Vermiculite Coating
Vermiculite coatings have traditionally been used for fire protection of structural steel, offering fire resistance and some level of durability. Ameetuff provides two types of vermiculite coatings:
- Cement-Based Vermiculite Coating:
- Provides fire resistance and is moderately resistant to environmental factors.
- Requires significant thickness to meet the necessary protection standards.
- POP (Plaster of Paris)-Based Vermiculite Coating:
- Offers fire protection similar to cement-based vermiculite but is more fragile.
- Lightweight and offers some resistance, though it is more prone to damage under stress or impact.
Limitations of Vermiculite Coatings:
- Fragility: Vermiculite coatings are susceptible to cracking and mechanical damage, which can reduce their long-term effectiveness.
- Thickness: A thicker layer is required to achieve adequate fire protection, which can increase the weight and complexity of the structure.
While vermiculite coatings are resistant to fire and some environmental factors, newer fire-resistant coatings like silicone epoxy-based or water-based options provide superior durability and performance, especially for structures like steel and ducts. These newer coatings also offer added benefits like thermal insulation and are better suited for modern construction standards, offering more reliable protection with less maintenance.
(Centre Government Lab Tested)