Everkem’s firestopping solutions encompass a wide range of products designed for single-family fireblocking as well as multi-family and commercial firestopping applications. Our offerings include firestop caulks and sealants, putty products, and various firestop devices, all backed by comprehensive UL testing and expert technical support. Committed to assisting our customers in selecting the best products for their specific needs, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below:
Firestopping products are construction materials used to seal gaps and penetrations in buildings, preventing the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases during a fire incident. They help maintain the integrity of fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings.
Firestopping products play a vital role in containing fires, allowing occupants to safely evacuate and giving firefighters time to respond. They help limit the damage and reduce the risk to people and property.
Firestopping products are used around openings and penetrations, such as pipe and cable penetrations, conduit openings, HVAC ducts, and gaps in fire-rated assemblies.
Firestopping products expand when exposed to heat, creating an insulating barrier that helps seal off openings and prevent the passage of flames, smoke, and hot gases.
Intumescent firestop sealant swells when exposed to high temperatures, creating a dense insulating layer that helps prevent fire spread. It’s particularly effective for applications requiring higher fire ratings.
Firestopping: A system of materials used to seal openings and joints in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases. It is specifically designed to maintain the integrity of fire-rated assemblies and is often required by building codes for penetrations and joints in fire-rated structures.
Fireblocking: Materials installed within concealed spaces of a building, such as walls and floors, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within those spaces. Fireblocking is generally used in non-fire-rated assemblies to prevent the movement of fire and smoke through hidden cavities.
What’s the difference: Firestopping is used in fire-rated assemblies to maintain their integrity by sealing penetrations and joints, while Fireblocking is used in non-fire-rated assemblies to compartmentalize hidden spaces and slow the spread of fire and smoke within those areas. Firestopping typically involves a system of materials tested for specific applications, whereas Fireblocking can involve various materials and techniques to fill gaps and block passageways within concealed spaces.
For a more in-depth look at the distinctions between Firestopping and Fireblocking, along with the testing procedures, read our whitepaper here.
Yes, firestopping products can also contribute to sound insulation, thermal performance, and preventing the spread of pests between building compartments.
Firestop sealants are formulated to adhere to a wide range of construction materials, including concrete, metal, wood, and gypsum. Please refer to our Technical Data Sheets – available on each product page under the “Technical Information” tab – or through our specification center.
Firestopping products are designed for ease of installation, often requiring minimal tools and expertise. Products include detailed instructions to ensure proper application and consult with professionals to ensure effective installation.
Cure times can vary depending on the type of sealant and environmental conditions. Typically, firestop sealants will skin over in 15 minutes to 1 hour, and fully cure in 1 week.
Yes, firestopping products are commonly used for retrofitting existing buildings to improve fire safety. However, it’s important to follow recommendations and consult with professionals to ensure effective installation.
The longevity of firestopping products varies based on factors such as material type, installation quality, and environmental conditions. Regular inspections and maintenance are recommended to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
While some firestopping products are designed for DIY installation, it’s recommended to consult with professionals, especially for complex installations or in critical areas where proper fire containment is essential.
Yes, firestopping is typically mandated by building codes and standards to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Yes, reputable firestopping products undergo rigorous testing in accordance with recognized standards (e.g., ASTM E814, ASTM E136, UL 1479) to ensure they meet specific fire resistance and smoke containment requirements.
“UL Classified” is a designation used by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to indicate that a product, material, or system has undergone testing and evaluation according to specific safety standards and criteria. UL is a globally recognized independent safety science organization that conducts rigorous testing and certification of various products to ensure their safety, performance, and compliance with industry standards.
When a product or system is UL Classified, it means that it has been tested and found to meet the requirements outlined in UL’s testing standards. The UL Classified mark is often displayed on products, packaging, and marketing materials to indicate that the product has been certified by UL.
The F rating refers to the amount of time a firestop system can withstand exposure to fire and maintain its fire-resistance properties. It indicates the duration for which the firestop system effectively prevents the passage of flames, smoke, and hot gases through a penetration in a fire-rated assembly.
For example, an F rating of F120 means that the firestop system can withstand fire exposure for 120 minutes (2 hours) while maintaining its integrity and preventing the spread of fire.
The T rating represents the maximum allowable temperature rise on the unexposed side of a fire-rated assembly during a fire test. It indicates the extent to which the firestop system limits the transmission of heat through the penetration.
For instance, a T rating of T60 means that the temperature rise on the unexposed side of the fire-rated assembly will not exceed 60°C (140°F) during the fire test.
Everkem’s firestopping solutions offer an array of products for single-family fireblocking as well as multi-family and commercial firestopping applications. Our firestop caulks and sealants, putty products, and other firestop devices are all backed by comprehensive UL testing and experienced technical support.
Everkem provides a free Firestopping Training and Certification course. As the built environment becomes more complex, so do the codes and standards designed to protect it. Firestopping is no exception. With the safety of property and human life on the line, installers can’t afford to be uninformed when it comes to proper firestopping.
Everkem’s firestop training program provides architects, installers, and inspectors with essential firestopping information including general firestopping knowledge, system identification, product selection, and proper installation techniques – so that you can firestop with confidence.
Upon successful completion of the training program, users will receive a digital certificate of completion as well as a hard-copy certification packet by mail indicating they are certified to properly apply firestopping products as part of UL listed firestop systems.
Get certified now by clicking here.
Technical Data and Safety Data Sheets can be found on each product page under “Technical Information” or in our Specification Center.
Explore our Firestop Glossary to familiarize yourself with key terms used in the field of firestopping. You can also download a PDF of the glossary here as a reference material to keep on hand.
For additional information, visit our Firestopping Resource page.
120 Regent Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
P: 1-800-638-3160
F: 336-661-7969
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