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Intumescent Coatings Installation Contractor in Dubai UAE

In high-risk environments such as industrial plants, commercial buildings, and offshore facilities, protecting structural steel and other components from fire is not just a safety requirement -  it’s a legal and operational necessity. Intumescent coatings provide an advanced, discreet, and highly effective fire protection solution that meets stringent UAE Civil Defense and international fire safety standards.

At Protek Contracting, we are a leading Intumescent Coatings Installation Contractor serving Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and the wider Middle East. We deliver turnkey solutions that ensure compliance, safety, and long-term durability for commercial, industrial, and offshore applications.

What are Intumescent Coatings?

Intumescent coatings are fire-retardant paints that, when exposed to high heat, expand to form a thick, insulating char layer. This char slows down heat transfer to the underlying substrate -  usually structural steel -  extending the time before it reaches its critical failure temperature.

These coatings are designed to provide passive fire protection (PFP), meaning they require no activation system and work automatically in the event of a fire.

Key Benefits of Intumescent Coatings

1. Fire Resistance without Bulk

Unlike concrete encasement or board protection, intumescent coatings maintain the aesthetic appearance of structural elements while offering robust fire resistance.

2. Extended Evacuation Time

Delays structural failure, giving occupants and first responders more time to evacuate or control the fire.

3. Lightweight Solution

Minimal additional load on the building structure compared to traditional fireproofing.

4. Aesthetic Flexibility

Can be applied with a smooth, decorative finish to match the design intent of the building.

5. Compliance with International Standards

Tested to meet ASTM, BS, and UAE Civil Defense fire safety requirements.

How Intumescent Coatings Work

When a fire occurs:

  1. Ambient Stage – The coating remains thin and inconspicuous.
  2. Heat Activation – At temperatures above 200°C, a chemical reaction begins.
  3. Expansion Stage – The coating swells up to 50 times its original thickness.
  4. Char Formation – A stable, insulating carbonaceous char layer forms.
  5. Protection Stage – The char insulates the substrate, delaying heat penetration.

Applications Across Sectors

1. Commercial Buildings

  • Shopping malls in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates
  • High-rise towers in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

2. Industrial Facilities

  • Oil refineries in Ruwais
  • Power plants in Ras Al Khaimah

3. Marine & Offshore

  • Offshore platforms in Fujairah
  • Shipyards and marine terminals

4. Infrastructure

  • Airports, rail stations, and public facilities.

Types of Intumescent Coatings

TypeBinderApplicationTypical Uses
Solvent-BasedEpoxy / Hydrocarbon-resistant resinSpray-appliedOffshore, oil & gas
Water-BasedAcrylic / LatexBrush, roller, or sprayCommercial buildings
Epoxy IntumescentHigh-build epoxy resinSpray-appliedHydrocarbon pool fires, petrochemicals

Fire Rating Capabilities

Intumescent coatings can be engineered to provide:

  • 30 minutes fire resistance
  • 60 minutes fire resistance
  • 90 minutes fire resistance
  • 120 minutes fire resistance
  • Up to 240 minutes for special applications

Protek’s Intumescent Coating Installation Process

Step 1 – Site Assessment & Design

  • Structural analysis to determine required fire rating.
  • Surface condition survey.

Step 2 – Surface Preparation

  • Abrasive blasting or power tool cleaning.
  • Application of anti-corrosion primer.

Step 3 – Coating Application

  • Multi-layer application using airless spray, roller, or brush.
  • Thickness controlled by wet film gauges.

Step 4 – Topcoat Application

  • Protective topcoat to resist weathering and UV degradation.

Step 5 – Quality Control

  • Dry Film Thickness (DFT) measurement.
  • Adhesion and cure checks.
  • Fire resistance certification documentation.

Why Intumescent Coatings are Ideal for UAE Conditions

  1. Extreme Heat – Formulated to withstand high ambient temperatures.
  2. Humidity Resistance – Epoxy versions resist moisture ingress.
  3. Salt Spray Protection – Suitable for coastal and offshore projects.
  4. UV Stability – Topcoats prevent degradation in direct sunlight.

Advantages Over Alternative Fireproofing Methods

FeatureIntumescent CoatingConcrete EncasementFireproof Boards
WeightLightweightHeavyModerate
AppearanceSmooth & architecturalBulkyVisible seams
FlexibilityCan follow complex shapesLimitedLimited
MaintenanceEasy repairComplex repairPanel replacement
Application SpeedFastSlowMedium

Industries We Serve in UAE and Middle East

  • Oil & Gas – ADNOC, ENOC, and offshore rigs.
  • Commercial – Real estate developments and malls.
  • Industrial Manufacturing – Steel plants, cement factories.
  • Marine – Shipbuilding, dry docks.
  • Energy Sector – Power generation and desalination facilities.

Compliance & Testing Standards

Our installations meet:

  • UAE Fire & Life Safety Code
  • ISO 834 Fire Resistance Tests
  • ASTM E119 & E84
  • BS 476 Parts 20-21
  • UL 1709 Hydrocarbon Fire Test

Maintenance and Inspection

To ensure long-term performance:

  • Annual visual inspections for cracks or damage.
  • DFT checks every 3–5 years.
  • Immediate repair if char or topcoat is compromised.

Case Study – Offshore Platform, Fujairah

Challenge: Provide hydrocarbon fire protection for structural steel in a salt-laden marine environment.
Solution: Applied epoxy-based intumescent coating with high-build DFT and UV-resistant topcoat.
Results:

  • Achieved 120-minute hydrocarbon fire rating.
  • No corrosion or performance degradation after 6 years.

Why Choose Protek Contracting for Intumescent Coatings?

  • Technical Expertise – Certified applicators with extensive UAE project experience.
  • Premium Materials – Approved suppliers with UAE Civil Defense certification.
  • Turnkey Services – From design to certification.
  • On-Time Delivery – Efficient project execution for minimal downtime.
  • Full Compliance – Documentation ready for regulatory submission.

Sustainability & Green Building Compliance

  • Low-VOC water-based options for LEED and Estidama projects.
  • Extended service life reduces waste from frequent refurbishments.

Intumescent coatings are a proven, discreet, and effective method of passive fire protection, especially suited for the Middle East’s challenging environmental and safety requirements. Whether it’s a high-rise in Dubai, an offshore platform in Fujairah, or an industrial complex in Abu DhabiProtek Contracting delivers fire safety solutions that blend seamlessly with your project’s design and operational needs.

Protek Contracting
P.O. Box: 20459, Ajman, UAE
info@protekuae.com
+971 6 7419381
+971 6 7419382
www.protekuae.com

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