Insulation Estimators guide for fireproofing estimating and firestopping takeoffs

Insulation estimators before committing to fireproofing estimating and firestopping takeoffs should know which materials are needed for fireproofing of certain building materials and assemblies in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Fireproofing and fire insulations are some of the most important steps while constructing a unit or a building. It requires a vast knowledge of insulating materials along with the techniques to apply that material for full effectiveness.

In order to make the building fire resistant to some extent, thermal insulation is explored for more options. Insulation estimators must have the required information in order to provide quantifiable insulation estimating.

The information is required for fireproofing estimating as well as the fire stopping estimating. Both of these require extensive knowledge and expertise. Before moving on to the technicalities and nuances, let’s establish the concept of fireproofing and fire stopping for better understanding.

Difference between fireproofing and firestopping:

Fireproofing is a passive fire protection measure that indicates the process of making a material fire-resistant. It is done through different materials and insulation types.

While fire stopping is also a type of passive fire protection and is not very much different from the concept of fireproofing. The only difference is that it refers to the technique of using materials to seal around the openings and the joints in order to the fireproofing of a wall or a floor. Materials like silicone and firestop pillows etc. are used for air sealing.

Purpose of Insulation:

Insulation is used to maintain energy conservation while keeping the thermal resistance value to a standard of R-38. R-value refers to the thermal resistance “per unit area” where the desired energy is conserved. Different insulation materials have different R-values which decide the usability and effectiveness of the materials.

Various insulation materials like spray foam insulation, batt insulation, and cellulose insulation are used for the purpose of fire proofing whereas there is a range of multiple materials used for the whole insulation purposes.

The process of fireproofing is done while the site work is in progress. It is related to the architecture as well as the electrical work in the building. Electric trays carrying the bulk of wires need to be fireproof so that they may be protected in case of any hazard. Moreover, boilers and HVAC system in the commercial sectors need fireproofing as well. The whole process requires technical knowledge regarding the different types of insulations and caulking. Insulations and costs are discussed and the best options are decided upon when doing firestopping estimating.

Fireproofing and insulation not only require the in-depth knowledge of techniques and materials to be used, it also requires the fireproofing contractors and inspectors to have clear fireproofing estimating.

The Insulation estimator should have presumably knowledge for fireproofing estimating, of reading the plans, and fully equipped with the technical specifications of where and how fireproofing and insulation are applied for specific purposes.

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What needs to be fireproofed?

Before laying out the focused markets and material information is very important to underline which parts require insulation in the process of construction. The units that are required to be fireproofed vary from sector to sector. For example, in the industrial sector, structural steels and process vessels are fireproofed. Similarly, in larger units, HVAC and boilers are to be insulated in order to avoid damage. Similar to structural steels in the industrial sector, wooden structures require insulation in residential sectors. Insulation estimators take into account these details and provide the fireproof estimates.

Electrical circuits and electrical trays are also fireproofed to be kept under 140 degrees. Firewalls and fire barriers are constructed throughout the buildings in order to make them fire-resistant and so that fire will not spread from one unit to another. Thermal insulations are employed in the whole building structure from the floor to the roof. Fire barriers have a smaller scope and usually span to one floor.

Traffic tunnels also require work in terms of fireproofing. Because of exposure to the vehicles carrying flammable materials like petrol and other hydrocarbons.

There is also an important concept of fireproof vaults in order to keep important documents safe and away from hazards.

In the residential sector as well as the commercial sector, basement insulation is an important practice. Since there is a larger use for basements in these areas and it can pose a potential threat in terms of hazards, insulating basement walls seems like a practical idea. Fireproof takeoffs are estimated according to the need.

Now as we have marked up the areas where it is done, let us discuss in detail the components that are fireproofed using insulations.

Components that require fireproofing:

Steel, Beams, and Columns:

The specific components that are fireproofed in structural steels are the beams and columns. Fire stopping estimating is mainly focused on these. Spray foam insulation is commonly used for this purpose however; it is not the only type of insulation to be used for these components. Stainless steels are becoming popular due to their oxidation resistance and strength. Taking the firestopping measure can increase the lifespan of the steel beams and hence the overall unit.

Another type of insulation other than intumescent coatings is the rigid board fireproofing that is quick and easy and can be employed while employing the steel decks and beams. Other methods include blanket systems and autoclaved aerated concrete which works efficiently especially around steel columns.

Pipes, pipelines, and pipe joints:

Piping is something that is not essentially fireproofed. Pipe racks are at greater risk if not fireproofed properly. It is important to have fire-resistant casings for pipes. Guniting is the most popular method for this. This requires the pipes to be sprayed with a mixture of concrete or mortar. Pipe insulation of pipe bridges is also done through intumescent coatings.

Pipe joints require the technique of caulking to be employed. It is to seal the joint in order to avoid any leakage and to avoid a fire hazard. Common types include acrylic latex and vinyl latex. Firestop takeoffs include all these items that are required for fireproofing as well as fireproofing estimating.

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Floor, walls, roofs, ceilings:

Floor, walls, and roofs are essentially fireproofed while constructing a unit. The cavities are filled with the insulation material between the framing walls and ceilings. Batt insulation is one of the most common types of insulation used for this purpose. There are different applications for these insulating materials for different purposes. Liquid foam insulation is also a common material used. The insulation estimators, according to their usage estimate all these materials.

Vessels, tanks, piping & supports:

Flanges/valves, ducts, metal stud framing:

Flanges are the method of connecting pipes and equipment to form a piping system. These are usually welded and hence are not fire-resistant. These require fireproofing as well. Also, metal stud framings are combustible to some extent. These are regarded as non-combustible according to the IBC. Ducts and HVAC ducts require fireproofing as these are highly prone to catch fire. Ductwork insulation is essential in order to ensure the overall fire safety of the building. Rigid fireboard insulation is used to fireproof these ducts, which will be affected, by high temperatures. HVAC contractors usually install these. Flexible ductwork requires expertise and suitable materials.

The insulation of valves requires either the fireproof weather bags or insulated steels.

Field Joints are usually fireproofed through spray fireproofing to avoid the failure of steel structures. These joints require insulation in order to avoid the collapse in case of high temperatures. This can help in avoiding the potential damage to the completely constructed unit.

Cable trays, control panels, actuators:

Fireproofing of cable trays and control panels is important in order to ensure that these operate long enough to perform a system shutdown in case of fire. This should also be done in order to eliminate the risk of short circuits and grounding for electrical continuity.

The most common passive fire protection methods for trays and actuators are intumescent coatings and rigid enclosures. Flexible thermal blankets are also used for fireproofing the actuators.

Controls & Instrumentation also require insulation. The instruments are to be coated with insulation materials to avoid hazards and instrument failures. Insulation contractors use the services of insulation estimators to get the estimations and fireproof takeoffs.

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