Maintaining Fire Rated Walls: Why It’s Important and How to Do It

To maintain fire-rated walls and ceilings, you must seal gaps and openings with specific firestop products. This prevents flames and smoke from traveling throughout a building and helps maintain the structure’s integrity.

Here’s why it’s so important to maintain fire-rated walls. 

Inspecting and Repairing Fire-Rated Walls

Long after an installation, mechanical or electrical contractors may damage the integrity of fire-rated walls. From large holes to minor openings, such events can happen in day-to-day operations as well. 

Sometimes, fire-rated assemblies may not meet the current requirements of standard fire rating. Whether you’re repairing an interior or exterior fire separation, it’s essential to inspect it first.  

A proper repair procedure restores the integrity of a fire-rated assembly. The guiding principle behind any kind of repair to a fire-rated assembly is to restore it to its listing configuration. 

To prevent fire and smoke from seeping through holes and openings, consider use listed firestopping designs. The best firestopping products can seal your fire-rated walls and ceilings efficiently. 

What is Firestopping?

Firestopping is a critical component of a passive fire protection system and usually a local code requirement. You use tested and listed fire-resistant materials to seal openings in fire-rated walls and ceilings. In short, such products prevent smoke and flames from spreading from one room or floor to another.

Designed to accommodate penetrations in fire-rated assemblies, such materials can resist critical damage, and some designs accommodate the movement of the penetrating item. Note that the type and thickness of material used in the repair must match those of the original materials. 

When a fire breaks out, some firestopping products will expand, or intumesce, in the presence of a heat source. The swelling action seals any gaps and decreases the chances of fire and smoke from getting out. As a result, this passive fire safety system helps preserve your structure’s integrity. 

Why is Firestopping Important? 

• Ensuring fire safety is essential to people occupying the building. Any passive fire safety system should contain the spread of fire, giving occupants plenty of time to evacuate the premises. 
• Such safety measures ensure a building will remain stable during and after the breakout of fire. You should maintain your fire-rated walls and keep them updated and compliant with standard codes. 
• Even openings on electrical conduits, wires, pipes, and ducts should feature some protective layering. You must cover and seal such holes with products that can resist the passage of fire and smoke, and are listed for the type of assembly being penetrated, as well as the type and size of the penetrant.

Secure Your Space with a Fire Safety System

Need help repairing or replacing a fire-rated wall? At DuraSystems, we specialize in fire and blast protection systems for commercial and industrial settings. 

We can protect your workforce, equipment, and infrastructure against explosive and thermal events. Our trusted staff can customize a fire safety solution specific to your needs. For more solutions, check out our range of fire-resistant walls and ceilings on our website. 

If your fire-rated ceilings and walls have deteriorated over time, call us today for more information.