1.3 Firestop systems
Firestop systems are designed and installed to impede the passage of fire and toxic smoke , with some systems designed to also restrict water and sound transmission , through construction openings in fire-rated assemblies ( walls and floors ).
Throughout a building , the fire-rated assemblies are breached to allow the passage of piping , conduits , cable trays and other building system components to extend from room to room . In addition , openings or gaps between the wall and floor surfaces of the fire rated assemblies might exist to allow for movement or deflection of the assembly . To restore the integrity of the fire rated assembly , all the openings or penetrations need to be sealed to maintain the original fire rating of the assembly .
• Through penetration firestop systems are used to restore the integrity of a fire-rated floor or wall assembly when a penetrating item passes through the assembly .
• Fire resistive joint systems are used to protect the joints or spaces installed within or between fire-rated assemblies .
• Membrane penetration firestop systems are used to restore the integrity of a fire-rated wall assembly when only one side of the wall is penetrated .
• Perimeter fire containment systems , which are specific constructions consisting of a floor with an hourly fire rating , an exterior curtain wall with no hourly fire rating , and material installed to fill gaps between the floor and the curtain wall to prevent the vertical spread of fire in a building .
Inspection Guidebook 6 / 28