Commercial Fireproofing Toronto & GTA
SFRM and intumescent fireproofing systems for commercial buildings, warehouses, offices, and parking structures. CAFCO/Isolatek authorized. OBC compliant.
Licensed | Insured | CUFCA Certified | OBC Compliant | Free Estimates
Commercial Buildings That Require Fireproofing
The Ontario Building Code requires fireproofing on structural steel elements in virtually every commercial building in Toronto. Under OBC Section 3.1.5 and the fire-resistance rating tables in Part 3, any building where structural failure during a fire could endanger occupants or firefighters must have rated fire protection on its load-bearing elements. This includes the steel frame, columns, beams, connections, and floor/roof deck assemblies.
Commercial buildings encompass a wide range of occupancy types: Group D office buildings, Group E mercantile and retail centres, Group A assembly occupancies including restaurants and event venues, and Group F industrial buildings used for commercial storage and distribution. Each occupancy classification carries specific fire-resistance requirements that dictate the type of fireproofing system and the thickness of material that must be applied.
In Toronto's rapidly growing commercial construction market, fireproofing is a critical-path trade that must be completed before drywall, mechanical, and finishing trades can proceed. At Unique Fireproofing, we understand the fast-paced nature of commercial construction and schedule our crews to keep your project on track.
SFRM for Warehouses & Commercial Buildings
Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Material (SFRM) is the standard fireproofing solution for the majority of commercial buildings in the GTA. SFRM is a cementitious material sprayed directly onto structural steel to provide 1-hour to 4-hour fire-resistance ratings. It is cost-effective, fast to apply, and meets all Ontario Building Code and ULC listing requirements.
For warehouses and distribution centres, SFRM is applied to the structural steel frame, including wide-flange columns, roof beams and bar joists, and metal roof decking. Single-storey warehouses typically require a 1-hour rating, while multi-storey commercial buildings may require 2-hour or higher ratings depending on height and area.
Our crews are experienced in large-scale commercial applications and can mobilize quickly for projects of any size. We have completed fireproofing on warehouses and commercial buildings throughout Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Intumescent Coatings for Office & Retail Spaces
When architectural design calls for exposed structural steel in commercial spaces, intumescent fireproofing coatings provide fire protection without compromising aesthetics. Intumescent coatings are thin-film systems that appear as a smooth paint finish under normal conditions. During a fire, the coating expands to form a thick, insulating char that protects the steel.
We see high demand for intumescent coatings in Toronto's modern office developments, open-concept retail spaces, restaurants with exposed ceiling structures, condo lobbies, and any commercial project where the architect has specified exposed steel as a design element. Products like Cafco SprayFilm WB can be tinted to match any colour palette and accept topcoats for a flawless finish.
Parking Garage Fireproofing
Parking garages present unique fireproofing challenges. The structural steel supporting occupied floors above a parking level must be fireproofed to the rating required by the building's overall fire-resistance design. This includes beams, columns, and the metal deck assembly separating the garage from the floors above.
We use medium-density and high-density SFRM products in parking garage applications to withstand the elevated humidity, temperature cycling, and potential for physical contact from vehicles and equipment. Our team coordinates with the construction schedule to apply fireproofing after steel erection and decking installation but before concrete pour and MEP rough-in.
Working with General Contractors
We understand that commercial fireproofing is a schedule-critical trade. Our project management process is built for the demands of commercial construction in Toronto:
- ✓ Rapid quoting: We turn around detailed quotes within 48 hours of receiving architectural and structural drawings.
- ✓ Shop drawings: We submit shop drawings and product data for architect/engineer review before mobilizing.
- ✓ Flexible scheduling: We coordinate with steel erectors, deckers, and MEP trades to minimize conflicts and maintain the critical path.
- ✓ Complete documentation: Thickness testing reports, product certifications, MSDS, and inspection-ready paperwork delivered upon completion.
- ✓ Insurance & WSIB: $2M commercial general liability, full WSIB coverage, and bonding available for large projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Commercial Fireproofing?
Free estimates for GCs and building owners. CAFCO authorized. OBC compliant. GTA-wide service.
Or Call: 647-296-5161