Public awareness of fire safety in buildings has surged. Building owners and occupants alike are now demanding passive fire protection – that is, features within the structure to prevent flames, heat and smoke from spreading – which can help save lives and minimize damage if fire breaks out. Pipe penetrations are critical areas for firestopping. Even these seemingly small gaps in fire-rated walls and floors are enough for smoke and toxic gasses to spread through. To maintain the fire resistance of walls and floors, it is essential that every opening is sealed using a well-designed and installed firestop system.
Despite its undeniable importance, firestopping is still often treated as an afterthought. Cost overruns, strained budgets and scheduling conflicts between trades on-site are virtually unavoidable if fire protection is neglected until the final project phases.
Here are some common questions mechanical and electrical contractors on the jobsite are faced with when working with firestop:
- How can I find code-compliant firestop products for various pipe materials and configurations?
- How can I seal penetrations with zero distance between pipes in a tightly packed, open shaft?
- How can high labor costs be reduced?
- How can I pass the fire inspection and avoid costly, time-consuming rework?
The answers to these questions cover the four main factors deciding which firestop solution is right for your project: compliance, spacing, productivity and simple inspection. Read on to see how our firestop can fulfil every one of these requirements.
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