A recent question we have been asked is whether our products need to be regularly inspected after installation.
And it’s a good question because, ultimately, fire safety is life safety. You need to know that our products will perform as intended from the day of installation and throughout the building’s lifecycle.
So, in response, the answer is generally no. This is because our products have no moving parts.
What do we mean by no moving parts? Consider a mechanical damper, for example. Its blades close upon activation, and these ‘moving parts’ need regular maintenance to operate effectively.
Because our firestopping products lack mechanical components, they do not require ongoing inspection. Once installed according to the test evidence, nothing should change as long as the building remains unaltered.
When do products require inspection?
The most obvious inspection occurs once the products have been installed and are ready for sign-off. A certified third-party organisation would normally complete this, in line with best practice and guidelines. This removes bias and ensures the installations follow the design and building regulations.
After installation, our firestopping solutions will only require inspection if the building has been compromised.
In this case, you will need to inspect the areas where the products are installed, and make sure there is no damage to the firestop seals. Any damage could compromise their integrity.
The working life of the QuelStop Firestopping System
While there’s no standard to measure product life expectancy, our products undergo durability testing during certification, as per EOTA Technical Report TR024.
This report determines the final use condition, as well as the assumed working life statement.
In our 48 years of experience, we’ve never known any compatibility or deterioration issues associated with time.
Because of this, it is our view that our tested firestopping solutions should last for the lifetime of the building in which they are installed. That means longer than the 10-year minimum stated.
To conclude! While our firestopping products do not need regular inspections, they do rely on individuals being aware of any damages or changes to the building.
If there is any doubt regarding the condition of a firestop installation, it should be reviewed immediately by a qualified individual. Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support.
