Articles & blog
Industrial Fireproofing in the UAE: What You Need to Know
What is industrial fireproofing?
Industrial fireproofing is passive fire protection applied to structural steel, equipment, and building elements to delay heat transfer and structural failure during a fire. In the UAE, certified systems such as intumescent coatings, cementitious fireproofing, and firestop systems are used across oil and gas, power, marine, and industrial facilities to comply with UAE Civil Defence codes, protect personnel and assets, and minimize downtime and financial loss.
Fireproofing systems at a glance
| System | Typical use | Typical rating |
|---|---|---|
| Cementitious (sprayed or cast) | Structural steel, vessel skirts, pipe racks | about 1–4 hours (cellulosic; UL 1709 hydrocarbon) |
| Intumescent (epoxy or thin film) | Structural steel, vessels, offshore and petrochemical steelwork | thin film typically 60–120 minutes; epoxy up to about 3 hours |
| Fire ratings tested to | ASTM E119 / UL 263 (cellulosic), UL 1709 (hydrocarbon pool fire), ISO 22899-1 (jet fire) | — |
Ratings depend on the steel section factor, applied thickness and the approval certificate for the system used.
Key figures and sources
- Under 10 minutes to reach 2,000 °F (about 1,100 °C): heating rate of the UL 1709 hydrocarbon fire test, which is far more aggressive than the cellulosic curve used for building fires. Source: National Insulation Association, “Hourly Fire Ratings: What’s the Deal?”.
Standards referenced
- UL 1709: Rapid Rise Fire Tests of Protection Materials for Structural Steel
- ASTM E119: Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
- UL 263: Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
- ISO 22899-1: Determination of the resistance to jet fires of passive fire protection materials, Part 1: General requirements
- UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (Ministry of Interior, General Headquarters of Civil Defence): fire resistance of structural elements. Confirm the current edition with Civil Defence.
Figures are quoted from the linked sources and show typical industry data, not guarantees for a specific project. Standard titles are as published by the issuing bodies; editions are revised periodically, so check the current edition before specifying.
In high-risk industrial environments, fire safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. With rising temperatures and strict safety codes across the UAE, the need for reliable fireproofing solutions has never been more critical. At Novoclad Insulation Contracting, we help protect assets, infrastructure, and lives through professional fireproofing systems built for long-term protection.
Why Fireproofing Matters in Industrial Facilities
Key Reasons to Fireproof:
- Prevent structural failure during a fire
- Protect personnel and valuable equipment
- Comply with UAE Civil Defense and international fire safety codes
- Minimize downtime and financial loss
Our Fireproofing Solutions
At Novoclad Insulation Contracting, we offer passive fire protection services tailored for industrial settings. Our team delivers tested and certified fireproofing systems using industry-approved materials and application techniques.
Services Include:
- Intumescent Coatings: Expand under heat to form a protective char layer.
- Cementitious Fireproofing: Ideal for steel structures and heavy industrial zones.
- Firestop Systems: Sealing joints and openings to prevent fire/smoke spread.
- Thermal and Acoustic Insulation with Fire-Resistant Cladding: Combines energy efficiency with fire protection.
Why Choose Novoclad?
Based in the UAE, Novoclad Insulation Contracting combines local compliance expertise with international-grade workmanship. Whether your project is in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or beyond, we deliver dependable fireproofing with minimal disruption to operations.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Trained applicators with industrial experience
- High-performance, code-compliant materials
- On-time project delivery
- Integrated insulation + fireproofing solutions
Industries We Serve
- Oil & Gas
- Power & Water
- Manufacturing & Warehousing
- Marine & Offshore
- Commercial Infrastructure
Protect What Matters Most
Industrial fire safety starts with proper planning—and ends with expert execution. At Novoclad Insulation Contracting, we help UAE businesses stay compliant, safe, and resilient with reliable fireproofing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
Industrial fireproofing is passive fire protection applied to structural steel, equipment, and building elements to delay heat transfer and structural failure during a fire, using materials such as intumescent coatings, cementitious fireproofing, and firestop systems, giving occupants time to evacuate and reducing asset and structural damage.
Novoclad offers intumescent coatings that expand under heat to form a protective char layer, cementitious fireproofing for steel structures and heavy industrial zones, firestop systems for sealing joints and openings, and combined thermal and acoustic insulation with fire-resistant cladding.
Yes. Novoclad delivers tested and certified fireproofing systems using industry-approved materials and application techniques that comply with UAE Civil Defence and international fire safety codes.
Industrial fireproofing is essential for oil and gas facilities, power and water utilities, manufacturing and warehousing sites, marine and offshore installations, and commercial infrastructure projects across the UAE.
Novoclad combines local UAE compliance expertise with international-grade workmanship, trained applicators with industrial experience, high-performance code-compliant materials, and integrated insulation and fireproofing solutions delivered on time across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and beyond.