Here is what you can do to make sure your firestop barriers get installed properly.
Any building will need a functional and well-maintained life and fire safety system, and that means having your fire barriers in good condition. To get functional firestop fire barriers, you have to install them the right way. All openings in your ceilings, floors, and walls need to be sealed so that smoke and fire don’t spread throughout your building and cause more damage than they otherwise would. Here is what you can do to make sure your firestop barriers get installed properly.
Ensure That All Penetrations Are Given Firestop
Unfortunately, it’s all too common to have penetrations that only get firestopped halfway. Because of this, there are openings available that let smoke and fire spread through a building more easily. Sometimes, penetrations might be sealed, but only on a single side. It’s imperative that both sides get sealed with firestop. It’s the only way to guarantee total protection for yourself.
Don’t Mix Firestop Products From Different Manufacturers
After some time has passed, firestop material will start falling off or getting chipped away. When getting penetrations sealed again, some people use materials made by other manufacturers. This can be a problem because there’s a chance that firestop materials from different manufacturers won’t work together. Every manufacturer has its own systems that only work with the products they make. Therefore, you only ever want to get the same firestop product you had before when you reseal an area.
Ensure a Proper Firestop Installation
- Composite Sheets: These are best for bigger openings, and they are suitable with multiple penetrating item systems.
- Spray products: Spray products help raise protection on top of sealants in spots like the peak of your fire containment and perimeter systems.
- Firestop bricks and plugs: These serve as blocks both for big and small openings.
- Putties: These sealants get applied by hand, which makes them better for areas that are more difficult to reach otherwise. However, you usually only use them on cables and metal pipes.
- Sealants: Sealants are best to be used on combustible penetrations. These include multiple cables, plastic pipes, and sleeved pipes.
Concrete Visions Will Get The Job Done Right
Concrete Visions has been working with clients for over 25 years. Our G&M Services installers are certified with the industry’s major firestop product manufacturers. As part of our firestop service, we can assess abnormal field conditions and, with the manufacturer’s technical support assistance, provide engineering judgments in a timely fashion to comply with contract specifications. Our Field Mechanics undergo ongoing training, including mandatory monthly safety meetings, weekly Toolbox Talks where safety and equipment information is shred, and trainings on safe work standards and safety best practices.