The answer starts with passive fire protection: integrating fire-resistant materials and coatings into the construction. IFTI manufactures industry-leading intumescent coatings (fire-retardant paints) that help compartmentalize a fire and meet building code requirements. For example, our flagship DC315 intumescent paint provides an ICC-ESR 3702–listed 15-minute thermal barrier for spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation.
When applied over SPF walls or ceilings, DC315 meets IBC/IRC code requirements to separate the foam from living spaces, slowing flame spread and giving occupants crucial escape time. As a manufacturer, our products (like DC315 and DC360) are fully listed and compliant with NFPA, UL, ULC, ASTM and other global standards. By planning these coatings into your new construction, you’re ensuring that residential fire protection is built-in from the ground up.
Fireproofing Insulation, Wood & Gypsum
When it comes to spray foam insulation, codes generally require a thermal barrier (15-minute gypsum board, for example) or an approved alternative. Our DC315 fireproof paint was specifically developed for SPF in homes. Both residential and commercial contractors can easily implement its use within their existing insulation services, since it is simple to spray on and dries to a tough, char-forming layer. This ensures your new roof or crawlspace meets the required fire resistance without unnecessary extra framing or drywall.
For structural wood and gypsum (walls, ceilings and floors), we offer DC360 intumescent coating. DC360 is a low-VOC, water-based paint that, when applied to wood or plywood, transforms into a heat-protective char layer in a fire. It has been tested to meet IBC/IRC flame-spread requirements (Class A rating) and NFPA 703 standards for fire-retardant wood. In a new home, you can brush, roll or spray DC360 onto lumber, OSB sheathing or drywall to boost fire resistance.
It’s especially valuable in concealed spaces like attics: DC360 on the underside of roof sheathing makes the space ignition-resistant, which building codes allow as an alternative to sprinklers. In fact, NFPA 13R and the 2018 IBC recognize that attic construction using fire-treated wood or coating can waive the sprinkler requirement. By coating rafters, subfloors or walls with DC360, you can meet those “ignition-resistant” criteria and potentially eliminate costly sprinklers in an attic or crawlspace, saving on both construction cost and maintenance.
Fire Protection for Cables, Fabrics & Metal
Don’t forget other components of your new build. Electrical rooms and basements often have plastic-jacketed cable bundles – these can spread fire quickly if unprotected. IFTI’s DC6150 cable paint (non-halogen, flexible) is applied to cables to stop flame propagation along wiring. For fabrics like curtains or upholstery, DC68 spray protects those materials from ignition.
Wherever pipes, conduits or ducts penetrate fire-rated walls, our firestop sealants and putties restore the wall’s rating. Together, these solutions form a network of passive fireproofing; the building envelope itself gains fire-resistant layers on every combustible element.
Fire-guarding a new build means specifying the right products as you build, not after. We encourage builders and homeowners to think holistically: ensure spray foam in attics has DC315 applied, cover wood and gypsum with DC360, protect cables with DC6150, and seal all construction joints and penetrations with IFTI Firestop products. Ultimately, this approach improves building safety and helps your project meet code.