Professional Fireproofing Services in Toronto & the GTA
CAFCO/Isolatek authorized installers. SFRM, intumescent, and cementitious systems. Ontario Building Code compliant. Protecting structural steel since 2010.
Licensed | Insured | CUFCA Certified | OBC Compliant | Free Estimates
What is Fireproofing?
Fireproofing is a form of passive fire protection that insulates structural building elements from the extreme heat generated during a fire. Unlike active fire protection systems such as sprinklers and alarms, fireproofing works without any activation or human intervention. It is applied directly to structural steel beams, columns, floor decks, and other load-bearing assemblies to slow the rate at which they absorb heat and lose their structural integrity.
When exposed to fire, unprotected structural steel begins to lose strength at approximately 550 degrees Celsius. At this critical temperature, steel retains only about 60% of its yield strength, which can cause catastrophic structural failure and building collapse. Fireproofing materials create a thermal barrier that delays the steel from reaching this critical temperature for a specified period, known as the fire-resistance rating.
Fire-resistance ratings are expressed in hours, typically ranging from 1 hour to 4 hours. A 2-hour rating means the structural assembly will maintain its load-bearing capacity for at least 2 hours during a standard fire exposure test (CAN/ULC-S101). The Ontario Building Code specifies which fire-resistance ratings are required based on the building's occupancy type, height, and area. Every commercial, industrial, and many residential buildings in Toronto require some form of fireproofing to pass inspection and receive occupancy permits.
SFRM — Spray-Applied Fireproofing
Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Material (SFRM) is the most widely used fireproofing method for commercial and industrial buildings in Toronto and across Ontario. SFRM products are cementitious coatings based on either Portland cement or gypsum binders, combined with lightweight aggregates such as vermiculite, perlite, or mineral fibres.
Applied with specialized spray equipment, SFRM adheres directly to structural steel members including wide-flange beams, tubular columns, bar joists, and metal decking. The material creates a thick, fire-resistive layer that provides 1-hour to 4-hour fire-resistance ratings depending on the product used and the applied thickness.
We are authorized installers of the industry-leading CAFCO and Isolatek SFRM systems, including Blaze Shield II and Cafco 300. These products are tested to CAN/ULC-S705.1 and carry UL Design listings for hundreds of steel assembly configurations. SFRM is the most cost-effective fireproofing solution, making it the preferred choice for warehouses, commercial towers, parking structures, and industrial facilities throughout the GTA.
Intumescent Fireproofing
Intumescent fireproofing is a thin-film coating that looks and feels like regular paint under normal conditions. When exposed to temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius, the coating undergoes a chemical reaction and expands up to 50 times its original thickness, forming a thick, insulating carbonaceous char layer that protects the underlying steel.
This technology is the preferred choice for projects where exposed architectural steel is part of the design aesthetic. Restaurants, office lobbies, retail spaces, lofts, and modern condominiums throughout Toronto frequently specify intumescent coatings because they allow the beauty of the structural steel to remain visible while still meeting Ontario Building Code fire-resistance requirements.
We install Cafco SprayFilm WB and other approved intumescent systems. These water-based coatings can be tinted to any colour and accept topcoats, providing complete design flexibility. Intumescent coatings typically provide 1-hour to 2-hour fire-resistance ratings for structural steel members. They are applied by brush, roller, or airless spray to achieve the specified dry film thickness.
Cementitious Systems
For high-durability industrial environments where fireproofing must withstand physical impact, moisture exposure, and harsh conditions, heavy-duty cementitious systems are the right choice. Unlike standard-density SFRM products, these systems use denser formulations that provide superior resistance to damage from equipment contact, vibration, and abrasion.
We install Monokote MK-6 and similar high-density cementitious products that are specifically engineered for heavy industrial applications. These products are ideal for manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, petroleum refineries, chemical processing plants, and heavy industrial warehouses throughout the GTA where standard SFRM would be vulnerable to damage.
Cementitious systems provide fire-resistance ratings of 1 hour to 4 hours and can be applied to a wide range of structural assemblies. Their superior bond strength and density make them the most durable fireproofing option available, ensuring long-term protection in the most demanding environments.
Ontario Building Code Requirements
The Ontario Building Code (OBC), aligned with the National Building Code of Canada, sets mandatory fire-resistance requirements for all buildings in the province. Part 3 of the OBC outlines fire protection requirements based on building classification, occupancy, height, and area. Table 3.2.2.1 specifies the minimum fire-resistance ratings for structural elements in each building type.
All fireproofing products used in Ontario must be tested and listed to CAN/ULC-S705.1 (Standard for Thermal Insulation Material for Use in Building Construction) and meet the requirements of CAN/ULC-S705.2 (Standard for Thickness and Density Measurement of Spray-Applied Fire-Resistive Material). These standards ensure the fireproofing material performs as specified during a real fire event.
Fireproofing is mandatory in the following scenarios under the OBC: buildings exceeding specific height and area limits for combustible construction, all Group C residential buildings over 3 storeys, Group D and E commercial buildings, Group F industrial occupancies, and any building where the structural frame supports a required fire separation. Building inspectors in Toronto and surrounding GTA municipalities actively verify fireproofing compliance before issuing occupancy permits.
Who Needs Fireproofing?
Commercial Buildings
Office towers, retail centres, and mixed-use developments require 1-2 hour ratings on structural steel per OBC Part 3.
Warehouses & Industrial
Group F occupancies including warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centres need structural fire protection.
Parking Garages
Above-grade and below-grade parking structures require fireproofing on steel beams, columns, and deck assemblies.
Mixed-Use Developments
Buildings combining residential, commercial, and retail require fire separations and rated structural assemblies at each occupancy boundary.
Industrial Facilities
Chemical plants, refineries, and heavy manufacturing require high-density cementitious fireproofing for extreme durability.
Residential Attached Garages
The OBC requires a 1-hour fire separation between attached garages and living spaces in all residential buildings.
Our Fireproofing Process
From specification to certification, our four-step process ensures your project is completed on time, on budget, and fully code-compliant.
Inspection & Specification
We review architectural drawings, assess the structural steel, and determine the required fire-resistance ratings per OBC. We specify the correct product system and thickness for each assembly.
Surface Preparation
Steel surfaces are cleaned of oil, dust, mill scale, and loose debris. Primers are applied if required by the product manufacturer. Adjacent surfaces are masked and protected.
Application
Our certified applicators spray fireproofing material to the specified thickness using calibrated equipment. Multiple passes ensure consistent coverage on beams, columns, and deck assemblies.
Inspection & Certification
Thickness testing is performed per CAN/ULC-S705.2 using calibrated gauges. We provide complete documentation including thickness reports, product data sheets, and certification for building inspectors.
Products We Use
As authorized installers, we use only industry-leading, ULC-listed fireproofing products. Every product we apply has been tested to Canadian standards and carries published fire-resistance design listings for a wide range of structural assemblies.
CAFCO Blaze Shield II
High-performance gypsum-based SFRM. Lightweight, excellent adhesion, 1-4 hour ratings. The standard for commercial fireproofing across Ontario.
Authorized InstallerCafco 300 / SprayFilm WB
Medium-density cementitious SFRM for higher durability requirements. SprayFilm WB is our go-to intumescent coating for exposed architectural steel.
Authorized InstallerMonokote MK-6
High-density, high-strength cementitious fireproofing for industrial and high-abuse environments. Superior bond strength and impact resistance.
Certified ApplicatorFrequently Asked Questions
Get Your Fireproofing Project Started
Free on-site estimates for all commercial, industrial, and residential fireproofing projects in Toronto and the GTA
Or Call: 647-296-5161