Fire-Resistant Coatings via Rope Access.

Think Access applies intumescent and other fire-resistant coating systems to structural steelwork at height using IRATA rope access. We provide compliant passive fire protection on buildings where conventional access for coating application is impractical.

Scope at a glance

Application methods

Airless spray · Brush & roller · All section profiles · Continuous WFT monitoring · DFT verification on cured material

Application records

Ambient conditions · Product batch numbers · DFT readings per area · Manufacturer QA requirements · Warranty protection

Design coordination

Fire engineer liaison · Structural engineer · Building control · Correct fire resistance period · Applicator-trained operatives

What we do

How intumescent coatings work

Intumescent coatings are paint-like products that remain stable under normal conditions but expand to many times their original thickness when exposed to fire temperatures, providing thermal insulation to the steel beneath. They are one of the primary methods of achieving fire resistance for structural steel members in commercial, industrial and public buildings.

Application methods & film build control

We apply intumescent systems using airless spray, brush and roller depending on the product, the section profile and the access configuration. Film build is monitored continuously using wet film thickness gauges and verified on cured material using DFT gauges calibrated for the specific product, ensuring the correct protection thickness is achieved across every treated area.

Application records & warranty compliance

Application records document ambient conditions, product batch numbers and DFT readings for every area treated. We are applicator-trained for intumescent systems from several leading manufacturers and work within the quality assurance requirements of each system, protecting the product warranty and providing clients with a fully auditable application record.

Coordination with design team

Coating is carried out in close coordination with the building’s fire engineer, structural engineer and building control officer to ensure the correct fire resistance period is achieved. We engage with the design team before works begin to confirm section factors, required DFT values and any areas of particular complexity, avoiding costly corrections once application is under way.

Why Think Access

Intumescent coating on complex structures with connections, haunches, perforations and varying section sizes, requires careful attention to detail that our specialist teams provide. We reach every element and coat it to the required standard.

F.A.Q’s

Fire resistance periods of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes are achievable depending on the steel section size, the required temperature criterion and the coating system specified. The fire engineer specifies the required period and we apply the appropriate DFT to achieve it.

Yes. We use low-VOC or water-based intumescent systems where required for occupied environments, and manage odour, overspray and dust with appropriate ventilation and masking.