Structural Steel Specialty Coating
Industrial-grade intumescent fireproofing, corrosion protection, and high-performance coatings for structural steel in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure applications
Get Steel Coating QuoteIndustrial Steel Protection Excellence
Structural steel is the backbone of modern construction, but it requires specialized protection to maintain its integrity and meet building code requirements. Our structural steel coating services provide comprehensive protection against fire, corrosion, and environmental degradation.
We specialize in intumescent fireproofing coatings that expand when exposed to heat, creating an insulating barrier that protects steel structural members during fire events. Our certified applicators ensure your steel achieves the required fire ratings while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Beyond fire protection, we provide advanced corrosion protection systems compliant with ISO 12944 standards, ensuring your steel structures withstand harsh industrial environments, coastal conditions, and extreme weather for decades.
Key Benefits
Our Steel Coating Systems
We offer comprehensive structural steel coating solutions tailored to your specific requirements:
Intumescent Fireproofing
Thin-film intumescent coatings that expand up to 50 times their thickness when exposed to heat, providing up to 4-hour fire ratings while maintaining steel aesthetics.
- • 1-4 hour fire ratings available
- • Water-based and solvent-based options
- • Smooth architectural finishes
- • Fast application and cure times
- • Compatible with topcoat systems
Cementitious Fireproofing
Spray-applied cement-based fireproofing for concealed steel members providing economical fire protection for beams, columns, and decking.
- • Cost-effective fire protection
- • High compressive strength
- • Excellent durability
- • Concealed application expertise
- • Acoustic dampening properties
Corrosion Protection Systems
Multi-coat systems compliant with ISO 12944 providing long-term corrosion protection in environments from C2 (low) to C5-M (marine industrial).
- • Zinc-rich primer systems
- • Epoxy intermediate coats
- • Polyurethane topcoats
- • Immersion-grade systems
- • Chemical-resistant coatings
High-Temperature Coatings
Specialized coatings for steel exposed to elevated temperatures including exhaust stacks, process equipment, and high-heat industrial applications.
- • Temperature resistance to 1200°F+
- • Thermal cycling durability
- • Silicone and ceramic systems
- • Heat-resistant color stability
- • Industrial process compatibility
Our Steel Coating Process
We follow rigorous industry standards for structural steel coating application:
Substrate Assessment
Comprehensive inspection of steel condition, surface preparation requirements, and environmental exposure classification
Surface Preparation
Abrasive blasting to SSPC-SP6 or SP10 standards, ensuring optimal coating adhesion and long-term performance
Primer Application
Application of zinc-rich or epoxy primers within the critical recoat window for maximum adhesion
Intumescent Application
Precision application of intumescent coatings to achieve specified dry film thickness for required fire rating
Topcoat Protection
Application of protective topcoats for UV resistance, chemical protection, and architectural finish
Quality Verification
Comprehensive thickness testing, adhesion testing, and documentation for fire rating certification
Structural Steel Coating Applications
We provide specialized steel coating services for diverse industrial and commercial applications:
Commercial Buildings
Intumescent fireproofing for exposed steel in office buildings, retail centers, and mixed-use developments with architectural finish requirements
Industrial Facilities
Heavy-duty corrosion protection for manufacturing plants, processing facilities, and industrial warehouses with chemical exposure
Bridges & Infrastructure
High-performance coating systems for steel bridges, overpasses, and transportation infrastructure with long-term durability requirements
Oil & Gas Facilities
Specialized coatings for refineries, petrochemical plants, and oil field structures with extreme chemical and temperature resistance
Power Generation
High-temperature and corrosion-resistant coatings for power plants, substations, and renewable energy facilities
Sports & Entertainment Venues
Fireproofing and protective coatings for stadiums, arenas, and exhibition halls with exposed structural steel aesthetics
Parking Structures
Corrosion-resistant coating systems for parking garages and vehicle bridges exposed to de-icing salts and vehicle emissions
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Chemical-resistant coatings for treatment plants, pump stations, and water storage facilities with immersion service requirements
"Moorhouse Coating's intumescent fireproofing work on our new corporate headquarters was exceptional. They achieved the required 3-hour fire rating while delivering a smooth architectural finish that exceeded our design expectations. Their attention to detail and quality control was impressive."Jennifer Walsh - Metro Development Group Corporate headquarters intumescent fireproofing (150,000 sq ft)
Steel Coating Investment
Pricing for structural steel coating depends on project-specific factors:
Pricing factors include:
Contact us for a detailed structural steel coating quote based on your project specifications.
Structural Steel Coating FAQs
What is intumescent fireproofing and how does it work?
Intumescent fireproofing is a specialized coating that remains thin and paint-like at normal temperatures but expands up to 50 times its thickness when exposed to heat. The expanded coating forms an insulating char layer that protects structural steel from reaching critical temperatures during a fire, maintaining the steel's load-bearing capacity for the required fire rating period (1-4 hours).
How do I know what fire rating my steel needs?
Required fire ratings are determined by building codes based on building type, occupancy, and structural function. Typically, columns require 1-4 hour ratings while beams require 1-3 hours. We work with your architect and fire protection engineer to determine the exact requirements for your project and ensure our coating systems meet or exceed these specifications.
What is ISO 12944 and why is it important?
ISO 12944 is the international standard for corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems. It classifies environments from C2 (low) to C5-M (marine industrial) and specifies coating systems appropriate for each environment. Following ISO 12944 ensures your steel receives the right protection for its specific exposure conditions, maximizing service life and minimizing maintenance costs.
Can intumescent coatings be topcoated for color matching?
Yes, most intumescent coatings can be topcoated with compatible decorative coatings to achieve specific colors or finishes. We offer a wide range of topcoat options including acrylics, polyurethanes, and fluoropolymers that provide UV protection, chemical resistance, and aesthetic flexibility while maintaining the underlying fire protection performance.
What surface preparation is required for steel coating?
Surface preparation is critical for coating performance. We typically perform abrasive blasting to SSPC-SP6 (Commercial Blast) or SP10 (Near-White Blast) standards to remove mill scale, rust, and contaminants. The specific preparation level depends on the coating system and environmental exposure. We also ensure proper surface profile (anchor pattern) for optimal coating adhesion.
Do you provide shop application or field application?
We provide both shop and field application services. Shop application offers controlled environmental conditions and faster production but requires transportation coordination. Field application is necessary for existing structures or when shop coating isn't feasible. We have certified crews and equipment for both approaches, ensuring consistent quality regardless of application location.
Protect Your Structural Steel Investment
Get certified structural steel coating services with intumescent fireproofing, corrosion protection, and long-term performance guarantees