On construction sites, fire safety is not just about meeting regulations—it is part of responsible building. One key part of this overall approach is the implementation of firestopping. Properly selected and installed firestop products can prevent the spread of fire in critical situations and save lives as well as property.
But what is actually required of firestops, and how do you choose the right products for each application?
Firestopping is a structural solution designed to maintain the fire resistance of a compartmenting building element at the point of penetration and to limit the spread of fire, heat, and smoke gases. Smoke-tightness must be verified when necessary from the product and solution approval documents.
Firestops are required especially in:
- walls and floors between fire compartments
- technical rooms
- service shafts and corridors with a high number of penetrations
In Finland, the implementation of firestopping is governed by building regulations, in particular the Ministry of the Environment Decree on the Fire Safety of Buildings 848/2017, as amended, as well as local building control requirements and the project-specific fire and firestop plans.
The suitability of firestop products and solutions must be demonstrated in a way appropriate for the project, for example by CE marking and ETA/DoP documentation when available for the product in question, or, when necessary, by project-specific verification of suitability.
The firestop solution must meet the required fire resistance rating of the project, such as EI 30, EI 60, or EI 120. The classification is based on a tested assembly: the structure, the penetration, the products, and the installation method.
The developer and contractor are responsible for ensuring that:
- the products used are approved and tested
- installation is carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- the implementation is documented and inspected
What products are needed?
ProMart’s selection includes a comprehensive range of firestop products for different applications. Here are the most common product types:
1. Firestop sealants
Firestop sealants are suitable, for example, for cable, pipe, and joint applications in accordance with the product approval and installation instructions. Some sealants are intumescent, while others work in different ways, so the intended use must always be checked in the product-specific documentation.
2. Firestop collars
Especially suitable for use around plastic pipes. They close in the event of a fire and prevent the opening caused by the pipe melting.
3. Firestop seals and boards
Used for sealing larger openings and multiple penetrations. They can be combined with sealants and collars.
4. Firestop foams
Firestop foams may be suitable in certain approved applications for filling irregular openings. However, they should not be used as a general solution; suitability must always be verified from the product approval and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
5. Intumescent firestop strips / cavity firestop strips
Intumescent firestop strips are suitable for applications where the spread of fire needs to be limited within a structural cavity or ventilation gap. For example, the Vent FireStop intumescent firestop strip is installed in the eaves structure to limit the spread of fire from the facade into the roof cavity. The suitability of the product must always be checked according to the structure of the project, the required fire rating, and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Tips for choosing and installing the right solution
Know the application: Choose products based on what passes through the penetration (cable, pipe, duct) and the required fire rating. Please note that penetrations for ventilation ducts and the fire protection insulation of ducts must be checked separately in accordance with plans, standards, and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Follow the instructions: Always use installation methods and materials approved by the manufacturer.
Document everything: Take photos, record the products used and installation locations – this makes inspections and liability matters easier.
Ask for advice when needed: ProMart’s experts can help you choose the right products and answer technical questions.
Summary
Firestopping is not just a necessary evil – it is an essential part of high-quality, safe construction. With the right products and careful installation, you can ensure your work stands up to scrutiny even at a critical moment.
Need help choosing firestop products? Submit a contact request and compare products suited to your project. Our experts will help you choose the right products!