How does FireBarriers maintain their quality firestopping?
As installers, we know what product and tested systems best suit your application. We make sure that the installation is installed in accordance with a specific applicable tested fire stop system or Engineered Judgment design.  Fire Barriers has joined the Hilti Accredited Firestop Contractor program which provides a high level of training to our team.

What are “Engineered Judgements”?
Engineered judgements are recommendations in which system/product manufacturers sometimes provide in order to meet actual field conditions that do not match any existing tested systems. These Engineered Judgements are based upon internal test data and existing fire stop systems.  The Hilti team is able to provide these judgments to the Fire Barriers staff based on their extensive firestop knowledge and test data.

What are approved firestopping methods?
“Approved methods” is a general term that refers to fire stop systems that have been tested by an independent laboratory and which meets ASTM E-814 and or UL 2079 performance criteria. Fire Barriers uses only approved firestopping methods.

What do the terms “intumescent,” endothermic” and “elastomeric” mean?
These terms describe the different characteristics of  firestopping products. “Intumescent” means that the material expands when exposed to fire or heat to fill a void in the penetration caused by the deformation or combustion of the penetration item. An “endothermic” product blocks heat by chemical absorption and moisture release. “Elastomeric” products are flexible and prevent passage of heat and gasses while permitting movement of the assembly.

What do the ratings “T”, “F,” and “L” mean?
A “T” rating indicates the amount of time (usually hours) it takes the temperature on the non-fire side of a fire-rated assembly to exceed 325° F above ambient temperature. An “F” rating indicates the amount of time (hours) that a fire-resistive barrier can withstand fire before allowing flame to pass through an opening. An “L” rating denotes the amount of air leakage (cubic feet per minute) through a penetration.

What is Active Fire Protection?
Active fire protection systems are those that are on full-time duty, such as a sprinkler system. These systems have been a successful tool against fire. However, sprinklers do not control the migration of flames and deadly smoke and toxic gasses. The level of protection provided by sprinklers can be affected by human error and improper installation, systems that have not been properly maintained, or systems that have been damaged by remodeling or reconstruction.

What is Passive Fire Protection?
Passive fire protection systems are those that allow a fire to act upon the system itself, to compartmentalize and contain the fire to save lives and protect the structure. Passive fire protection is made up of both firestopping and fireproofing.

Email us with your questions: tammy@firebarriersllc.com