Table of Contents
What is Monokote Fireproofing?
Monokote fireproofing are cementitious, fire-resistant coatings and plasters designed to protect steel and concrete structures. Monokote fireproofing products are low-cost, high-durability options for meeting the UL 263 and ASTM E-119 fire rating standards and other building safety requirements.
Depending on the type, Monokote paints can provide up to four hours of fire resistance for interior and exterior areas, including for buildings over 420 feet tall.
The Monokote fireproofing brand is owned by GCP Applied Technologies, a company spun off from industrial chemicals manufacturer W.R. Grace & Co. in 2016. GCP primarily serves contractors and engineers in industrial and commercial construction.
How Do Cementitious Coatings Work?
Cementitious coatings provide passive fire protection through their physical and chemical makeup. They naturally resist burning due to their combination of cement and a fire-resistant material like perlite or vermiculite.
A layer of cementitious coating can keep a material like steel from warping under the intense heat of a fire—an important concern when it comes to structural steel.
Monokote Fireproofing Products
The Monokote fireproofing brand includes products suited for interiors, exteriors, high humidity environments, and other contexts. Here, we’ll take a look at their main line of coatings and their features.
Monokote M-K6
- Density: 15 pcf (240 kg/m3)
- Height Limit: Up to 75 feet
- Bond Strength: 200 psf (9.6 KPa)
- Applications: Interior concealed structural steel, fluted decking, flat plate cellular decking
- Key features: No cracking, spalling, delamination
Monokote MK-6 HY and MK-6s have the same specifications for density and bond strength and offer the same degree of fire protection when applied at the same thickness, so they offer similar fire protection.
Monokote M-K6 HY and MK-6s are mill-mixed plasters that offer up to four hours of protection to fluted decking and structural steel in concealed spaces.
When applied over Spatterkote SK-3, they provide up to three hours of fire resistance to flat plate cellular decking.
Monokote MK-10
Monokote MK-10 is a mill-mixed plaster that adds up to four hours of fire protection to structural steel and fluted decking in interior spaces.
This is a cost-effective choice for the interiors of structures between 75-420 feet—however, it doesn’t offer any weather protection, and should only be used for steel exposed to view.
On flat plate cellular decking, Monokote MK-10 provides three hours of fire protection when used in conjunction with Spatterkote SK-3.
Monokote M-1000
- Density: 18 pcf (288 kg/m3)
- Height Limit: More than 420 feet
- Bond Strength: 1,000 psf (47.9 KPa)
- Applications: Interior structural steel members, fluted decking, flat plate cellular decking
- Key features:
Monokote M-1000 provides the same level of protection to structures exceeding 420 feet. As a mill-mixed plaster, it also serves as a low-cost option for meeting building codes.
Like MK-10, Monokote M-1000 adds three hours of protection to flat plate cellular decking treated with Spatterkote SK-3.
Monokote Z-106/G
- Density: Minimum 22 pcf (350 kg/m3)
- Height Limit: 75-420 feet
- Bond Strength: Minimum 500 psf (23.6 kN/m2)
- Applications: Interior wall, floor/ceiling, and roof/ceiling assemblies
For applications that don’t require a Portland cement-based solution, Monokote Z-106/G is an economical choice. This gypsum-based paint can be used to fireproof interior spaces like elevator shafts, high bay mechanical rooms, or manufacturing areas.
Monokote Z-106/HY
- Density: 22 pcf (350 kg/m3)
- Height Limit: Up to 420 feet
- Bond Strength: 2,000 psf (94.5 kN/m2)
- Applications: Interior structural steel, floor/ceiling, elevator shafts, mechanical rooms, stairwells, and roof/ceiling assemblies
Monokote Z-106/HY is a Portland cement-based paint designed to protect interior areas exposed to moisture and abrasion. This includes areas with high foot traffic, humidity, or light manufacturing activities like mechanical rooms, stairwells, and elevator shafts.
Monokote Z-146
- Density: Minimum 40 pcf (640 kg/m3)
- Height Limit: Up to 420 feet
- Bond Strength: Minimum 10,000 psf (478 kN/m2)
- Applications: Exteriors and interiors
One of the biggest advantages of using Monokote Z-146 is that it comes pre-mixed and ready to use, which cuts down on job site preparation.
Monokote Z-146 is a highly durable Portland cement-based paint suited for exteriors and interiors of buildings up to 420 feet. Besides providing up to four hours of fire resistance, it also protects against rain, freezing temperatures, and other weather conditions.
This durability makes it especially well-suited for clean rooms subject to particle emissions or off-gassing.
Monokote Z-156
- Density: Minimum 50 pcf (800 kg/m3)
- Height Limit: Up to 420 feet
- Bond Strength: Minimum 10,000 psf (478 kN/m2)
- Applications: Exterior and interior structural steel
Like Monokote Z-146, Z-156 also comes pre-mixed and ready to apply. Simply add water and you’re ready to go.
An even higher-density complement to Monokote Z-146, Monokote Z-156 is similarly Portland cement-based and designed to protect structural steel exposed to weather, humidity, and abrasion.
Monokote Z-156’s durability makes it a good choice for exposed steel subject to extreme weather and temperatures or for clean rooms requiring a denser coating.
Monokote Alternatives
Cementitious coatings aren’t the only option for fireproofing: intumescent coatings offer their own advantages and are worth considering when planning and budgeting your project.
Unlike cementitious coatings, intumescent coatings protect against fire damage by developing a layer of char in reaction to high heat. This forms a barrier between the flames and the underlying material, preventing structural damage.
Here’s a quick look at how Monokote coatings compare to some major intumescent paint brands.
Monokote vs. Promat FENDOLITE-MII
Promat FENDOLITE-MII is a Portland cement and vermiculite-based intumescent paint specially formulated for petrochemical facilities and other spaces in danger of explosion or extremely long-burning fires.
At 48.4 pcf (775 kg/m3 +/- 15%), Promat FENDOLITE-MII is slightly less dense than Monokote Z-156, but it similarly grants materials up to 4 hours of fire resistance, is impact-resistant, and is rated for UL 263.
Monokote vs. FireGuard E-84
FireGuard E-84 is an especially cost-effective intumescent paint that can be applied to steel and other substrates, including PVC and interior/exterior wood. It can be sprayed, rolled, or brushed and is rated for UL 263.
Unlike Monokote coatings, FireGuard E-84 can only add a maximum of two hours of fire resistance to steel. Check out our FireGuard E-84 review to learn more about its ratings.
Monokote vs. Firefree 88
Firefree 88 is a water-based intumescent paint that is extremely low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), having less than 36 grams per liter. It also qualifies for LEED v4 credit, making it an appealing choice for facilities seeking LEED certification.
However, Firefree 88 only provides two hours of fire resistance to steel and other materials, and isn’t UL 263 rated.
Monokote vs. FlameOFF Fire Barrier Paint
Like other options, FlameOFF Fire Barrier Paint only provides up to two hours of fire resistance—but it’s also low in VOCs, rated for UL 263, and can be easily applied by sprayer to steel, gypsum, and drywall.
Those features make FlameOFF Fire Barrier Paint an especially versatile option if you’re looking to stick to one product.