What is Fire Stopping in Construction?

Why is Fire Stopping Important?

Fire stopping is important because it helps to prevent the rapid spread of fire and smoke in buildings. This process seals off openings in the walls and ceilings to essentially partition fire to a specific area, making it easier to control. It can also help reduce the amount of heat and smoke transferred between rooms, which helps with potential occupant evacuation.

Fire stopping also helps to protect critical infrastructure in a building, such as electrical or mechanical systems. As a result of this, fire stopping can help protect not only people but property from the damage brought about by fire and smoke.

Common Applications of Fire Stopping

Fire stopping is a versatile approach to fire prevention, allowing it to be used in a variety of locations. Some common applications of fire stopping include:

• Walls and Partitions: Fire stopping materials can fill gaps and stop a fire from moving between compartments.
• Floors and Ceilings: Floors and ceilings can also utilise fire stopping measures, especially in multi-storey buildings. In this case, fire stopping primarily looks to stop the fire from spreading vertically.
• Around Penetrations and Openings: Pipes, cables and ducting also require fire stopping to ensure they don’t compromise the fire resistance of existing barriers. 

What Products Are Used in Fire Stopping? 

Fire stopping benefits from using several different materials in their design. This allows for greater versatility in where they are used and functionality in how they work. Some of the most common products used in fire stopping include:

• Load Bearing Compound Seals: Improper protection around service risers can cause fires to spread rapidly. Load-bearing fire compounds use a gypsum-based material so that when it sets, it becomes very hard. This restores the fire ratings of walls and floors.
• Batt and Mastic Seals: Any openings in a fire wall will make it easy for a fire or smoke to spread. These seals create an air seal barrier that blocks fire while allowing sound and heat to pass through.
• Graphites: Graphites expand to seal off areas when combustible or materials with low melting temperatures burn off. This expansion seals off areas from fire, which is useful for things like service penetration and cable bunches.
• Firestop Pipe Wrap: Pipe wraps are used around plastic pipes and trunking that pass through fire-resistant walls or doors. When a fire occurs, the intumescent material in the pipe swells and compresses rapidly, which seals off the area.
• Linear Joint Seals: These joint seals are found in wall cavities or voids and help prevent the negative effects of fire and smoke. They allow for structural movement while also maintaining the fire protection of walls and floors.

Where is Fire Stopping Required?

Fire stopping is required in multiple areas within a building, especially where there are potential risks for fire spread. These areas include:

• Joints and gaps in fire-rated walls and floors.
• Openings for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
• Spaces around doors and windows.
• Areas where different building materials meet.
• Any other structural features that may compromise the building’s ability to contain a fire.

Identifying these vulnerable areas is a critical step in ensuring comprehensive fire protection in a building.

Who Can Carry Out Fire Stopping Works?

For commercial premises, the responsibility for fire stopping typically falls on the business owner. You must employ knowledgeable contractors for these installations. These professionals, like ourselves at Ark Fire Protection, should be well-versed in the latest standards and techniques to ensure the fire stopping system performs effectively in case of a fire. The reliability and effectiveness of fire stopping measures heavily depend on proper installation and maintenance.

Regulations and Standards for Fire Stopping

Building codes and fire safety regulations, such as the Fire Safety Act 2021, help guide the implementation of fire stopping measures. These regulations generally include specifications for materials, installation methods, and performance requirements.

Compliance Requirements for Fire Stopping in Construction

Compliance involves adhering to local building codes, which may include specific requirements for fire resistance ratings, types of materials used, and inspection protocols.

Certification and Testing of Fire Stopping Materials and Systems

Materials and systems used for fire stopping must undergo rigorous testing and certification to ensure they meet the required safety standards. This includes evaluating their fire resistance, smoke penetration, and the longevity of their protective qualities.

Firestopping is an important part of fire safety in construction. By sealing off potential fire hazards, fire stopping can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely. With proper inspection and maintenance, fire stopping can provide long-lasting protection against the damaging effects of fire.

If you have any questions about our fire stopping services, please get in touch today.