We are thrilled to announce that Universal Fireproofing Patch (UFP) has been granted a U.S. Patent, the first of its kind within the fireproofing industry in forty years.
In 2012, Tim Vellrath P.E. MBA developed a unique patch kit, Universal Fireproofing Patch (UFP) specifically designed for the repair of damaged fireproofing. Fireproofing is a cementitious or fibrous material typically sprayed on a building’s steel structure to protect it from the ravages of a high heat fire. This building code driven requirement is applicable to multi-story commercial buildings with mixed use occupancy, typically including hospitals, schools, airports, etc.
Often during construction, renovation and service upgrades, the sprayed material is knocked off or damaged. These areas of steel exposure have to be repaired under exacting conditions of compatibility. UFP is designed specifically to satisfy these conditions and allows fireproofing repairs to be compliant, compatible and inexpensive.
The impetus for Vellrath to create the UFP formula was apparent when it was discovered that fireproofing may have been a factor in the WTC collapse in 2001. Vellrath served as a consultant to the investigatory committee members of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Washington, DC who studied the WTC collapse.
The key was to develop a product that was easy to apply, simple to use and low in cost, yet compatible with all existing fireproofing products to meet the “universality” aspect of UFP. It also meets all thermal requirements and regulations. UFP is fully vetted by 3 national and independent laboratories: Underwriters Laboratories (UL), VTEC Laboratories, and Intertek Laboratories using ASTM E 119, ASTM E 84, and UL 263 standards. It is also the recipient of the AWCI Excellence in Construction Innovation Award in 2014.