Steel beams, painted, unpainted or galvanised?

[Dave D]

Just wondered if anyone has any advise or knows about any regs regarding structural beams and when you need have them painted or galvanised. One is in the middle of the house so I was going to leave that alone, but one is over a window. Any ideas?
Cheers.

 

[^woody^]

There are no rules for that. Only that beams must be protected from fire.

But practically, any beam that might get wet and rusty should be protected from that, somehow.

 

[Swwils]

Also if you expect rough handling on site and then some kind of delay. This can also factor in.

 

[Dave D]

Ok thanks. I'll have a pot of primer ready in case.
Theyre pink board for the fire risk. Not sure how you stop fire from above though.

 

[Dereekoo]

Ok thanks. I'll have a pot of primer ready in case.
Theyre pink board for the fire risk. Not sure how you stop fire from above though.

Heat rises

 

[Nozzle]

Heat rises

It also radiates in all directions with equal ease.

 

[Bouy]

It also radiates in all directions with equal ease.

Indeed, but your hand above a fire and to one side and see which moves 1st

 

[Nozzle]

After not much time, both have to be moved; suggesting fireproofing in all directions is beneficial. I suppose it's okay to believe the beam can collapse so long as it's only been heated from the bottom or one side.

Nozzle

 

[Dereekoo]

Agreed