Fire, smoke, and toxic gases can leave a path of destruction and even fatalities if left to run rampant in a commercial building. Firestopping is a way to contain these serious threats so that the damage is reduced as much as possible. When you work with a professional firestop installer, like our team at Westcal, they will focus on three major areas to protect your business.
Piping Penetrations
HVAC systems provide heating and cooling to your whole building, maintaining the comfort level of both your staff and clients. The movement of this temperature-treated air is facilitated by pipework and duct systems. Without a proper firestop system in place, a fire could easily use the miniature gaps between the walls and the pipes as a passageway. Firestop wraps, sealants, and even foams can block those spaces, forcing the fire to stay contained.
Electrical Penetrations
In a similar way to HVAC, electrical wiring is a necessity throughout the entire building. These gaps can be even trickier to target due to their small size and multiplicity. Think of how many electrical hookups are required in each room. That’s a lot of tiny spaces in the walls needed for wiring to pass through! Sleeves and blocks can be used to protect the passage of fire while keeping the flow of electricity efficient.
Linear & Perimeter Joints
Firestopping should also be applied to anywhere that two assemblies meet. This could be wall to ceiling, wall to floor, or even floor to floor. These joints are areas that flames can creep under or around if not properly fire stopped. In these cases, sprays and seals are commonly used to create a solid barrier.
If your commercial building does not have an up-to-date firestop system in place, you may be putting your property and your people at risk. Don’t wait for a disaster to spur you into action. Get the proper protection. Call our team of firestop experts to get started!
