRM, is also classified by UL as “Investigated for Exterior Use”.
Our CAFCO SprayFilm -WB 4 Intumescent Coating is a water-based, intumescent coating consisting of polyvinyl acetate resins and inorganic fillers for the fire protection of structural steel. CAFCO SprayFilm -WB4, in conjunction with CAFCO SprayFilm -Topseal, is a water-based system investigated by UL for exterior applications. A protective topcoat is applied over the CAFCO SprayFilm in conjunction with an exterior finish coat. The topcoat material can be any color match to provide a durable, decorative, architectural finish.
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Can CAFCO products be painted?
When applying paint as a top coat or color coat over a product, it is required that the paint be non-bridging water-based latex. The paint should be applied over the material with the minimum amount required so as to avoid saturating the material. UL has approved this application of painting CAFCO SFRMs and confirms that it will not adversely affect the fire resistance rating.
Download a copy of the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) letter.
When is a sealer required?
In areas where there is expected to be a greater than normal amount of air movement such as elevator shafts or areas adjacent to exhaust fans, it is recommended that our CAFCO BOND-SEAL be applied as a sealer. Otherwise, a sealer or topcoat is considered optional, as we do not require a sealer in maintaining the fire rating or physical properties of the SFRM.
How do I determine thickness?
Thickness of the fire protection material is dependant upon the assembly in which it is being applied. The following basic information is required for the estimator to determine the proper Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) assembly.
Type of deck and depth of metal deck
Type of topping on deck (i.e. concrete or insulation type and thickness)
Beam sizes supporting deck
Type of column and column sizes
Once an assembly is determined and a UL Design is selected, the design will list the proper thicknesses required. The adjustment for various beam and column sizes can be found in our W/D Thickness Manual.
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Is a primer required for CAFCO SprayFilm®?
Before applying CAFCO SprayFilm -WB 2, WB 3, or WB 4 to structural steel, the steel must be primed with a suitable primer. This is a requirement by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) in the specific design. The primer must be applied in accordance with the primer manufacturer's written instructions.
Download a copy of the Primer Data Sheet
What Top Coats are required for SprayFilm – WB 3 and WB 4?
Download a copy of CAFCO SprayFilm Finish Coat Data Sheet
What are Industry Standard temperature requirements?
It is an industry standard for Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Materials (SFRMs) that the temperature at the job site must be greater than 40°F (4°C). A minimum substrate and ambient temperature of 40°F (4°C) shall be maintained prior to, during, and for a minimum of 24 hours after the application.
For CAFCO SprayFilm Intumescent Coatings, the minimum ambient temperature must be between 50°F (10°C) and 100°F (38°C). A minimum substrate and ambient temperature of 50°F (10°C) shall be maintained prior to, during and a minimum of 72 hours after application.
If necessary, tarp enclosures and temporary heat may be utilized to maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels in the application areas.
These are the standards called out and accepted by the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries – International (AWCI) as wells as The National Fireproofing Contractors Association (NFCA).
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Which CAFCO materials are approved of Head of Wall Systems?
CAFCO 300 Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Material (SFRM) is listed in various Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) assemblies in the UL Fire Resistance Directory, Volume 2.
Based on recent testing at Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., CAFCO BLAZE-SHIELD II SFRM has successfully passed the testing criteria for UL 2079 and is currently being listed by UL in various head of wall designs in the UL Fire Resistance Directory, Volume 2.
Contact the Isolatek International Technical Services Department at 1-800-631-9600 (option 1) for further information.
Who can install CAFCO materials?
CAFCO materials can only be purchased and installed by certified applicators who are specifically licensed with Isolatek International.
What is the significance of ICC-ES Reports?
International Code Council-Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) does technical evaluations of building products, components, methods and materials. The result of the evaluation process is the issuance of a report on code compliance. These reports are made public free of charge to contractors, specifiers, architects, engineers and other professionals with an interest in the building industry and construction.
The ICC-ES evaluation reports provide evidence that the products and systems meet code requirements. These reports insure code compliance, simplify the code approval process and may help to alleviate the liability burden on the local authority having jurisdiction to review and approve the submitted fire protection materials.
The official website of ICC Evaluation Services, Inc. is www.icc-es.org
Download the CAFCO 300, CAFCO 400, BLAZE-SHIELD II, BLAZE-SHIELD HP, FENDOLITE M-II ICC-ES Report
Download a copy of CAFCO SprayFilm - WB 3 ICC-ES Report.
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