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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...
Understanding Fire Testing for Spray Foam: A Guide to ASTM E84, NFPA 286 and UL 1715
Fire testing is one of the most important aspects of passive fire protection, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Contractors, architects and inspectors regularly encounter terms such as ASTM E84, NFPA 286 and UL 1715, but these standards are often treated...
Why E84 Alone is Failing Inspections
ASTM E84 is a critical safety standard that measures the surface burning characteristics of building materials, acting as the benchmark for testing the effectiveness of intumescent paint. Intumescent paint is designed to pass this test by forming an insulating char...
‘Fire-Rated’ Coatings Aren’t Enough
“Fire-rated” sounds reassuring. It sounds like a product is approved, tested and ready to use. But when it comes to spray foam insulation, that label doesn’t mean what most people think it does. Across the industry, there’s a shift happening. Code compliance is no...
BC Codes Expecting Building Code Updates for 2026
Changes to building codes, including the acceptance of CCMC evaluations, are expected to be published by BC Codes in the spring of 2026. This represents a meaningful shift toward simplifying building material approvals while maintaining performance standards,...
ICC 1100 Spray Foam Standards Update
The spray foam industry is entering another important phase of change as the International Code Council (ICC) opens public review for the proposed ANSI standard ICC 1100. With the review period running through March 30, 2026, this draft signals a broader push to unify...
“It’s Not Paint—It’s a Life Safety System”: An Interview with Nick McCartney on Why Spray Foam Contractors Must Rethink Intumescent Coatings
In today’s competitive spray foam market, contractors are under constant pressure to keep bids low. But according to Nick McCartney, Vice President of Sales for DC 315 International Fireproof Technology, cutting corners on fire protection isn’t just risky—it’s...
California DTSC Upgrades Regulations for SPF Compliance
Chemical disclosure requirements are becoming a defining factor in how projects specify and approve spray polyurethane foam systems. Recent attention around the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) agreement on SPF products containing unreacted MDI...
Thermal Barriers Explained: Answers to Common Questions
Whether you’re designing with spray-foam insulation or reviewing fireproofing requirements, thermal barriers are a central component of code compliance. These systems slow the spread of fire and protect structural materials from heat, helping maintain building...