Firestopping and firestop describe the activities and materials used to close openings in passive fire protection systems. As they pass through firewalls or floors, pipes, conduits, exhaust systems, and ductwork often leaves openings.
Firestopping prevents fires and other harmful gases from spreading throughout your building. However, fireproofing protect your building’s structural parts to prevent any irreparable damage or collapse during a fire. Most commonly, fireproofing is applied to concrete and steel during the building’s construction.
What is firestop material?
FP05 Coated Firestop Board is a 50mm thick, high-density mineral fibreboard coated with GC99-20 Fireproof Coating. It’s used to create a fire-resistant system that can restore up to two hours of fire rating. The Firestop board’s coated surface will expand by up to 30 percent in the event of a fire. This reduces the spread of smoke and fire.
For smaller fireblocks, you can use materials like 2″ nominal lumber, structural wood panels and gypsum boards.
Read: Ken Watterworth Westport
Can anyone install fire stopping?
Firestopping products can only be installed by contractors who have obtained third-party certification. Third-party certification means that the contractor has been subject to an audit and that their staff has received training.
This could indicate that they are better qualified to install fire-stopping solutions. Only third-party installer certifications schemes accredited by UKAS are recommended by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection.
Referrals and relevant experience, along with specialist skills and expertise in installing firestopping solutions, are stronger guarantees of a safe and compliant install. Look for qualified contractors who use third-party certified firestopping products. They will also work closely with the manufacturers in order to make sure that the installation follows their guidelines.
Fire-stopping vs. Fireproofing
Firestopping prevents fires and other harmful gases from spreading throughout your building. However, fireproofing protects your building’s structural parts to prevent any irreparable damage or collapse during a fire. Most commonly, fireproofing is applied to concrete and steel during the building’s construction.
Building material can heat up to dangerous levels in the event of a fire. Overheated steel can weaken and collapse and concrete that has too much moisture can expand and burst. Exploding concrete walls can cause rapid depletion of your building’s structural integrity, and can pose an immediate danger to anyone who is in their vicinity.
About Pto-Tect, INC. Waterbury, Connecticut
Pro-Tect, INC. is based in Waterbury, Connecticut, and is the largest fireproofing company in the state of Connecticut. Owner and operator, Ken Watterworth of Westport, CT started the business in 1991.
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