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Is “Fire-Resistant Paint” Enough for Exposed Foam?
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 used as a...
Can Intumescent Paint Act as a Vapor Barrier?
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...
Do I Need an Attic Ignition Barrier If the Space Has Ducts or an Air Handler?
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...
Why Passive Fire Protection Must Be Viewed as a Complete System
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...
Could Smart Firestopping Change Building Safety?
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...
NFPA 855 2026: Key Updates for Energy Storage Systems
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...
Battery Energy Storage Systems Are Changing 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...
What Counts as a Thermal Barrier?
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...
Intumescent vs. Cementitious Thermal Barriers
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,...
New Testing Models for Intumescent Coatings
Understanding how intumescent coatings perform in a fire has traditionally relied on large-scale burn testing. While these methods remain essential for certification, emerging research is changing how we evaluate fire protection systems. New testing models, such...