CAFCO & Isolatek Fireproofing Products
Technical specifications and application guidelines for the industry-leading SFRM products we install across the Greater Toronto Area.
Authorized Installer
Unique Fireproofing is an authorized installer of CAFCO and Isolatek International fireproofing products. Our technicians are factory-trained and certified to apply all products in the CAFCO line to manufacturer specifications and UL-listed assembly requirements.
About Isolatek International
Isolatek International is the world's leading manufacturer of spray-applied fire resistive materials (SFRM) under the CAFCO brand name. With over 50 years of fire protection innovation, CAFCO products are used on more buildings worldwide than any other SFRM brand. Isolatek products are manufactured to strict quality standards and are listed with UL, Intertek (WHI), and other recognized testing agencies for fire-rated assemblies.
CAFCO Blaze Shield
Product Overview
CAFCO Blaze Shield is a gypsum-based, spray-applied fire resistive material designed for structural steel and metal deck protection. It is the most widely specified SFRM product in North America for interior applications, offering excellent fire resistance at a cost-effective price point.
Primary Applications
- • Structural steel columns and beams
- • Metal floor and roof deck assemblies
- • Steel bar joists and open web steel joists
- • Interior concealed spaces
Technical Properties
- Density: 15 pcf (240 kg/m³) nominal
- Bond Strength: Minimum 150 psf (7.2 kPa)
- Fire Ratings: Up to 4 hours on steel columns, 3 hours on beams, 2 hours on metal deck
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.043 W/mK
- Surface Burning: Flame spread 0, Smoke developed 0
- Listings: UL, WHI (Intertek), ULC
CAFCO 300
Product Overview
CAFCO 300 is a portland cement-based, spray-applied fire resistive material engineered for high-density applications requiring superior durability and impact resistance. It is the preferred choice for parking garages, mechanical rooms, and any application where the fireproofing may be exposed to physical abuse, moisture, or outdoor conditions.
Primary Applications
- • Parking garage structural steel
- • Mechanical rooms and utility areas
- • Exterior soffits and overhangs
- • Areas exposed to weather or moisture
- • High-traffic areas requiring impact resistance
Technical Properties
- Density: 40 pcf (640 kg/m³) nominal
- Bond Strength: Minimum 400 psf (19.2 kPa)
- Fire Ratings: Up to 4 hours on steel columns, 3 hours on beams
- Compressive Strength: 800+ psi
- Surface Burning: Flame spread 0, Smoke developed 0
- Moisture Resistance: Excellent — suitable for wet environments
- Listings: UL, WHI (Intertek), ULC
CAFCO SB (SprayBond)
Product Overview
CAFCO SB is an adhesive bonding agent applied as a primer coat before SFRM application. It improves the bond between the fireproofing material and the steel substrate, particularly on surfaces that have been coated with primers, paints, or intumescent coatings. CAFCO SB is required by some fire-rated assembly designs.
Primary Applications
- • Primed or painted steel surfaces
- • Galvanized steel substrates
- • Surfaces requiring enhanced adhesion
- • Assembly designs specifying bonding agent
Technical Properties
- Type: Water-based adhesive bonding agent
- Application: Spray, roller, or brush
- Coverage: 150 – 200 sq ft per gallon
- Dry Time: 2 – 4 hours (touch dry)
- VOC: Low VOC formulation
- Compatibility: All CAFCO SFRM products
Application Guidelines
Proper application of SFRM products is critical to achieving the required fire resistance rating. As authorized CAFCO installers, Unique Fireproofing follows these procedures on every project:
Surface Preparation
- Steel surfaces must be free of oil, grease, loose rust, dirt, and other contaminants that could impair adhesion.
- Primer compatibility must be verified against the specific UL or WHI assembly listing. Some assemblies require bare steel, others allow shop-applied primers.
- CAFCO SB bonding agent is applied where specified or when substrate conditions warrant enhanced adhesion.
- Adjacent surfaces and finishes are protected with masking and drop cloths.
Environmental Conditions
- Ambient and substrate temperature must be above 4°C (40°F) during application and for 24 hours after.
- The area must be protected from wind, rain, and freezing conditions during and after application.
- Adequate ventilation must be maintained for proper curing.
Application and Quality Control
- Material is mixed to manufacturer-specified consistency and applied using calibrated spray equipment.
- Maximum lift thickness per the product data sheet is strictly observed to ensure proper curing and adhesion.
- Thickness measurements are taken at regular intervals using electronic depth gauges to verify compliance with the assembly listing.
- Bond strength testing is performed per ASTM E736 to confirm adequate adhesion.
- Complete CaliberQA documentation is generated including thickness maps, density data, and photographic records.
Why Choose an Authorized CAFCO Installer
Working with an authorized installer like Unique Fireproofing provides several advantages:
- Factory training: Our technicians are trained directly by Isolatek International on proper mixing, application, and quality control procedures.
- Product support: Direct access to Isolatek's technical support team for assembly selection, code questions, and project-specific guidance.
- Material traceability: Full batch tracking from manufacture to installation, with certificates of conformance for every project.
- Warranty support: Manufacturer-backed product warranty in addition to our installation guarantee.
- Inspector confidence: Municipal inspectors and engineers recognize authorized installers as a mark of quality and compliance.