Fire Stopping

Fire stopping acts as a barrier to stop fire and smoke spread via the sealing of gaps, joints, and penetrations in fire-rated walls, floors, and other building assemblies to contain fire and smoke. It serves the dual purpose of preventing horizontal and vertical openings from creating pathways for fire and smoke propagation, as well as sealing linear gaps between fire-resisting constructions. A key component of passive fire protection systems, it enhances overall stability, integrity, and insulation all the while fortifying the compartmentalization of the building. Comprehensive fire stopping across all penetrations and joints is key to containing fire and smoke within the compartment of origin, maintaining tenable conditions for evacuation, and preventing collapse.

Adhering to proper fire stopping that forms an unbroken barrier is legally mandated by building codes and fire safety regulations due to its critical role in impeding fire and smoke spread. Fire stopping also helps:

• Maintain fire resistance ratings of building assemblies
• Limit passage of heat and hot gases to adjoining areas
• Reduce smoke damage and keeps exit routes clearer
• Maintain structural stability by supporting constructions
• Comply with legal and regulatory fire protection requirements