What Are Fire Penetration Sealing Systems?

Fire penetration sealing systems are critical for reinforcing a building where the through penetration of services threatens its fire resistance. Combined with other forms of passive fire protection, this method of systematically plugging and sealing gaps with specialist materials results in safer buildings for all.

At CPFP, we design and install passive fire protection systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. We are capable of working as labour-only sub-contractors as well as offering a full project management service depending on the requirements of the project.

In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about fire penetration sealing systems.

What Are Fire Penetration Sealing Systems?

Fire penetration sealing systems are a type of passive fire protection designed to maintain the fire resistance of a wall, floor, or ceiling where it is made vulnerable by the passage of services like cables, ventilation, and pipes. They work by plugging and sealing gaps and reinforcing exposed services to safeguard the compartmentalisation of buildings using a range of specialist materials.

It is important to note, however, that when we refer to a ‘system’, we mean all the elements that contribute to stopping the spread of fire. Therefore, a fire penetration sealing system is a culmination of the entire design, products used, fire-rated barriers, and installation.

They should not be confused with cavity barriers. This type of passive fire protection is just as crucial to fire safety, but blocks the passage of fire and smoke through concealed spaces. Such spaces can commonly be found in walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs.

Fire Penetration Sealing Systems Definition

Approved Document B (Fire Safety) defines fire penetration sealing as: ‘a seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or design tolerance between elements or components, to restrict the passage of fire and smoke’ (source). Essentially, fire penetration sealing systems are necessary where the lack of adequate protection would compromise the continuity of fire resistance.

How Do Fire Penetration Sealing Systems Work?

Where services need to penetrate a fire-rated component of a building, there will be a gap around the conduit. If this opening is left that way, fire, smoke, and toxic fumes will be able to pass through it freely in an emergency. A fire penetration sealing system seals this opening around the conduit with a fire resistant material, maintaining the right level of fire resistance, and containing the fire. A good firestop will maintain its integrity even if other elements around it are failing due to pressure change and thermal shock.

Find out more about fire stopping products >

Why Are Fire Penetration Sealing Systems Important?

Services like pipework, electricity cables, and ventilation ducts are fundamental to the operations of all buildings – but they can also promote the spread of fire. This is because to allow the services passage through walls, ceilings, and floors, a small gap or penetration will need to be created – breaching fire resistance.

Fire compartmentalisation is a vital aspect of fire safety, slowing and containing a fire to allow people additional time to evacuate, and the emergency services more time to arrive. That’s why Building Regulations specify that the fire rating of a wall or other building element must not be impaired by through penetrations, and there should be as few of these as possible. Not only does this method of passive fire protection improve the overall safety of your building for occupants, but it also reduces the risk of costly damages to your property and assets.

Methods & Materials of Fire Penetration Sealing

A range of different materials are used for fire penetration sealing depending on the exact nature of the through-penetration in question.

Some of the quality solutions we utilise at CPFP include:

• Mineral wool ablative coated board.
• Intumescent mastic.
• Intumescent paint.
• High expansive intumescent mastic.
• Intumescent pipe collar.

To find out more information about our reliable systems of passive fire protection, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team.

See more: Passive Fire Protection Products & Materials

Fire Penetration Sealing System Installers in Bristol

CPFP work with clients, main contractors, and sub-contractors all over the UK, designing and installing highly effective systems of passive fire protection. Whatever the complexity and sector of your building, we can create a fire penetration sealing solution that performs and exceeds the required specifications.

To talk through our industry leading fire stopping services in more detail, get in touch with us today.

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