Commercial Development – Cheshire
Overview
JWS Coatings UK was appointed to deliver a large-scale structural fire protection package for a major 6-story commercial development in Cheshire. As one of our largest passive fire protection contracts of the year, the project required high-volume, precision airless spray application of Nullifire intumescent coatings across the building’s entire structural steel framework to ensure full fire compliance.
Surface Preparation
With the structural steel exposed to external site elements and ongoing floor pours, thorough substrate preparation was critical to guarantee coating adhesion and long-term performance.
Operatives systematically cleaned all steel members, removing surface debris, rust spots, and concrete spillages. Exposed connection bolts, rust areas, and flaking shop primer were mechanically prepped and spot-primed prior to applying the main intumescent coats.
Application
To combat atmospheric weather exposure and potential rain ingress on the open-frame structure, a fast-curing, solvent-based Nullifire intumescent system was selected.
Using high-performance airless spray equipment, our teams applied the system in strict accordance with Nullifire loading schedules. Operatives applied the coating at 1200 microns wet / 800 microns dry, achieving specified dry film thicknesses (DFT) ranging between 900 and 1200 microns across all steel profiles.
All works were delivered floor-by-floor using ticketed operatives operating under strict site safety protocols in line with JWS’s CHAS, PASMA, CSCS, and SSIP accreditations.
Result
The structural steelwork across all six levels was successfully coated to exact fire engineering specifications, providing certified structural fire protection without delaying surrounding construction trades.
All works were completed safely and on schedule within the programmed 4-to-5-week timeframe. Final handover included full thickness testing reports, photographic documentation, COSHH sheets, product data sheets, and manufacturer warranty certification.
Scope Summary:
- Project Scale: 6-floor commercial building (entire structural steel frame)
- Services Delivered: Surface cleaning, concrete/debris removal, spot priming, high-build airless spray coating
- System: Nullifire solvent-based intumescent fire protective coating system
- Specification: 900–1200 microns DFT (applied at 1200 wet / 800 dry per pass)
- Access: MEWPs, scaffold towers, and internal decking
- Environment: Active construction site exposed to weather elements
