Discover the current advancements in firestop technology.
A firestop is a fire protection system made of various components used to seal openings and joints in fire-resistance rated wall or floor assemblies. Firestops are designed to restore the continuous fire-resistance of said walls, impeding the spread of fire and or smoke by filling any openings in them with fire-resistant materials. During the process of firestopping, your contractor or insulator must decide whether or not the penetrations will remain permanent; the penetrations may change during the renovations of new tenants’ accommodations, which may require new electrical-system installations. However, what may seem like an overly complicated procedure has become easier to comprehend and practice thanks to current advancements in firestop technology!
Innovative Methods
- Curtain Wall: The primary function of the curtain wall system is to maintain continuity of fire resistance by sealing the gap between the compartment floors or walls, and the external curtain wall, both horizontally and vertically.
- Wall Pathway Kits and Sleeves: Pathway kits are usually composed of an outer sleeve, typically steel, with intumescent gaskets on either end. The sleeve can be sealed at either end with firestop putty. These are more suited to cable bundles. For single cable penetrations, there are plenum rated firestop grommets with intumescent filler that expands upon contact with fire.
- Pipe Collars: A pipe collar protects penetrations in walls and floors where plastic pipes pass through them. It consists of a galvanized steel shell with tabs for installation via anchor bolts. This shell fits around the pipe behind the wall or under the floor and contains intumescent material inside to seal around the hole in the event of a fire, thus preventing the spread of smoke and flame between floor and wall.
Minimizing Installation Time
Firestopping products were once very dependent on field labor. Now, manufacturers are trying to develop products that can be quickly and easily installed in the field. Products must also meet the demand of growing data capabilities, telecommunications rooms, and delivery systems that bring cables to workstations. In the past few years, firestopping manufacturers have tried to create streamlined versions of these products that minimize field labor and make it easier for installers to complete the process.
Construction Safety and GPR Scanning from Concrete Visions
Concrete Visions has over 12 years of experience and expertise in concrete scanning and we know how to detect any problems lurking beneath the surface. We use ground penetrating radar accurately and expertly and are familiar in many other methods that can be used when appropriate like concrete x-ray and electromagnetic conductivity. We are also very familiar with the latest construction safety techniques and train all of our workers to do their work quickly, accurately, and safely. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, give is a call at (410) 766-2210 or visit us online. For more articles and tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.