Fireproofing Estimating: SFRM, Intumescent Coatings, Ratings, and Steel Conditions
HOW-TO · 2026-10-06
Fireproofing estimates need the protected steel or deck area, required rating, specified system, substrate condition, thickness, access, masking, and inspection requirements.
Fireproofing is a scope where a simple square-foot price can hide important differences. The estimate needs to connect the rated assembly and protected members to the specified fire-resistive material, required thickness, access, preparation, and inspection requirements.
Start with the rating and system
Review life-safety drawings, structural schedules, specifications, and tested assembly references. Identify the required hourly rating and whether the design calls for spray-applied fire-resistive material, intumescent coating, or another listed system.
Quantify what is actually protected
For structural members, use beam and column schedules to organize member sizes and lengths, then determine the surface that receives protection. Deck protection should be measured separately when included.
Carry the installation conditions
- Substrate preparation and compatibility
- Masking and protection of adjacent finishes
- Required material thickness
- Difficult access, lifts, or scaffolding
- Patching after other trades
- Testing and inspection requirements
- Mobilization for small or phased areas
Keep coatings separated
Architectural paint, corrosion protection, specialty coatings, and intumescent fire protection are not interchangeable scopes. Follow the specification and clearly assign each system.
Treat incomplete design as budgetary
If ratings, member schedules, tested assemblies, or product requirements are missing, identify the estimate as preliminary. Fireproofing is tied to listed systems and design requirements, so apparent precision without those documents is not useful.