May 7, 2026
Intumescent Coatings for Steel: The Complete Guide to Fire Protection
Structural steel is the backbone of modern commercial construction, but it has a critical vulnerability
that every contractor, specifier, and building owner must address: steel loses approximately 50% of its
load-bearing strength when temperatures reach 538°C (1000°F). In a building fire, unprotected steel can
reach this critical threshold within minutes, leading to structural failure before occupants have time to evacuate.