Installer: How do you install a firestop? Firestopping FAQs
In this article, we are going to refer to a group of service penetration sealing products or firestopping system as ‘firestop’.
Installing a firestop has never been as straightforward as purchasing the product and just simply… installing it. Job done!
There are many factors that need to be evaluated before a firestop can be installed. But first, it’s important to understand how complex firestopping service penetrations can be and what affects the tested detail chosen. A tested detail is a set combination of firestopping products used to firestop a certain application of a single or multiple service penetrations.
When establishing the most suitable tested detail for the application in question, there are many variables that need to be taken into consideration, from the different types of walls and floors to types of services, any insulations, and fire ratings. For example, when it comes to firestopping a conduit, we would need to know the size of the conduit, the details of the substrate (thickness and type of wall or floor) penetrated, and the required fire rating. [See also: the benefits of the Information Collection Form (ICF)]
Once these variables have been submitted, the most relevant tested solution can then be established which, in turn, will determine the required product to use and in what combinations. It also helps to establish more specific details, for instance, the depth of sealant required or the quantity of QuelCoil wraps needed.
How do you install a firestop?
There is not one singular way to install a firestop and as mentioned above, it is almost never as simple as just purchasing the product and installing it. However, there are advised steps you can take in order to install the correct firestopping solutions, in the correct way, thereby ensuring safer high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings.
One way to ensure a firestop is installed compliantly is to consider the firestopping requirements at the design stage. This way, the construction and positioning of the substrate, apertures, and services can be in accordance with the tested scope of application which in turn facilitates a compliant installation of the firestop products. Early engagement gives you time to utilise the support offered by the relevant manufacturer and prepare the installation work. This includes training on-site labour and arranging the procurement of the correct firestopping products in accordance with the design.
Training is always strongly recommended. For example, toolbox talk or product-specific training is a great way of ensuring you understand the installation process of the firestopping solution. But also, what it looks like compliantly installed and why it needs to be installed as per the test evidence and manufacturer’s guidance. This kind of training ensures you are competent and allows you to ask relevant questions.
Correctly installing a firestop means following the design and ensuring you are in line with the test evidence. Manufacturers, like ourselves, have an extensive library of tested details to support the most common, and even the more unusual, service penetrations, including ongoing technical support and a field of application that can be easily understood.
Compliant installations, using the correct products, protect people and property. Help is out there. You do not have to go it alone: engage early, ensure you are competent to carry out the installation, and utilise the manufacturer’s extra resources and guidance.
For advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at technical@quelfire.co.uk.
