by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Sep 22, 2026 | Spray Foam
A vapor barrier cannot replace an intumescent coating when the building code requires an ignition barrier or thermal barrier over spray polyurethane foam (SPF). The two products serve entirely different purposes and are evaluated against different performance...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Sep 15, 2026 | Fireproof Paint
Let’s get right to it: Usually, no. Simply specifying a “fire-resistant paint” is not enough to protect exposed spray polyurethane foam (SPF) or satisfy code requirements. The term fire-resistant paint has no consistent code definition. It is often...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Aug 29, 2026 | Intumescent Coatings
Bottom Line: No. Contractors should not assume an intumescent coating can also function as a vapor barrier unless the product has been specifically tested and approved for that purpose. Intumescent coatings and vapor barriers perform two completely different...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Aug 21, 2026 | Ignition Barrier
The presence of HVAC equipment alone does not determine the fire protection requirements for spray polyurethane foam (SPF). Instead, contractors should evaluate how the attic is classified under the applicable building code, how the space will be accessed and whether...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Aug 14, 2026 | Passive Fire Protection
Fire safety is often discussed in terms of individual products or building components. Firestop sealants, intumescent coatings, fire-rated walls and thermal barriers each serve a specific purpose, but none are designed to work in isolation. Effective passive fire...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Jul 29, 2026 | Passive Fire Protection
Firestopping has traditionally been viewed as a passive building system. Once installed and inspected, firestop materials remain concealed behind walls, above ceilings and within floor assemblies, quietly maintaining the integrity of fire-rated compartments for...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Jul 22, 2026 | Safety & Code Compliance
Energy storage systems are becoming part of more commercial, industrial and institutional projects. As that happens, the fire safety standards around those systems are evolving quickly. The 2026 edition of NFPA 855: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy...
by International Fireproof Technologies Inc. | Jul 22, 2026 | Passive Fire Protection
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly common part of our built environment. From utility-scale renewable energy projects to commercial buildings, healthcare facilities and industrial sites, battery storage is helping improve energy...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Jun 27, 2026 | Thermal Barrier FAQ
Prescriptive vs. Tested systems in the U.S. and Canada The term “thermal barrier” is used frequently in spray foam projects, but it is often misunderstood. Not every fire-resistant material qualifies, and not every coating can be left exposed over foam plastic. To...
by International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. | Jun 22, 2026 | Intumescent Coatings, Thermal Barrier FAQ
Intumescent coatings vs. cementitious thermal barriers is a comparison of two respectable ways to solve the same problem: protecting spray polyurethane foam from fire exposure. But in practice, they behave very differently and, more importantly, they are tested,...
