Avoid Making These FireStop Mistakes

One of the most important of these fireproofing methods is known as FireStop. It’s easy to make mistakes while installing FireStop, though, so here are some tips on how to avoid making them.

When you are working on a new building or renovating it to meet modern safety standards, it is important to think about fire prevention and fire protection measures. One of the most important of these fireproofing methods is known as FireStop. It’s easy to make mistakes while installing FireStop, though, so here are some tips on how to avoid making them.

Using Inappropriate Materials

It is vital that you don’t use inappropriate materials during the FireStopping installation process. Many different manufacturers offer these systems, and while you might that think that would affect the quality of the disparate components of the systems, that’s not always true. The FireStop systems you select must be tested by two organizations: Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These certifications are meant to ensure that the materials and installation procedures are both of the highest quality.  

All that said, avoid combining components made by different manufacturers as part of your FireStop system. If you do this, you will lose the certifications issued by the UL and the ASTM. Don’t try to use mortar, concrete, or foam; instead, make sure all materials and installation procedures are approved.    

Installation Shortcuts

Also, don’t take any shortcuts while installing your new FireStop system. This can be tempting, especially when you are in a crunch to save time and money. However, the fire rating on the FireStopping materials is only valid when they are installed correctly. Be sure to note what type of FireStop system you have, and how it was installed. Doing this can help you avoid inspection failures.

Inspection Failures

Inspections are a necessary part of ensuring that your FireStop system has not been compromised by previous fire damage or employee neglect. Inspections occur during three phases of the system’s lifespan: construction, renovation, and upgrades. The inspector will look for signs of damage, alterations, and breaches that could call for a complete re-installation.

If any mistakes are found, they could result in an inspection failure. This means that you need to tear down and rebuild the FireStop systems that you do have.

FireStop Installation from G&M Services

At G&M Services we’re proud to champion safer, healthier workplaces and can help you develop positive safety practices in your business. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meeting to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.

G&M Services also offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning and FireStop. To get started, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.