What is intumescent paint and how does it work?

Intumescent paint is a reactive fire resistant coating for structural steel. When exposed to heat, it expands to form a thick, stable insulating char. This char protects the steel from the critical temperatures that cause it to lose strength, preventing structural collapse for a specified period (e.g., 60 or 120 minutes).

Is intumescent coating a legal requirement in the UK?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B), building owners and responsible persons must ensure adequate passive fire protection. This includes protecting structural steelwork to maintain its integrity in a fire, making intumescent coatings a critical compliance solution.

How long does intumescent paint last? Does it require maintenance?

When applied correctly to a properly prepared surface, intumescent coating is a permanent fire protection solution intended to last the lifetime of the building. It does not require scheduled maintenance. However, it must be inspected if damaged (e.g., by impact or building works) to ensure its integrity remains intact.

What is the fire rating for intumescent coatings?

Intumescent coatings are tested and certified to provide specific periods of fire resistance, typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. The required rating depends on the building's size, use, and design, as specified by Building Regulations. We apply systems certified to meet all UK standards.

How much does intumescent fireproofing cost in the UK?

The cost of intumescent coating in the UK varies based on the required fire rating, the size and complexity of the steelwork, and project location. Prices are typically calculated per square metre. Contact us for a free, no-obligation survey and precise quote tailored to your specific project.

Can intumescent paint be applied outdoors?

Yes, but only with specific products designed for external use. External intumescent coatings are formulated to withstand UK weather conditions, including UV radiation and moisture. We use only certified external-grade systems for outdoor steelwork to guarantee lasting performance.

What is the difference between intumescent paint and fireproof boards?

Intumescent paint provides a thin-film, aesthetic finish that can be over-painted to match any décor, making it ideal for exposed architectural steel. Fireproof boards are thicker, bulkier, and are typically used where appearance is less critical. Paint offers design flexibility, while boards are often a utilitarian solution.

How long does it take to apply intumescent coating?

Project timelines depend on the size and complexity of the steelwork, as well as environmental conditions. Surface preparation is crucial and can be time-consuming. For a standard commercial project, application itself can often be completed efficiently by our expert teams, minimising on-site disruption.

Do you provide a certificate of compliance after application?

Absolutely. Upon completion, we provide a full certification package that details the product used, the fire rating achieved, and the application standard. This documentation is essential for your building's fire safety file and is proof of compliance for insurers and regulators.

Do you offer intumescent coating services across the entire UK?

Yes, Premier Commercial Painting provides certified intumescent coating and fire protection services across the entire United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Our network of trained applicators ensures national coverage with consistent, high-quality standards.

Why is certified fireproofing critical for Derby's commercial buildings?

From the historic industrial heritage to modern developments like the Derby Cathedral Quarter, protecting structural steel is a legal requirement under Building Regulations. Certified intumescent coating ensures Derby buildings are safe, compliant, and preserve their value for the future.

Are there Derby-based specialists for intumescent fireproofing?

Yes. As a Derby-based company, Premier Commercial Painting provides specialised, local expertise in intumescent coatings. Our teams understand Derby’s specific architectural needs and building control expectations, ensuring seamless project delivery across the city and Derbyshire.

How quickly can you mobilise a fireproofing team in Derby?

Our local presence in Derby means we can typically mobilise our certified teams rapidly, often within days, not weeks. This helps keep your project on schedule, whether it’s in the city centre or at commercial parks like Pride Park.

What is the cost of fireproofing structural steel in Derby?

The cost depends on the required fire resistance (e.g., 60, 90, 120 minutes), the size of the steel section, and site access. Contact us for a free, detailed survey and competitive quote tailored to Derby and Derbyshire projects.

Can you handle listed building or sensitive projects in Derby?

Absolutely. Derby has many historically significant buildings. We specialise in applying low-profile, aesthetically pleasing intumescent coatings that provide vital fire protection while respecting the architectural integrity of sensitive or listed structures.

Do you work with Derby architects and main contractors?

We regularly partner with Derby’s architectural practices and main contractors from the design phase onwards. We can provide early consultation on steel specification and fire protection strategies to ensure compliance and value engineering for local projects.

What is the typical process for a Derby-based fireproofing project?

Our process is designed for minimal disruption: 1) Free site survey in Derby, 2) Detailed specification & quote, 3) Careful surface preparation, 4) Certified application, 5) Final inspection and provision of full certification for Derby Building Control.

How does weather in Derby affect exterior intumescent coating?

Derby’s climate demands robust, weather-resistant coatings for external steel. We use specially formulated exterior-grade intumescent products designed to withstand the UK’s variable weather, ensuring durable, long-lasting protection for years to come.

What areas of Derbyshire do you cover?

Based in Derby, we cover the entire city and the wider county, including Ashbourne, Belper, Ripley, Alfreton, and Matlock. We provide certified fireproofing services across the East Midlands.

Do you provide the necessary certification for Derby Building Control?

Yes. We provide a full certification package upon completion, which is essential for signing off your project with Derby Building Control. This includes product data, applied dry film thickness readings, and the achieved fire resistance rating.

Intumescent Painting Services in Derby

`Certified Fire Protection for Derby's Steel structures`

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Your Simple 5-Step Journey to Fire-Safe Compliance in Derby

Step 1: Click The Link Below

Your journey begins with a simple conversation.
Step 2: Free On-Site Assessment & Quotation

We'll visit your Derby site at the scheduled time. Our certified expert will conduct a thorough assessment
Step 3: Site Preparation & Planning

Before a single drop of paint is applied, our team prepares all surfaces to the highest standard.
Step 4: Surface Prep & Application

Using state-of-the-art equipment, our specialists apply the intumescent paint to the exact manufacturer's specifications
Step 5: Inspection & Handover

Once complete, we conduct a final quality inspection and provide you with a full certification package.

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Investing in Safety: A Guide to Intumescent Painting Costs in Derby

The cost of intumescent coating is an investment in the long-term safety and regulatory compliance of your Derby commercial property. As such, a one-size-fits-all price doesn't exist. While a basic application can start from £4 per m², high-performance systems for critical structures can command £20-£30 per m² or more.

We believe in transparent, tailored pricing. For a definitive quote, contact us for a free, on-site assessment.

Your final investment is shaped by:

Performance Requirements: We'll specify the correct coating to meet the exact fire rating your building regulations demand; this is not an area for compromise.
Project Scope & Logistics: The total square meterage and the complexity of the site logistics directly impact material and labour costs.
Steel Condition: Proper surface preparation is non-negotiable for a lasting result. The initial condition of your steel can affect this phase of the project.
Aesthetic Finish: If a specific decorative topcoat is required, this will be factored into the quote.

intumescent painting on steel beam on high-rise building in Derby.jpg

Why Businesses in Derby Choose Us as Their Intumescent Painting Contractors

When the safety and compliance of your property are a must, you need more than just a painter; you need a local experienced contractor. As leading intumescent painting contractors in Derby, we are the trusted choice for commercial and industrial businesses who value precision, certification, and peace of mind.

The Premier Commercial Painting Difference

Certified & Fully Compliant Results

We don't just apply coatings; we deliver certified fire protection systems. Our work is fully documented to meet all UK building regulations, giving you the paperwork you need for building control and complete peace of mind for your Derby property.

A Process Built for Minimal Disruption

We understand that your business must keep running. Our teams work efficiently around your schedule, ensuring your operations experience minimal downtime while we secure your building.

Your Dedicated Project Management

From your first call to final certification, you will have a single point of contact. We ensure clear communication, transparent timelines, and a seamless experience from start to finish.

Two Decades of Local, Specialist Expertise

With over 20 years of protecting buildings across the East Midlands, our deep knowledge of intumescent painting means we anticipate challenges and deliver exceptional results for complex projects in Derby.

Providing certified intumescent fire protection across Derby and Derbyshire:

DE1 (City Centre), DE3 (Allestree, Darley Abbey), DE21 (Chaddesden), DE22 (Littleover), DE23 (Normanton, Rose Hill), DE24 (Alvaston, Boulton), along with key business areas: Pride Park, Derby Commercial Park, Raynesway, Spondon, and the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage site.

Our intumescent painting services also cover:

Nottingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Newark, Lincoln, Coventry, Worcester, Birmingham, Lichfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Hereford, Wolverhampton, Burton-on-Trent.

Beyond Compliance: The Critical Benefits of Intumescent Coatings

Preserves Structural Integrity: Prevents steel beams from buckling and gives occupants vital extra time to evacuate safely.

Ensures Full Regulatory Compliance: Meets and exceeds UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B) for commercial properties in Nottingham.
Can Lower Insurance Premiums: Demonstrates proactive risk reduction to insurers, which can lead to more favourable policy terms.
Contains Fire & Smoke: Actively slows the spread of flames and reduces the emission of toxic smoke, the leading cause of fire-related fatalities.
Protects Your Business: Mitigates liability and safeguards your physical asset from catastrophic loss.

Intumescent coatings are a fundamental safeguard, proactively protecting your Derby property, its occupants, and your assets from the devastating effects of fire. More than just a regulatory box to tick, this passive fire protection system is a smart investment in risk management. When exposed to extreme heat, the coating expands to form a stable, insulating char that shields structural steel. This crucial reaction:

Complete Commercial & Industrial Painting Services in Derby

Your Local Partner for Comprehensive Property Protection in Derbyshire

As your Derby-based painting specialists, we provide a complete range of certified coating services tailored to the city's unique commercial and industrial landscape. From fire protection to aesthetic enhancements, our local teams deliver exceptional results across Derbyshire.

Cladding Spraying

Renew and protect building exteriors across Derby with durable, weather-resistant coatings suitable for both historic mills and modern commercial premises.

Cladding Spraying in Derby →

Shopfront Spraying

High-quality finishes that enhance visibility and durability for retail businesses throughout Derby's city centre and district shopping areas.

Shopfront Spraying in Derby →

Interior Commercial Painting

Professional painting services for Derby offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities, completed with minimal disruption to your business operations.

Office & Retail Painting in Derby →

Car Park Line Marking

Clear, compliant line marking and safety coatings for car parks at Derby's business parks, retail centres, and industrial estates.

Car Park Line Painting in Derby

Commercial Floor Painting

Heavy-duty epoxy, polyurethane, and resin floor systems for Derby's factories, warehouses, and commercial premises, designed for high-traffic industrial environments.

Industrial Floor Coatings in Derby →

Intumescent Fire Protection

BS/EN certified fire retardant coatings for structural steel, delivering essential protection for Derby's commercial and industrial properties.

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Get Your Free Derby Fire Protection Assessment

As your local Derby specialists, we offer personalised site surveys and detailed specifications for your property's fire protection needs.

FAQ’s for Intumescent Painting in Derby

From the historic industrial heritage to modern developments like the Derby Cathedral Quarter, protecting structural steel is a legal requirement under Building Regulations. Certified intumescent coating ensures Derby buildings are safe, compliant, and preserve their value for the future.
Yes. As a Derby-based company, Premier Commercial Painting provides specialised, local expertise in intumescent coatings. Our teams understand Derby’s specific architectural needs and building control expectations, ensuring seamless project delivery across the city and Derbyshire.
Our local presence in Derby means we can typically mobilise our certified teams rapidly, often within days, not weeks. This helps keep your project on schedule, whether it’s in the city centre or at commercial parks like Pride Park.
The cost depends on the required fire resistance (e.g., 60, 90, 120 minutes), the size of the steel section, and site access. Contact us for a free, detailed survey and competitive quote tailored to Derby and Derbyshire projects.
Absolutely. Derby has many historically significant buildings. We specialise in applying low-profile, aesthetically pleasing intumescent coatings that provide vital fire protection while respecting the architectural integrity of sensitive or listed structures.
We regularly partner with Derby’s architectural practices and main contractors from the design phase onwards. We can provide early consultation on steel specification and fire protection strategies to ensure compliance and value engineering for local projects.
Our process is designed for minimal disruption: 1) Free site survey in Derby, 2) Detailed specification & quote, 3) Careful surface preparation, 4) Certified application, 5) Final inspection and provision of full certification for Derby Building Control.
Derby’s climate demands robust, weather-resistant coatings for external steel. We use specially formulated exterior-grade intumescent products designed to withstand the UK’s variable weather, ensuring durable, long-lasting protection for years to come.
Based in Derby, we cover the entire city and the wider county, including Ashbourne, Belper, Ripley, Alfreton, and Matlock. We provide certified fireproofing services across the East Midlands.
Yes. We provide a full certification package upon completion, which is essential for signing off your project with Derby Building Control. This includes product data, applied dry film thickness readings, and the achieved fire resistance rating.