Fireproofing & Insulation Contractor in Golden, Colorado
Andrex Insulation has been protecting commercial structures across the Denver metro since 1988 — including the Colorado School of Mines CoorsTek Center right here in Golden. From intumescent coatings on exposed steel to spray-applied fireproofing in parking structures, we deliver code-compliant fire protection that meets both engineering requirements and architectural design intent.
Featured Project
Colorado School of Mines — CoorsTek Center
The CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering at Colorado School of Mines is one of Golden's most significant recent construction projects — a state-of-the-art academic and research facility designed to advance the university's STEM mission. The general contractor on this LEED Certified project, and Andrex Insulation was selected to provide all fireproofing work on the building.
What made this project particularly challenging was the dual-system fireproofing approach required by the design. The building features large open floor plans with architecturally exposed structural steel throughout the interior — steel that is intentionally visible and integral to the building's industrial-modern aesthetic. For these exposed members, we applied intumescent fireproofing (IFRM), a thin-film coating that delivers fire protection while preserving the clean, painted appearance of the steel. Unlike cementitious SFRM, intumescent coatings are virtually indistinguishable from a standard paint finish under normal conditions, which is exactly what the architect specified for the learning and collaboration spaces.
In the parking garage structure below the building, the design requirements were different. The steel in the garage is concealed and not architecturally exposed, so we applied traditional spray-applied fireproofing (SFRM) — the most cost-effective method for protecting structural steel in commercial construction. Using SFRM in the garage kept project costs down while meeting the same code-required fire ratings as the intumescent system used in the occupied spaces above.
This dual-system approach — intumescent on exposed steel, SFRM on concealed steel — demonstrates Andrex's ability to manage complex fireproofing scopes that combine multiple product types on a single project. Our crews are trained and experienced in both systems, which allows us to serve as a single subcontractor for the entire fire protection package rather than requiring the GC to coordinate multiple specialty subs.
Project Details
- Location:Golden, Colorado
- Owner:Colorado School of Mines
- GC:General Contractor
- Certification:LEED Certified
Andrex Scope
- Intumescent fireproofing on exposed interior steel
- SFRM in parking garage structure
- Dual-system coordination (IFRM + SFRM)
- LEED-compliant installation practices
Fireproofing for Golden & West Denver Metro Construction
Golden sits at the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area in Jefferson County, where the Great Plains meet the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known historically as a mining town and home to the Coors Brewery, Golden has evolved into a hub for higher education, renewable energy research, and growing commercial development. The construction pipeline in Golden and the surrounding west metro communities continues to expand, creating steady demand for commercial fireproofing and insulation services.
Colorado School of Mines, one of the top engineering universities in the country, drives a significant portion of Golden's commercial construction activity. The university has invested heavily in new academic buildings, research facilities, and student housing over the past decade, with projects like the CoorsTek Center requiring advanced fireproofing solutions for architecturally complex steel structures. Andrex has been part of this campus growth and is positioned to serve future Mines construction projects.
Just south of Golden, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) operates one of the most important federal research campuses in the country. NREL's ongoing expansion includes laboratory buildings, office facilities, and high-performance research structures — all of which require fire-rated steel assemblies and professional fireproofing installation. The presence of NREL in Jefferson County adds to the concentration of commercial construction that benefits from a nearby, experienced fireproofing contractor.
Beyond the institutional anchors, Golden's downtown corridor is undergoing revitalization with mixed-use commercial projects, and the broader Jefferson County area — including Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Arvada — continues to see growth in office, retail, and industrial construction. The Molson Coors brewery complex remains one of the largest industrial facilities in the region, and the I-70 mountain corridor provides access to construction projects extending west into the foothills. For all of these project types, Andrex Insulation is just 20 minutes away from our Denver headquarters, which means fast mobilization, no travel surcharges, and crews that know the local inspection process.
Colorado School of Mines
Ongoing campus development with new academic buildings, research labs, and student housing requiring complex fireproofing solutions.
NREL Research Campus
National Renewable Energy Laboratory expansion driving demand for high-performance fire-rated assemblies in laboratory and office buildings.
Jefferson County Commercial Growth
New office, retail, and industrial construction across Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Arvada in the west Denver metro.
Downtown Golden Revitalization
Mixed-use commercial development in Golden's historic downtown corridor, blending modern construction with the city's heritage character.
Molson Coors & Industrial Facilities
Major industrial buildings and brewery operations requiring ongoing fire protection maintenance and new construction fireproofing.
I-70 Mountain Corridor
Commercial and hospitality construction extending west along I-70, with Golden as the gateway to mountain communities and resort development.
Fireproofing & Insulation Services for Golden, CO
Andrex Insulation provides a full range of commercial fire protection and insulation services for construction projects in Golden and Jefferson County. Every service is available as part of a single-source package or individually depending on your project requirements.
Spray Applied Fireproofing (SFRM)
Cementitious SFRM applied to concealed structural steel — beams, columns, and metal decking. UL-classified assemblies for 1 to 4 hour fire ratings. The most cost-effective method for protecting structural steel in commercial construction.
Learn moreIntumescent Fireproofing (IFRM)
Thin-film coatings that expand under heat to protect architecturally exposed structural steel. Delivers fire protection with a clean, paint-like finish — ideal for open-concept designs where steel aesthetics matter.
Learn moreFirestopping
UL-listed firestop systems for penetrations, joints, and openings in fire-rated walls and floor assemblies. Maintains compartmentalization to prevent fire and smoke spread between rated assemblies.
Learn moreSpray Foam Insulation
Spray-applied insulation for thermal and acoustic performance in commercial buildings. Monoglass and K-13 systems for exposed applications, plus closed-cell spray foam for building envelope requirements.
Learn moreWhy General Contractors in Golden Choose Andrex
When your project is in Golden or Jefferson County, you need a fireproofing contractor who can deliver on schedule without the complications of working with an out-of-area sub. Andrex Insulation combines 38 years of Front Range experience with proven performance on Golden's most demanding projects.
Proven Track Record in Golden
We have already completed fireproofing work at Colorado School of Mines. We know Golden, we know Jefferson County inspectors, and we know the local construction environment.
20 Minutes from Denver HQ
Our office at 1570 S Acoma Street in Denver is a straight shot west on 6th Avenue to Golden. No travel surcharges, fast mobilization, and crews that can return same-day if needed for punch work.
38 Years, 7,500+ Projects
Founded in 1988, Andrex has fireproofed more than 7,500 commercial projects across Colorado — from high-rises and hospitals to universities and research facilities.
BBB A+ Rated
Our Better Business Bureau A+ rating and Experience Modification Rate below 1.0 reflect decades of consistent quality workmanship and jobsite safety.
Dual-System Capability
We are one of the few Colorado contractors certified to install both SFRM and intumescent fireproofing, allowing us to serve as your single-source fire protection subcontractor.
Self-Testing Before Inspection
Every area is self-tested with calibrated thickness gauges before we call for third-party inspection. This eliminates surprise re-work and keeps your schedule on track.
Fireproofing in Golden, CO — Frequently Asked Questions
Does Andrex have experience with projects in Golden, Colorado?
Yes. Andrex Insulation completed fireproofing work on the Colorado School of Mines CoorsTek Center in Golden. Our scope included intumescent fireproofing on exposed interior structural steel and spray-applied fireproofing (SFRM) in the parking garage structure. This LEED Certified project required a dual-system approach to meet both code requirements and architectural design intent.
What is the difference between SFRM and intumescent fireproofing?
Spray-applied fire-resistive material (SFRM) is a cementitious coating sprayed directly onto structural steel. It is cost-effective and used wherever the steel is concealed behind ceilings or walls. Intumescent fireproofing is a thin-film coating that looks like paint under normal conditions but expands into a thick insulating char when exposed to heat. Intumescent is specified when the steel will be architecturally exposed and aesthetics are critical. On the School of Mines CoorsTek Center project in Golden, we used both systems on the same building — intumescent on exposed interior steel and SFRM in the parking structure.
How far is Golden from your Denver office?
Golden is approximately 20 minutes west of our Denver headquarters at 1570 S Acoma Street. We regularly service projects throughout Jefferson County, including Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Arvada. Our crews can mobilize to Golden-area jobsites quickly without the cost premiums associated with out-of-area travel.
Can you handle LEED Certified or green building projects?
Yes. The Colorado School of Mines CoorsTek Center project was a LEED Certified building, and Andrex successfully met all fireproofing requirements within the LEED framework. Our fireproofing products contribute to Indoor Environmental Quality credits, and we follow waste management and dust control practices consistent with LEED construction protocols. We have experience working on LEED-certified projects across the Denver metro area.
What types of commercial buildings in Golden need fireproofing?
Any commercial building in Golden with structural steel framing requires fireproofing per the International Building Code. This includes educational buildings at Colorado School of Mines, laboratory and research facilities at NREL, mixed-use developments in downtown Golden, industrial and warehouse buildings, and commercial office space. The specific fire rating required — 1 to 4 hours — depends on the building's construction type and occupancy classification.
Need Fireproofing for a Golden, CO Project?
Send us your plans and specs and our estimating team will provide a competitive bid with fast turnaround. We are just 20 minutes from Golden and ready to mobilize.
Other Service Areas in Colorado
In addition to Golden and Jefferson County, Andrex Insulation provides commercial fireproofing and insulation services across the Colorado Front Range.
Have a project outside these areas? Contact us to discuss availability and scheduling.