Fire safety is vital to the functionality of construction areas. Keeping homes and businesses safe during construction should always be a top priority. There are two main solutions to promoting fire safety: firestop and fireblock. Many people believe these two to be the same, but there are distinctions. What are the differences between these two solutions? Find out what makes firestop and fireblock different.
What is Fireblock?
Fireblock initially feels nearly identical to firestop. It becomes almost indistinguishable in many cases. The difference lies in what material is used. Fireblock uses more basic building materials, such as:
- Gypsum board
- Cement fiberboard
- Lumber
- Structural Wooden Panels
- Mineral Wool
- Blankets of glass
- Other types of approved materials
The primary purpose of fireblock is to prevent fires or stop hot gasses from causing fires. This is slightly different from the purpose of firestop, which is to keep fires contained and keep them from spreading anywhere else in a building. It’s possible for hot gasses to get into areas that are hard to reach, such as inside of walls. If hot gasses are allowed to linger in your home or office, it’s put more at risk for a potential fire to start. If you use a fireblock, however, it will address those gasses before they get the chance to seep into the tiny crevices of your home. This will keep your building, and everyone inside of it, safer.
What is Firestop?
Firestop became better defined as we got into the 1980s. The basics were that it would protect through penetration. In other words, firestop prevents existing fires from spreading to other areas of a building. It was at about that time that firestop was deemed to be a “performance-oriented discipline.”
To stop fires from spreading, a firestop seals up cracks in buildings with fireproof material. Some materials include penetrations sealants and fireproof pillows.
So, contrary to fireblock, which is designed to stop fires from happening in the first place, firestop plays a vital role in containing fires. This way, in the event a fire does break out, it’s easier for people to escape the building.
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.