Fire Retardant Spray & Thermal Barrier Coating in Kalispell, MT

Spray polyurethane foam is a combustible insulation material. Building codes establish requirements for separating foam insulation from certain interior spaces or protecting it using approved assemblies. These requirements help address how materials perform when exposed to fire.

Some protective coatings are formulated to expand when exposed to elevated temperatures. These are commonly called intumescent coatings. Depending on their tested application, they may be used as part of an approved fire protective system over spray foam insulation.

However, not every fire retardant coating qualifies as a thermal barrier. Some products are evaluated only for specific ignition barrier applications, while others have tested assemblies that permit their use as alternatives to conventional thermal barriers under defined conditions.

Products must be selected and installed according to their applicable evaluation reports, manufacturer instructions and the requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction.

Fire protective coating requirements vary significantly by occupancy, building configuration, accessibility and the specific spray foam product. The following are examples of projects where coating options may be evaluated, not a guarantee that a coating is approved for every installation.

Fire protective coatings should be considered as part of the complete insulation system rather than an unrelated finishing product. The type of spray foam, installation location and applicable building requirements all affect which protective methods may be appropriate.

True North works with homeowners, builders and commercial property owners throughout Kalispell and the Flathead Valley on insulation projects involving residential, commercial and specialty building assemblies.

For projects where spray foam will remain exposed, planning for the correct protective system early can help reduce installation conflicts and support a smoother inspection process.

Our goal is to help customers understand the available insulation and coating options, the documentation needed for the project and the importance of using products approved for the intended application.