Fire Proof Paint & Fire Proof Coating in Saudi ArabiaContractors & Services by DTC General Contracting

Saudi Arabia is experiencing unprecedented growth in construction and industrial development. From mega projects under Vision 2030 to expanding industrial zones in Dammam, Jubail, Riyadh, and Jeddah, steel structures are widely used due to their strength, speed of construction, and design flexibility.

However, steel structures have one critical weakness — fire exposure.

Although steel is non-combustible, it loses its structural strength rapidly when subjected to high temperatures. Without adequate fire protection, steel can weaken and collapse during a fire, leading to catastrophic losses.

This is where Fire Proof Paint and Fire Proof Coating systems become essential.

At DTC General Contracting, we provide certified fireproof coating solutions across Saudi Arabia, ensuring full compliance with Saudi Civil Defense regulations, Saudi Building Code (SBC), and international fire safety standards.

This article provides a complete guide to fireproof coatings, their types, applications, compliance requirements, and why DTC General Contracting is a trusted contractor in Saudi Arabia.

1. What Is Fire Proof Paint?

Fire proof paint, commonly known as intumescent coating, is a specialized protective coating applied to steel structures to delay the effects of fire.

Unlike regular paint, fire proof paint reacts chemically when exposed to heat. When temperatures rise during a fire, the coating:

1. Expands significantly (up to 50 times its original thickness)

2. Forms a protective char layer

3. Insulates the steel from heat

4. Slows down temperature rise

This delay helps maintain the structural integrity of steel for a specified time, usually between 30 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the fire rating requirement.

2. Why Fire Proof Coating Is Critical in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s climate, industrial activity, and large-scale infrastructure projects increase the importance of fire protection.

Steel Behavior Under Fire:

• At 400°C – Steel begins losing strength

• At 550°C – Approximately 50% strength loss

• At 700°C+ – Severe structural weakening

In a real building fire, temperatures can exceed 1,000°C within minutes.

Fire proof coating ensures:

• Safe evacuation time

• Structural stability

• Compliance with Civil Defense

• Reduced insurance risk

• Protection of assets

For industrial facilities such as oil & gas plants, petrochemical facilities, and manufacturing plants, fire proof coating is not optional — it is mandatory.

3. Types of Fire Proof Coatings Used in Saudi Arabia

Different environments require different fire protection systems. At DTC General Contracting, we provide multiple fireproof coating solutions.

3.1 Water-Based Intumescent Coating

Features:

• Environmentally friendly

• Low VOC

• Smooth architectural finish

• Lightweight application

Ideal For:

• Commercial buildings

• Residential towers

• Malls and airports

• Offices

3.2 Solvent-Based Intumescent Coating

Features:

• Faster drying

• Higher durability

• Better performance in variable climates

Ideal For:

• Warehouses

• Industrial buildings

• Exposed steel structures

3.3 Epoxy Fire Proof Coating (Hydrocarbon Protection)

Used in high-risk industrial environments.

Features:

• Resistant to chemicals

• Resistant to impact

• Suitable for hydrocarbon fires

• Long-term durability

Ideal For:

• Oil & gas facilities

• Refineries

• Petrochemical plants

• Offshore structures

DTC General Contracting specializes in heavy-duty epoxy fireproof coatings for industrial projects in Jubail, Yanbu, and the Eastern Province.

3.4 Cementitious Fireproof Coating

Although not technically paint, cementitious spray-applied fireproofing is widely used.

Features:

• Economical

• Thick insulation layer

• Suitable for concealed steel

Ideal For:

• Parking structures

• Industrial plants

• Warehouses

• Utility buildings

4. Fire Resistance Ratings

Fire proof coatings are applied to achieve specific fire resistance ratings.

Common ratings include:

• 1 Hour Fire Rating

• 2 Hour Fire Rating

• 3 Hour Fire Rating

• 4 Hour Fire Rating

The required rating depends on:

• Building type

• Occupancy classification

• Height

• Risk level

• Civil Defense requirements

DTC General Contracting calculates:

• Section factor (Hp/A ratio)

• Required Dry Film Thickness (DFT)

• Environmental exposure conditions

We ensure accurate compliance with UL-listed systems and ASTM standards.

5. Application Process by DTC General Contracting

Professional application is critical to achieving certified fire resistance.

Step 1 – Surface Preparation

• Remove rust, grease, dust

• Ensure primer compatibility

• Conduct surface inspection

Step 2 – Primer Application (if required)

• Anti-corrosion primer

• Compatibility testing

• Adhesion control

Step 3 – Fire Proof Coating Application

• Spray method (airless spray)

• Brush/roller for small areas

• Layer-by-layer application

• Thickness monitoring

Step 4 – Thickness Testing

• Wet Film Thickness (WFT)

• Dry Film Thickness (DFT)

• Quality inspection reports

Step 5 – Final Documentation

• Compliance certificates

• Inspection reports

• Civil Defense submission support

DTC ensures full quality control and documentation for client approval.

6. Industries Served by DTC General Contracting

We provide fire proof coating services for:

• Oil & Gas Industry

• Petrochemical Plants

• Industrial Factories

• Steel Warehouses

• Logistics Centers

• Commercial Towers

• Residential Buildings

• Airports

• Infrastructure Projects

Our teams operate across:

• Dammam

• Riyadh

• Jeddah

• Jubail

• Al Khobar

• Yanbu

7. Fire Proof Paint vs Other Fire Protection Systems

Fire proof paint is ideal for projects where architectural finish and space optimization are required.

8. Saudi Regulations & Compliance

All fireproofing systems must comply with:

• Saudi Building Code (SBC)

• Saudi Civil Defense

• ASTM E119

• ASTM E84

• UL 1709

• NFPA Standards

DTC General Contracting ensures all materials are:

• Approved

• Tested

• Certified

• Documented

We assist clients in passing inspections and authority approvals.

9. Benefits of Choosing Professional Contractors

Choosing an experienced contractor like DTC General Contracting ensures:

✔ Proper material selection
✔ Correct thickness application
✔ Certified compliance
✔ Long-term durability
✔ No delamination issues
✔ Avoidance of project rejection

Incorrect application can lead to:

• Fire rating failure

• Inspection rejection

• Increased liability

• Structural risk

10. Maintenance & Inspection

Fire proof coatings must be inspected periodically for:

• Cracks

• Mechanical damage

• Corrosion

• Moisture exposure

DTC offers inspection and repair services to maintain long-term performance.

11. Fire Proof Coating for Vision 2030 Projects

Saudi Arabia’s mega projects demand advanced fire safety solutions.

Projects such as:

• NEOM

• The Red Sea Development

• Qiddiya

• Diriyah Gate

• King Salman Energy Park (SPARK)

require certified fire protection systems.

DTC General Contracting is equipped to handle large-scale, high-performance fire proof coating applications.

12. Why Choose DTC General Contracting?

DTC General Contracting is a trusted fire proof coating contractor in Saudi Arabia because we offer:

• Experienced engineers

• Certified applicators

• Industrial-grade equipment

• High-performance materials

• Competitive pricing

• On-time completion

• Full compliance documentation

We combine technical expertise with strict safety standards to deliver high-quality fireproof solutions.

13. Cost Factors of Fire Proof Coating in Saudi Arabia

Fire proof coating cost depends on:

• Required fire rating

• Steel section factor

• Coating type

• Project size

• Accessibility

• Environmental exposure

• Industrial vs commercial application

Although fireproof coating adds cost to construction, it protects against catastrophic financial losses and ensures regulatory approval.

Conclusion

Fire Proof Paint and Fire Proof Coating systems are essential for protecting steel structures in Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing construction and industrial sectors.

By delaying heat transfer and maintaining structural stability, these systems protect lives, assets, and investments.

At DTC General Contracting, we provide reliable, certified, and high-performance fire proof coating services across the Kingdom.

From industrial plants to commercial towers and mega projects, DTC ensures your steel structures remain protected, compliant, and durable.

Safety is not an option — it is a responsibility.

And DTC General Contracting delivers that responsibility with excellence.