Our latest product evaluation brings groundbreaking news for the fireproofing and insulation industry! This new application is fully evaluated and listed with ICC-ES-3702 in the USA and ICC-ESL-1577 in Canada. We’re excited to offer DC315, one of our most trusted products, as a solution to provide fire resistance for exterior walls—on top of its established reputation as a fire barrier for spray foam insulation (SPF).
Exclusively Tested: 1-Hour Fire Resistance for Steel Exterior Walls
DC315 is now the only intumescent coating in the world that has achieved a 1-hour fire-resistance rating for spray foam applications on steel exterior walls. This exclusive evaluation opens new opportunities for:
Metal building construction requiring enhanced fire resistance.
- Engineers and contractors looking for tested and proven solutions.
- Design professionals who need faster and cost-effective fireproofing.
In addition to being the most tested and approved 15-minute alternative thermal barrier for SPF, we’re proud to announce that we’ve successfully finalized 1-hour exterior wall assembly testing for metal buildings.
Intumescent Coating for Steel: Assembly Requirements for 1-Hour Fire Resistance
This new 1-hour rating requires:
- 4 inches of closed cell spray foam insulation.
- 36 wet mils of DC315 applied in a minimum of two coats with a 2–4-hour cure time per coat.
This innovation eliminates the need for:
- Wooden frames.
- Fire-resistant gypsum walls.
- Extra drywall mudding, sanding, and finishing.
It’s faster, easier, and more affordable than traditional fireproofing techniques—making it a game-changer for steel building applications.
How Does DC315 Work Over Spray Foam Insulation?
Important Note: DC315 intumescent coating is not applied directly to steel but over spray foam insulation installed on steel substrates.
The foam layer provides insulation, while DC315 creates a fire-resistant barrier to protect the foam in case of fire. This ensures compliance with international building codes without sacrificing efficiency or design.
Tested Applications and Requirements
For this type of application, we’ve tested multiple SPF brands to verify performance and compliance:
- 4” of Carlisle SealTite Pro HFO Closed Cell SPF & 34 Mils WFT DC315
- 4” of Carlisle SealTite One Closed Cell SPF & 36 Mils WFT DC315
- 4” of Elastochem Insulthane Closed Cell & 36 Mils WFT DC315
- 4” of Genyk Boreal Nature Elite Closed Cell SPF & 36 Mils WFT DC315
- 4” of Grizzly Gold Closed Cell & 36 Mils WFT DC315
Once the SPF is fully cured, clean, and degassed, the application of DC315 begins.
Key Application Considerations:
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Document the job process and environmental conditions.
- Use a wet film thickness gauge to measure coating layers.
- Maintain proper ambient conditions, including ventilation, during installation and curing.
- Allow 48-72 hours for curing under optimal temperature and humidity.
Why Choose DC315 for Fire-Resistant Walls?
DC315 simplifies compliance with fire code requirements while reducing labor and materials costs. Compared to traditional methods, it’s:
- More time-efficient – Eliminates extra framing and drywall steps.
- Cost-effective – Reduces overall labor and material costs.
- Versatile – Works with multiple SPF brands and configurations.
- Reliable – ICC-ES certified and backed by rigorous testing.
For additional information, see our ESL 1477 report, and the ICC-ES-3702 evaluation report—the assembly is listed on page 24.
Application Process for Fire-Resistant Paint DC315
To achieve the 1-hour rating:
- Apply 36 Mils WFT (Wet Film Thickness) in two coats.
- Each coat must measure 18 Mils WFT and cure for 2–4 hours before the next application.
- Maintain ambient conditions and ventilation for the entire curing period (48–72 hours).
Expanding Opportunities in Fire Protection
This exclusive rating opens new markets and opportunities to provide fireproofing solutions for:
- Metal buildings and industrial spaces.
- Warehouses and storage facilities.
- Agricultural structures insulated with SPF.
We continue to innovate and expand the applications of DC315 to meet evolving safety standards and project demands.
Contact Us About DC315 Today!
Ask us about DC315’s protective topcoats for unconditioned spaces and how this product can simplify compliance for your next project. Whether you’re upgrading existing structures or planning new builds, DC315 offers unmatched performance and protection.
For additional resources, including a flyer for this assembly and an updated copy of our DC315 submittal package, reach out to our team. Let’s build safer, smarter, and more resilient spaces—together!