Through-penetrations
by type (metallic pipe, plastic pipe, insulated pipe, conduit, cable bundles, and ductwork) and by assembly type (gypsum wall, concrete floor)
Fireproofing isn't priced by floor area. It's priced by the surface area of each steel member, at a thickness that depends on the member's size, the required rating, and the tested assembly it has to match. Two beams of the same length can need different amounts of material.
Our fireproofing estimating services take off spray-applied fireproofing, intumescent coatings, and firestopping member by member and penetration by penetration, so the quantities reflect the rated design.
Required fireproofing thickness comes from the tested design (commonly a UL design number) listed on the code or life safety drawings, along with the rating: one hour, two hours, and so on. Within a design, heavier members generally need less thickness than lighter ones because they absorb heat more slowly. The relationship is expressed as a weight-to-perimeter ratio (W/D for beams and columns).
For each member size, we:
Identify the rating and the tested design
Determine the required thickness for that member
Calculate the surface area to be covered
Multiply area by thickness to get material volume
This is more work than applying an average thickness, but it's how manufacturers and inspectors evaluate the job.
Takeoffs include surface areas by member size, thickness, and volume, plus allowances for overspray and the patching that follows other trades. Metal estimating →
Intumescent coatings expand when heated to insulate steel. They're used where steel is exposed architecturally and SFRM would look unacceptable. They cost significantly more per square foot than SFRM, so the estimate separates exposed members from concealed ones.
Quantities include dry film thickness by member and rating, primer compatibility, and topcoat.
Every penetration through a rated wall or floor needs a tested firestop system, and so does every joint between rated assemblies. This scope is easy to underestimate because it's spread across every trade's drawings.
We count:
by type (metallic pipe, plastic pipe, insulated pipe, conduit, cable bundles, and ductwork) and by assembly type (gypsum wall, concrete floor)
where rated walls meet the deck
at curtain wall and slab edges
in rated assemblies
Firestopping is often excluded by MEP subs and by the drywall sub. We flag it so it isn't left out entirely. Thermal and moisture protection →
Upload the drawings through our quote form, share a Google Drive or plan-room link, or email them. Large sets travel best as a shared folder.
Upload Your Plans →Or email info@primeestimation.com.
From the tested fire-resistance design and the member size. Heavier members usually need less thickness for the same rating.
Usually, yes: often considerably. It's chosen when appearance matters.
Yes, by counting penetrations and joints in rated assemblies across all trades' drawings.
We note the gap and price from the stated rating with assumptions you can confirm with the design team.
Send your structural, code, and MEP drawings. We'll quote the estimate and delivery date.