UL Solutions publishes critical explainer on fireblocking

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UL Solutions has released a comprehensive Q&A article on fireblocking, an essential safety measure in building construction.

Published on November 29, 2023, the article demystifies fireblocking, underscoring its significance in preventing fire spread in concealed spaces within buildings.

This release is a critical resource for industry professionals and stakeholders in the building and construction sector.

Understanding fireblocking: Material and necessity

Fireblocking, as defined by the article, is a material approved by code officials or authorities, mandated by building codes to inhibit fire spread in concealed combustible spaces.

This requirement is rooted in Sections 718 of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and R302.11 of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).

These codes mandate prescriptive fireblocking in specific locations within a building to disrupt the continuity of concealed spaces, thereby mitigating fire hazards.

Application and installation of fireblocking

The article explains that fireblocking is necessary in various parts of a building, particularly where there are concealed spaces in wood frame construction.

This includes intersections of walls and floors or ceilings, connections between vertical and horizontal spaces, and around openings for vents, pipes, ducts, cables, and wires.

The building code specifies a variety of materials for fireblocking, including gypsum panels, lumber, cement board, and insulation types like mineral wool and glass fiber.

Although the installation method is not prescribed in detail, maintaining the integrity of fireblocking materials is emphasised.

Distinguishing fireblocking from firestopping

A crucial distinction made in the article is between fireblocking and firestopping.

While fireblocking involves installing approved building materials to slow fire progression in combustible construction, firestopping is a certified system designed to protect penetrations through fire-resistance-rated assemblies.

Firestopping systems must undergo testing as per UL 1479, the Standard for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestops, or ASTM E814 to maintain the assembly’s fire resistance rating.

IFSJ Comment

The UL Solutions explainer on fireblocking is a vital resource for the fire safety and building construction industry.

By clarifying the purpose, application, and materials of fireblocking, it enhances understanding among professionals, contributing to safer building practices.

The distinction between fireblocking and firestopping is particularly significant, highlighting different approaches to fire safety in building design.

This publication not only informs but also potentially influences compliance and implementation of fire safety measures, reflecting the ongoing commitment to safety in the built environment.

Firestopping: The cost of not getting it right the first time around

by Featured NewsPassive

By Rebecca Croton, Content Marketing Executive at Quelfire

Have you ever wondered why we charge what we do for our firestopping solutions? Stick with us and in this short article you will find out all about the Quelfire value proposition.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that our aim has never been to provide the cheapest products on the market, but to ensure the industry has high-quality, tested products alongside all the required support.

With a robust testing programme, we have grown into a brand renowned for its scope of application within the construction industry, providing firestopping solutions for real-life scenarios, based on valued customer feedback and trends on the market.

With an ever-growing library of tested details, this ensures that the industry has primary test evidence over engineering judgements.

Therefore, the value lies in the cost of the tested system, not the cost of each individual product.

We strongly believe that a building needs to be designed around tested details. To achieve this, we work in partnership with all parties involved in the design and management of the installation of firestopping systems to ensure they have all the tools and information to benefit them when making an informed decision about which solution to use, and how to install them.

We also go above and beyond when educating the industry about the importance of fire safety and use every platform available to us; should it be panel discussions at exhibitions, CPD accredited webinars, or one-to-one consultations about early engagement in firestopping.

So why is it worth paying for the more expensive products that come with all these benefits?

Because the cost of not getting it right the first time around is far greater than choosing to work with a competent manufacturer that can support you with tested details and all the necessary technical support along the way.

Any issues that come to light during the design and installation stage will inevitably cause extra costs and delays, extending the projected completion date.

For example, if there is no tested solution at the design stage, you will need to go back and redesign; if products are installed incorrectly, these mistakes will have to be rectified; and if issues are found at the inspection stage, you’ll not only have to rethink the installation of the firestopping products, but the design of them, too.

Ultimately, in worst case scenario, if errors are not identified during the final inspection stage and a fire breaks out when the building is already occupied, risking lives will be the price of cutting corners and not taking building safety seriously.   

Using the right product, with the suitable test evidence and guidance of the manufacturer will see firestopping designed and installed correctly.

It may seem more expensive initially; however, money will be saved in the long run by choosing competency over cost and wanting to do it right the first time around.

Let’s start prioritising life safety over cheaper products and money saved.

New practice guide launched: ‘Firestopping of service penetrations’

by Projects

To assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained, five organisations have launched a Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations.

The aim of the guide is to encourage all stakeholders in construction to consider firestopping design earlier in the process in order to avoid problems at a later stage in construction. Those involved in the project would like to highlight that it is not an installation manual, but guidance to a good practice approach.

The guide is broken down to provide information on actions that should be carried out during each of the stages one to seven as defined in the RIBA Plan of Work.

With a foreword by Dame Judith Hackitt, who was the Chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Best Practice Guide will enable a project team to meet its obligations to deliver a safe and secure project in terms of penetration seals.

The guide was produced collaboratively by the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) to address service penetrations in buildings and ensure the spread of fire due to inappropriate or poorly installed service penetrations can be eliminated.

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Dame Judith Hackitt said: “This document is the result of a collaboration between a number of relevant trade bodies and organisations representing the wider construction and fire safety industries, and it is an example of the collaborative working and acceptance of professional responsibility throughout the supply chain that must become a feature of the industry’s culture from now on.”

Commenting on the launch of the guide, Nick Mead, Mei Systems And Assurance Lead – Meica Systems, Laing O’Rourke Europe said: “Service penetrations in fire-separating elements are in part a minor element of a compartment wall or floor, yet in truth they are one of the most important elements when it comes to ensuring the performance of any compartment wall or floor is maintained.”

The guide was produced with the support of stakeholders across the industry including manufacturers, designers, contractors and specialist fire companies. Those who produced the guide would like to thank Rockwool, FSi Ltd, and Warringtonfire in particular.

The Best Practice Design and Installation Guide, Firestopping of Service Penetrations is available to download on each of the association’s websites

https://data.asfp.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=715

Scottish Government explores potential for firestopping certification scheme

by Projects

A sample of stakeholders, including local authorities, contractors and insurers were interviewed as part of the research, which concluded that “a certification scheme in firestopping is seen as potentially beneficial for public safety, consistency and customer confidence.”

The report, commissioned by the Building Standards Division, consequently concluded that a certification scheme should be introduced on firestopping to cover both active and passive fire safety measures.

It should be noted that within this investigation, the term ‘firestopping’ referred to all aspects – both passive and active – of the protection of buildings from fire. Certification currently operates under The Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which allows “suitably qualified and experienced building professionals to act as Approved Certifiers”.

Research participants were however divided on the potential commercial/financial benefits, with contractors concerned that it would just add another layer of bureaucracy and costs to their roles. There are, after all, already four approved certification schemes in Scotland – all voluntary – where Approved Certifiers undertake regular audits which are managed via approved Scheme Providers.

Local authorities also raised concerns that a scheme would be unlikely to relieve pressure and the workload related to building inspections, as inspection standards would still need to be met to the same degree.

A consensus was not reached on whether the scheme should be made mandatory – this was deemed the best long-term approach, but difficult to implement in practice.

Overall, based on the results, the report made several key recommendations:

  • The scheme should be introduced on a gradual process and be supported via a fee-paying system to provide a solid financial basis. It was noted that this may require economic support to upskill those involved in firestopping.
  • The scheme should remain voluntary
  • The scheme should focus on construction (concerns over fire safety were primarily related to construction work)
  • Reviews should be undertaken on existing qualifications and training

The immediate first steps proposed are to “focus activities on improving and reinforcing all the training and qualifications related to fire safety”.

www.gov.scot/