Firestopping of Horizontal Plumbing Penetrations
Clients task contractors with installing systems that help keep their buildings and occupants safe. In terms of commercial, multi-family or mixed-use projects, one of the most important fire prevention mechanisms is through-penetration firestop systems.
What Is Firestopping?
Firestopping is a process whereby certain materials, some of them specifically manufactured, are used to resist (or stop) the spread of fire and its byproducts through openings made to accommodate penetrations in fire-rated wall, floors and floor/ceiling assemblies. Firestopping comprises three elements; a fire-rated assembly (a floor or wall), firestop material (typically fire caulking or intumescent material) and a penetrating item such as a plumbing pipe or electrical cables/conduits.
The purpose of firestopping is to reduce the spread of fire and smoke through compartmentation. Firestopping fills openings, holes, and voids (annular space) in fire-rated walls and floors and is intended to restore the hourly rating of fire-rated assemblies breached by penetrants.
One of firestopping’s top benefits is compartmentation. When a fire starts, it can spread quickly throughout a building. This can result in loss of life and major property destruction. In addition, emergency services may not be able to enter a building in time or safely during a fire. Compartmentation helps isolate fire and smoke.
Building codes require firestopping in the following buildings:
- All new construction projects
- All new retrofit projects
- Multi-family residences
- Offices
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Anywhere fire-rated walls or floors have been penetrated by pipes, cables, conduits or other penetrants.
Benefits of Firestopping
Firestopping can provide numerous benefits:
- Protection of property and occupants against damage from water, fire, smoke, gases and seismic issues
- Limitation of building losses in the event of a fire
- Watertight floor penetrations compartmentation of water damage within the finished building
- Reduced liability for property owners
- Adherence to building codes
Common Issues With Firestopping
While firestops are a necessary installation, they can pose multiple headaches for contractors. The firestop installation process can be complex and time-consuming. In addition, many contractors do not receive proper training for firestopping, leading to mistakes that cost time and money later on.
Common firestopping issues include:
- Use of materials/systems that have not received UL Listing
- Use of combustible, expandable materials such as mortar, concrete, and foam
- Components improperly installed
- Lack of understanding of UL Listed systems
HoldRite HydroFlame Firestop Systems
HoldRite HydroFlame Firestop Systems provide numerous benefits for plumbing contractors looking for an easy-to-install firestopping solution, including:
- UL Listed firestop systems, meeting and exceeding building code requirements for multiple municipal and state regulations.
- Significantly faster installation time, helping contractors implement firestops 6 times faster than makeshift methods.
- Telescoping sleeves, which eliminate the need to cut sleeves on the job site, saving you time and money.
- Locator whiskers, helping contractors easily find buried sleeves after concrete pour.
- Accessibility, with many HoldRite HydroFlame Firestop Systems available at local distributors across the country.
- W-Rating out of the box, preventing water damage that can occur with makeshift installations.
The HoldRite HydroFlame Pro Series is a cost-effective, time-saving solution for contractors looking for effective firestop systems. Are you ready to invest in HoldRite HydroFlame firestop systems? Contact HoldRite today to receive a free quote and find a distributor near you.