Firestopping is a necessary proactive measure required by Canadian building codes to protect people, assets, and the structure of the building. It involves the careful designing of a space to slow down the spread of fire, smoke, and flue gasses through an indoor space. By dividing an area into fire compartments, the spread of fire and smoke can be limited throughout the structure. These features are essential in protecting those working within the building and preventing structural damage to the property.
Firestopping measures need to be used when there are gaps created where fire and smoke can easily spread in a building. To determine what type of firestopping you need, here are common examples of where firestopping is required for commercial and industrial buildings in Canada:
Service penetrations
Service penetrations are openings in fire-resistance-rated walls and floors for the purpose of accommodating electrical, mechanical, and other services such as cables and wires.
Joints between assemblies
When a building has an expansion, the joint between the two areas has to work as a fire barrier. The gaps between the two parts must be filled for fireproofing to limit the spread of fire.
Blank openings
Openings that are not filled with any type of fire-resistant material can be found in walls, floors, and ceilings, and are typically left unsealed in order to allow for the passage of utilities such as electrical wiring or plumbing. It’s crucial to have a specialist handle the firestopping for any blank openings that could compromise your firestop rating.
There are many different types of firestopping that are available for industrial and commercial buildings. Depending on the environment, type of building, and construction requirements, the type of firestopping needed can look different for each building. Most importantly, a specialist will be able to assess your specific building’s condition and requirements to implement professional firestopping services.
At Westcal Insulation, our team can help you with:
- Through and blank penetration firestopping
- Wall perimeter
- Curtain wall and other joint firestopping
- Cable tray and special penetrations
- Special structural expansion joints requiring a fire rating
- And more!
If you’re thinking about the type of firestopping that you need for your building, it is a good idea to consult with a firestopping specialist to receive a professional assessment, and to ensure that the installation is handled correctly to provide the right protection for those working inside. At Westcal Insulation, our knowledgeable team will be able to assess the specific fire hazards that are present in your building and recommend the best type of firestopping for your particular needs. Contact us today to get started!
