fire block

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ceb

ceb

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raeford,nc
Today I was in a large blue store, which I have named slowes, to purchase some caulking for a honey-do-project. While I was getting what I needed I noticed the display of fire caulk, right next to it was a display for fire blockage foam, same co. makes both products, both have same color labeling, wording every thing the same on both. The display for the foam claims 1 10oz. can = 15 tubes of fire caulk. Now in slowes 1 tube of fire caulk is in the $15.00 per tube range, this foam is in the $10.00 range, said to my self, self this may interesting. Then I read the disclaimer on the back of the can, it said in effect, "Not for industrial/commercial code applications. Check with AHJ before using. Not UL rated as fire stop. Not to be used as fire blockage". Then I said to self, this is a crock, other than to screw you out of money by buying something that from all appearances seems to be the same or equal to an approved product. I can see some one not taking the time to read the fine print, use it, only to be questioned by the inspector for its listing just to discover it is worthless
 
If it doesn't have a UL listing for a approved method it's not worth messing with. If you use a fire stop material the manufacture has to have a cut sheet showing that what you are doing is UL approved and how to apply it.
 
Fireblocking and firestopping are NOT the same thing.

Fireblocking is defined as building materials installed to resist the free passsage of flame to other areas of the building through concealled spaces.

There are two key components to Fireblocking. Combusitble materials and concealled spaces. Fireblocking as it relates to the electrical industry is typically required where cables and raceways pass through floors and through the top plate and attic space of concealled spaces of wood framed homes. Regular everyday foam and caulks cannot be approved for use to seal these openings in these areas. (602.8 of the IRC)

Firestopping, on the other hand, is a component of a fire rated assembly and system. These systems are detailed in Chapter 7 of the IBC.
 
wireman71 said:
If it doesn't have a UL listing for a approved method it's not worth messing with. If you use a fire stop material the manufacture has to have a cut sheet showing that what you are doing is UL approved and how to apply it.
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This was my point of the rant. I was not looking for code reference or word definitions ( although they are good to know, and appreciated ) it was more of a discussion of how manufactures of products will try and clone the appearances of a non rated item to look like what is rated. And if some one is not dilagent it can cause a large headache.
 
wireman71 said:
If it doesn't have a UL listing for a approved method it's not worth messing with. If you use a fire stop material the manufacture has to have a cut sheet showing that what you are doing is UL approved and how to apply it.
Click to expand...
Good Point!... BTW, Don't forget that you need to be certified to install the system or plain fire caulk...
 
Fire stopping has an ASTM rating. I do not know it off the top of my head but can find it. DAP makes 2 products in tubes. One billed as Fire-stop and the other billed as high temp mortar. Same ratings, and one is triple the price. The savvy contractors use the high temp mortar. There are some building inspectors that require the contratctors to leave the empty tubes on site so he can see what they used. What I'm not sure of is whether they recycle the same tubes.;)
 
ASTM E 814 or UL 1479


Ceb
You are correct about the "reading" portion of your post...it is so important to read what is written, and to try to apply that to your work


Bryan
That was good info on how to distinguish between fireblocking material and firestopping material.
 
We use a lot of that foam here (which I'm sure is the same stuff you're talking about, beause I just bought some) for draft stopping. Spray it around doors and windows where the opening is to small to stuff insulation and also where the cables and pipes penetrate the top plate into the attic.

And of course draft stopping and fire stopping are two entirely different things.
 
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