What is dense fireproofing, and what advantages make it a great option? Read on to learn about dense fireproofing and what it can do for you!
What Is Dense Fireproofing?
Dense fireproofing is a fireproofing system typically composed of a sand and cement mix of a higher density than lightweight materials.
In the early stages of its development, this concrete was used to help strengthen pre-existing structures like tunnels. Gunned concrete was the material of choice for those who needed to stabilize slopes or repair degrading structures.
This versatile material was also used to build waterproof swimming pools because it creates an airtight and watertight barrier that holds up under long-term erosion.
Is Gunned Fireproofing the Same as Wet Shotcrete?
There are a couple of different kinds of sprayed concrete. Some people tend to mix up dry and wet shotcrete. Gunite is dry-sprayed concrete. As such, it has various applications than its wet counterpart.
So, how does spraying dry concrete work? First, a hopper holds the dry ingredients for the concrete.
Those ingredients are then shot through a hose using a pneumatic spray rig. This way, a skilled operator can apply them to a target surface.
However, before the ingredients leave the hose, they are mixed with water. That means it does not matter whether you use dry or wet concrete techniques. Either way, what comes out of the nozzle will be wet.
A dry concrete application is often better in the hands of a skilled user. The contractor can assess on the fly whether the appropriate amount of water is mixed with the concrete mix or not. This allows them to make minor adjustments to the amount of water added to the concrete mix to maximize performance and results.
Applications for Gunite
Once you understand how gunite works, you can see why it has so many applications and is an excellent choice for fireproofing steel structures. It creates a solid, strong layer wherever it is applied.
That makes it an excellent choice for fireproofing in specialized industries, such as petrochemicals, power, and refining.
Gunite fireproofing helps mitigate factors that might make a fire worse. These factors include structural failures and overheating pressure vessels.
Advantages of Using Gunite for Fireproofing Steel Structures
An advantage of gunite concrete is that it develops higher strength than lighter fireproofing options.
Additionally, gunite is more affordable than other fireproofing options.
If you consider the speed of application, material affordability, and quality, gunite concrete has proven itself as a long-term success in the fireproofing industry.
Finding the Right Industrial Fireproofing Service for You
As unique a product as the gunite is, you will not get the full benefits of it if you do not work with an experienced application company.
It is essential to consider a variety of options when you are looking for fireproofing. One way to improve your chances of working with the right company is by asking for recommendations.
If you know someone who has worked with fireproofing companies, they may be able to recommend the service providers they have worked with. It can also help to look at online reviews for fireproofing companies. To find a company that provides the service you want to fireproof a petrochemical facility, look for fireproofing companies with expertise in this area.
There are a lot of reasons to choose gunite fireproofing. Whatever fireproofing option you are considering, you can speak with the fireproofing specialists at RCS to help you determine the right choice for your situation.
Understanding the Advantages of Gunite Fireproofing
The more you know about the advantages of gunite fireproofing, the better you can assess whether it is the right choice for your fireproofing needs. If you are looking for a fireproofing material that can be installed quickly and effectively at an affordable rate, then gunite fireproofing may be the right choice for you.
Get in touch with the RCS team today to learn about the advantages of gunned fireproofing or to speak with our fireproofing experts.
