DC315 Fire Barrier Coating

DC315 Fire Barrier Coating for Spray Foam in Alberta

Northern Spray Solutions applies DC315 intumescent coating over spray polyurethane foam insulation for residential, commercial and industrial projects across Alberta.

DC315 can serve as an alternative thermal barrier over qualifying spray foam when it is used within the conditions of its Canadian evaluation and accepted for the specific project. The foam product, building location, required performance, coating thickness and field-quality requirements all need to be reviewed before application.

What Is DC315?

DC315 is a liquid-applied, water-based intumescent coating manufactured by International Fireproof Technology Inc. It is sprayed over compatible polyurethane foam and expands when exposed to high heat.

The expanded coating helps delay the spray foam’s contribution to fire growth. It does not make spray foam non-combustible, and it should not be described as ordinary paint or as a universal replacement for drywall.

In Canada, DC315 is covered by the active CCMC 14036-R evaluation as an alternative thermal barrier over qualifying medium-density spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation. Its use is subject to the conditions and limitations stated in that evaluation.

When DC315 May Be Considered

DC315 may be considered where spray foam will remain exposed and the proposed coating system is accepted for the building and application.

Potential project locations include:

  • Commercial and industrial buildings

  • Warehouses and workshops

  • Mechanical and utility spaces

  • Agricultural buildings

  • Storage areas

  • Basements and service spaces

  • Retrofit projects with exposed spray foam

  • New construction where an alternative thermal barrier is specified

DC315 is not automatically appropriate for every area containing spray foam. Occupancy, construction type, foam product, exposure, building design and local requirements can affect whether the coating is acceptable.

Attached garages and other regulated areas may have additional Alberta requirements. The applicable design and acceptance should be established before the coating is applied.

Approval Depends on the Complete System

A container of DC315 does not provide code compliance by itself. The accepted system includes the spray foam, coating, application thickness, substrate condition and field installation.

Before the project proceeds, relevant details can include:

  • The manufacturer and exact spray foam product

  • Whether the foam meets the applicable Canadian material standard

  • The building’s use and construction type

  • The location of the exposed foam

  • The required thermal-barrier performance

  • The current CCMC evaluation

  • Required wet-film thickness

  • Whether framing members must also be coated

  • Manufacturer field-quality procedures

  • Requirements from the building official or authority having jurisdiction

The current CCMC evaluation contains different wet-film thickness requirements depending on the desired performance. The correct requirement must be identified from the project documents and accepted application rather than assumed.

Why Wet-Film Thickness Matters

DC315 must be applied at the required wet-film thickness to provide the performance established for the system. A coating that looks complete may still be too thin.

Wet-film thickness is checked while the coating is still wet using a film-thickness gauge. Measurements should be taken throughout the work area, including around:

  • Corners and edges

  • Framing transitions

  • Pipes and penetrations

  • Irregular foam surfaces

  • Changes in spray angle

  • Tight or obstructed areas

  • Walls and overhead surfaces

Material yield can help estimate the quantity required, but the number of pails used does not replace direct thickness measurements. Surface texture, overspray and application technique can all affect coverage.

Applying excessive material is not a substitute for controlled application. Heavy areas may require additional drying time and can affect the finished coating.

Preparing the Spray Foam

The quality and condition of the foam surface affect coating adhesion. Before DC315 is applied, the spray foam should be inspected for defects and unsuitable conditions.

Preparation may include:

  • Confirming that the foam is sufficiently cured

  • Removing dust and loose material

  • Repairing gouges, holes and damaged foam

  • Addressing exposed or deteriorated cells

  • Checking that the surface is dry

  • Removing oil, frost or other contamination

  • Confirming the foam is stable and properly bonded

  • Completing adhesion testing or a trial area where required

Smooth or glossy foam may require additional preparation or a flash coat in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

DC315 should not be used to conceal foam that is wet, deteriorated, separating from the substrate or visibly defective. Problems with the underlying insulation should be corrected first.

Our DC315 Application Process

Review the Project

We begin by reviewing the foam product, work area, building use and available project documentation. The required performance and application thickness should be established before work is scheduled.

Inspect the Foam

The exposed foam is checked for damage, contamination, surface texture and other conditions that could interfere with the coating.

Protect the Work Area

Windows, floors, equipment, fixtures and other surfaces outside the application area are masked or protected from overspray.

Prepare the Material

DC315 is mechanically mixed to produce a consistent material before it enters the spray equipment. Application equipment and spray settings are selected for the coating and work area.

Apply and Measure

The coating is normally applied with airless spray equipment. Wet-film measurements are taken during application so thin areas can be corrected while the material remains workable.

Dry and Review

Temperature, humidity and ventilation affect drying. The completed coating is allowed to dry according to the product requirements before the area is disturbed, enclosed or returned to service.

The finished application is reviewed for coverage, visible defects and areas requiring correction.

Application Records

Project documentation can help demonstrate how the coating was applied and provide useful information for the contractor, building owner and inspector.

Depending on the project requirements, records may include:

  • DC315 product and batch information

  • Spray foam manufacturer and product

  • Application location

  • Required wet-film thickness

  • Field thickness measurements

  • Ambient application conditions

  • Material quantities

  • Photos of completed areas

  • Areas repaired or recoated

  • Relevant product and evaluation documents

The exact documentation required should be established before application, particularly when an inspection or approval is involved.

DC315 Versus Cementitious Fireproofing

DC315 and cementitious fireproofing are separate services intended for different materials and applications.

DC315 is an intumescent coating used over spray polyurethane foam insulation as part of an accepted thermal-barrier system.

Cementitious fireproofing is a spray-applied fire-resistive material generally used on structural steel, steel deck and other specified structural assemblies.

DC315 should not be substituted for structural-steel fireproofing unless the project has a tested design specifically permitting that use. For structural columns, beams, joists and steel deck, visit our cementitious fireproofing services page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DC315 be applied over any spray foam?

The current Canadian evaluation covers its use over qualifying medium-density spray-applied polyurethane foam under stated conditions. The exact foam product and proposed assembly should still be confirmed before application.

Does DC315 replace drywall?

It may be accepted as an alternative thermal barrier in applications covered by its evaluation, but it is not an automatic replacement for drywall in every building or location. Project-specific acceptance is required.

Is DC315 ordinary fire-resistant paint?

No. It is an intumescent coating evaluated for specific fire-protection applications. Its effectiveness depends on the approved system, surface preparation and application thickness.

Can DC315 be used in an attached garage?

The current CCMC evaluation identifies an Alberta-specific limitation for garage applications. The proposed construction should be reviewed with the building designer or local authority before DC315 is selected.

Can DC315 be applied outdoors?

The primary evaluated application is interior use. Exterior, high-humidity, cold-storage, parkade and other unconditioned applications require additional manufacturer guidance and an appropriate system.

DC315 Application Across Alberta

Northern Spray Solutions is based in Spruce Grove and provides DC315 application services throughout Alberta, including Edmonton, St. Albert, Stony Plain, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and surrounding communities.

Project scheduling depends on location, access, application area, condition of the existing foam and drying requirements.

Request a DC315 Project Review

When requesting a quote, provide the spray foam manufacturer and product, building use, application area and any available drawings or inspection requirements. Photos of the exposed foam are also helpful during the initial review.

 

Call 1-780-963-4493 to get in touch with us.