DC315 intumescent coating is a product that can be applied over spray polyurethane foam (SPF). It provides additional protection against fire. Moreover, it is a great alternative to thermal barrier or ignition barrier coatings for SPF.
In this blog post, you’ll get to know what DC315 intumescent coating is, how it works, what its benefits and applications are, and how to use it properly.
What Is DC315 Intumescent Coating?
DC315 intumescent coating is a water-based latex paint that contains intumescent ingredients. Intumescent means that the coating expands when exposed to high temperatures, forming a thick, insulating char layer that protects the underlying material from fire.
DC315 intumescent coating can be applied over SPF to achieve a 15-minute thermal barrier when drywall is not wanted or not practical.
Moreover, DC315 intumescent coating is compliant with the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). It has been inspected and listed by Warnock Hersey (WN-20947).
It also meets the requirements of the AC456 criteria recently updated in AC377, which are guidelines for evaluating the fire performance of SPF and its coatings.
How Does DC315 Intumescent Coating Work?
DC315 intumescent coating works by reacting to heat and forming a protective char layer that prevents the spread of fire and reduces heat transfer to the SPF. The coating contains intumescent ingredients that expand up to 50 times their original volume when exposed to temperatures above 200°C (392°F).
The expansion creates a thick, sponge-like layer that insulates the SPF from the flames and reduces the oxygen supply to the fire. The char layer also acts as a barrier to prevent the release of toxic gases and smoke from the SPF.
More importantly, DC315 intumescent coating can withstand temperatures up to 1100°C (2012°F) for up to 15 minutes.
Benefits & Applications Of DC315 Intumescent Coating
DC315 Intumescent Coating has several benefits and applications for SPF users and installers. Some of them are:
- It provides additional fire protection for SPF. Spray foam is very safe and it requires a heck of a lot for it to catch fire, but when it finally does, it is very toxic (it is burning plastic). DC315 is designed to give you 15 minutes to get out of the house and be safe, then the authorities can take over.
- It is an alternative to drywall as a thermal barrier or ignition barrier coating for SPF, which are required by most building codes and standards to prevent the exposure of SPF to fire sources.
- It has a single-coat coverage, which reduces the labour and material costs compared to other coatings that require multiple coats or primer.
- It is easily applied with a sprayer, roller, or brush, with no complicated mixing or special equipment required.
- It has a low VOC content (47 g/L), which meets the environmental and health standards for indoor air quality.
- It has a long shelf life
- It can be used for various applications, such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and marine buildings, where SPF is used for spray foam insulation, air sealing, roofing, or soundproofing.
How To Use DC315 Intumescent Coating Properly?
DC315 intumescent coating should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the applicable codes and standards.
Some of the general guidelines for using DC315 intumescent coating are:
Cleanliness
The SPF surface should be clean, cured, firm, dry, and free of dust, dirt, oil, wax, grease, mildew, and efflorescence. The SPF surface should also have a slight texture or profile, similar to an orange peel, to ensure proper adhesion of the coating.
Smooth or glossy SPF surfaces should be flash coated with a light 3-4 mils WFT of DC315 intumescent coating before applying the full application.
Mixing & Temperature
The DC315 intumescent coating should be stirred well before and during use and should not be diluted or mixed with other products. The coating should be applied at a temperature between 10°C and 32°C (50°F and 90°F) and a relative humidity below 85%.
Thickness
The DC315 intumescent coating should be applied at the recommended wet film thickness (WFT) and dry film thickness (DFT), depending on the type and thickness of SPF used and the required fire rating.
The WFT and DFT can be measured with a wet film gauge and a dry film gauge, respectively. The coverage rate of the coating varies between 73 and 115 sq ft per gallon, depending on the WFT and the SPF surface.
Drying Process
The DC315 intumescent coating should be allowed to dry for at least 72 hours before applying a top coat. The coating can be top-coated with compatible latex paint for color, weather, and moisture protection if desired.
The top coat should be tested for compatibility and adhesion with the DC315 intumescent coating before applying it over the entire surface.
Regular Inspection
The DC315 intumescent coating should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure its integrity and performance. The coating should be repaired or replaced if it shows signs of damage, such as cracks, peeling, blistering, or charring.
About Us
Classic Spray Foam is one of the leading spray foam insulation contractors in Edmonton. We are dedicated to meeting all your insulation requirements with trust and expertise.
Our team of certified professionals is well-equipped to deliver top-quality insulation services and products, such as DC315 intumescent coating, for both residential and commercial properties. Contact us today if you are thinking of getting your space insulated.