Every modern building contains hundreds of service penetrations for pipes, cables, ductwork and mechanical services. While essential to the operation of the building, these penetrations can compromise the fire resistance of walls and floors if they are not correctly protected.
Fire stopping is the process of sealing service penetrations and construction joints to restore the fire performance of the compartment. When specified and installed correctly, fire stopping systems help prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes and support the overall passive fire protection strategy of the building.
Fire stopping refers to the installation of tested passive fire protection systems that seal openings created where building services pass through fire-resistant walls and floors.
These systems are designed to reinstate the fire resistance of the compartment after construction or service installation.
Fire stopping products are commonly used around:
Without suitable fire stopping, these openings can provide a direct route for fire and smoke to spread between compartments.
Compartment walls and floors are designed to resist fire for a specified period.
However, once a service penetration is introduced, the compartment is only as effective as the fire stopping system used to seal the opening.
Correctly specified fire stopping helps to:
Fire stopping is therefore a critical element of any passive fire protection strategy.
Different service penetrations require different fire stopping systems.
Typical solutions include:
Used to seal small gaps around service penetrations and construction joints.
Designed to protect combustible plastic pipes passing through fire-rated walls and floors.
High-performance mineral fibre batt systems used for multiple service penetrations.
Providing fire protection around combustible services where expansion occurs during a fire.
Maintaining fire resistance where movement joints occur within walls and floors.
Several factors influence product selection.
These include:
Products should always be selected using the relevant fire test evidence and manufacturer guidance.
Fire stopping products should never be mixed or substituted without appropriate evidence.
The entire system—including the wall or floor construction, the service penetration and the fire stopping product—must be considered as part of a tested assembly.
Correct installation is equally important, as poor workmanship can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the system.
FGF supplies a comprehensive range of fire stopping products from leading passive fire protection manufacturers.
Our team provides support with:
Working closely with manufacturers allows FGF to help contractors specify the correct fire stopping solution for a wide range of commercial, residential and infrastructure projects.
Whether you're sealing service penetrations within a commercial office, hospital, education project or residential development, FGF can provide technical guidance and supply the appropriate passive fire protection systems.
Contact our team to discuss your project requirements.