What does "thermal degradation" refer to in fireproofing?

Thermal degradation refers to the breakdown of materials when exposed to high temperatures. In the context of fireproofing, this breakdown can impact the effectiveness of fireproofing materials, which are designed to protect structural elements from heat and fire. When materials degrade thermally, they may lose their structural properties and ability to resist fire, leading to failure in protecting underlying components.

Understanding this concept is crucial because fireproofing materials need to withstand high heat without losing their integrity. The effectiveness of fire protection relies on the durability and stability of the materials when subjected to fire conditions. Recognizing how thermal degradation can affect fireproofing helps ensure that appropriate materials are selected and applied during construction to maintain safety standards.