Building Code Glossary
Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define mastic fire-resistant coatings, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Mastic fire-resistant coatings is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Structural Tests and Special Inspections. The code's own words are: “Liquid mixture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel that provides fire-resistant protection of a substrate when exposed to flame or intense heat.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings — IBC 2009, Structural Tests and Special Inspections:
Liquid mixture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel that provides fire-resistant protection of a substrate when exposed to flame or intense heat.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings is defined once in this corpus, in the Structural Tests and Special Inspections chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
Liquid mixture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel that provides fire-resistant protection of a substrate when exposed to flame or intense heat.
Where mastic fire-resistant coatings is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Types of Construction | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about mastic fire-resistant coatings, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The fire resistance of structural steel beams and girders protected with intumescent or mastic fire-resistant coatings shall be determined on the basis of fire-resistance tests in accordance with Section 703.2.
— IBC 2009, Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The terms mastic fire-resistant coatings is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what mastic fire-resistant coatings covers:
- Exposed — IRC 2009: (As applied to live parts.) Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person.
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Structural Tests and Special Inspections | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Types of Construction (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Exposed | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Liquid | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of mastic fire-resistant coatings?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Structural Tests and Special Inspections as: “Liquid mixture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel that provides fire-resistant protection of a substrate when exposed to flame or intense heat.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on mastic fire-resistant coatings?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Fire and Smoke Protection Features in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
Related pages
- Masonry Unit: Building Code Definition
Masonry Unit — IBC 2009 definition: Brick, tile, stone, glass block or concrete block conforming to the requirements specified in Section 2103.
- Masonry: Building Code Definition
Masonry — IBC 2009 definition: A built-up construction or combination of building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum …
- Mass Wall: Building Code Definition
Mass Wall — IRC 2009 definition: Masonry or concrete walls having a mass greater than or equal to 30 pounds per square …
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Building Code Definition
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) — IFC 2009 definition: Information concerning a hazardous material which is prepared in accordance with the provisions ofDOL 29 CFRPart …
- Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area: Building Code Definition
Maximum Allowable Quantity Per Control Area — IFC 2009 definition: The maximum amount of a hazardous material allowed to be stored or used within a control …
- Mean Roof Height: Building Code Definition
Mean Roof Height — IRC 2009 definition: The average of the roof eave height and the height to the highest point on the …