Fireproofing is important to protect buildings, equipment, and the people inside from fire. However, it should be done right so it’s effective. Even a small mistake during the fireproofing process puts everything at risk, making the fireproofing useless.
In this article, let’s take a look at the most common fireproofing mistakes and how you can avoid them.
How Small Mistakes Can Cause Major Safety and Compliance Issues
Just applying a coating or installing insulation won’t make your property fireproof. It should be done properly. Even a small mistake, like not cleaning the surface properly or applying a coating at an uneven thickness, can reduce the material’s ability to resist fire. For example, if you don’t coat a steel beam properly, it can lose its structural strength quickly in a fire and collapse.
Fireproofing is also mandatory under the National Construction Code (NCC) for buildings in Australia. So, small mistakes in fireproofing mean your property will fail inspections, and you may have to pay fines. For more information, check out our article on Fireproofing Compliance in Adelaide 2025.
Common Fireproofing Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes that can put your fire safety and compliance at risk:
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Fireproofing Materials
There are various types of fireproofing materials like intumescent coatings, cementitious sprays, and fireproof panels. You should choose the right material for the structure so it’s effective.
A coating that’s made for the interior won’t hold up well for exterior use because of constant temperature changes. Similarly, applying a lightweight coating to industrial steel won’t give it enough protection during a fire.
For visible steel beams in commercial buildings, intumescent coatings are great because they expand under heat and form a protective layer without affecting the appearance. Cementitious fireproofing is thicker and is a better choice for concealed areas in industrial settings, especially when firestopping is required.
Mistake #2: Poor Surface Preparation
You need to prepare the surface properly before applying fireproofing materials so they adhere well. Dust, oil, rust, or moisture can all prevent the fireproofing from sticking properly and cause cracks or flaking.
If a beam is rusted, fix it first before coating it. The coating may look perfect at first, but it will start peeling as the material corrodes underneath.
Mistake #3: Incorrect Application Techniques
You should apply fireproofing coatings and sprays at the right thickness and with the proper equipment. Even a small mistake can prevent them from performing as intended.
Here are some common application errors to avoid:
- Applying uneven layers
- Not meeting the minimum dry film thickness (DFT)
- Applying when it’s too hot, too cold, or too humid
- Skipping curing or drying time between coats
These mistakes can create weak spots and reduce the material’s ability to resist fire.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Regular Inspections and Maintenance
You can’t just install fireproofing and forget about it. It should be inspected by a professional every year so it remains effective.
Cementitious coatings can absorb water and deteriorate, while intumescent coatings can lose adhesion due to temperature fluctuations. If you don’t inspect and fix these issues on time, they can leave parts of the structure vulnerable to fire.
Mistake #5: Overlooking Building Codes and Compliance
Every region in Australia has specific fire safety standards and codes that determine the type and rating you need for each type of building. For example, the fire rating required for a structural beam in a high-rise differs from that of a warehouse column.
Some small-level contractors assume that any fireproofing will do, which can lead to your property failing inspections and costing a lot of money to fix.
The NCC sets out the Fire Resistance Levels (FRLs) required for a building’s beams, floors, and walls. It also covers requirements for passive fire protection, like separating living areas to slow the spread of fire.
Mistake #6: DIY Fireproofing Without Expertise
Fireproofing isn’t a DIY project that you can tackle on a weekend. If you try to apply fireproofing yourself to save money, you can end up spending more by doing it incorrectly. You should always hire certified fire professionals for this job.
Even if your DIY looks fine on the surface, it can fail a professional inspection, or, much worse, fail to protect during an actual fire.
Read More: Fire-Resistant Building Materials for Safer Homes
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Follow these tips to avoid common fireproofing mistakes:
- Have a fire protection plan: Before building or renovating your property, you should create a detailed fire protection plan that outlines the materials to use and how to apply them.
- Hire certified contractors: Work with certified fireproofing specialists with proven experience. Before signing a contract, verify their credentials, check their reviews, and ask for references from previous customers.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines: Every product has specific requirements for mixing, applying, curing, and maintenance. Skipping them can reduce their effectiveness.
- Ensure proper quality control: Fireproofing specialists do quality checks. But for large commercial projects, it’s best to hire an independent supervisor to measure coating thickness and check for defects.
- Inspect regularly: Fireproofing materials deteriorate over time, especially in harsh weather conditions. Schedule inspections at least once a year to address any damage immediately.
- Stay up to date with regulations: Fire safety codes keep evolving for better safety. Regularly review updates from local authorities and organizations like NCC to stay compliant.
- Educate staff: For commercial buildings, everyone involved in building maintenance should know how to identify early warning signs of failure to prevent safety hazards.
The Final Word
Fireproofing mistakes seem small, but their consequences can be catastrophic. Property loss, injuries, and non-compliance fines are some of the risks. The good news is that you can prevent these mistakes by working with experienced and licensed fireproofing professionals.
If you’re looking for reliable and trusted fireproofing services in Adelaide, get in touch with Swart Plastering. With over 100 years of award-winning experience, our team of experts can install, inspect, and maintain fire-resistant materials that slow the spread of flames and smoke. Here’s our fireproofing process:
- Site inspection
- Tailored fireproofing plan
- Fireproofing installation
- Quality checks
- Final report and certification
