How Does Curtain Wall Firestopping Work and How Does It Impact Your Building?
Curtain wall firestop solutions let architects, builders, and contractors to incorporate a “curtain wall” form of exterior walls.
Big, towering skyscrapers are stunning architecture that makes cities around the country look majestic and modern. However, it takes a lot of planning and hard work to create these stunning feats of engineering in both beautiful and safe ways. Fires could happen at any moment, and high-rise buildings definitely are not immune. Stopping the spread of a fire through passive and active means is crucial. Curtain wall firestop solutions let architects, builders, and contractors to incorporate a “curtain wall” form of exterior walls, all while keeping structures safe as they can for any people in case a fire starts. Read on to learn what exactly goes into curtain wall firestop!
Basics of Curtain Wall Firestop and Construction
When it comes to large-scale buildings, not every wall or floor is made in the same way. Curtain walls are common in plenty of multistory buildings today. These kinds of exterior walls are not a part of the more considerable load-bearing structure, and they’ll typically protect the interiors from the elements while also creating a lovely aesthetic look. A well-designed curtain can provide stability, energy efficiency, and transparency, all while paired with a nice-looking appearance as well.
Why Curtain Wall Firestop is Crucial
While curtain walls have a lot of benefits, they also can present some risks or challenges in terms of thorough fire prevention and containment. Any glass windows can shatter while exposed to higher temperatures, which allows a fire to “leapfrog” vertically from one floor to the next. Cavities and voids exist between floor slabs and walls, giving flames the space they require to spread quickly. Curtain wall firestop solutions will seal the gaps with durable materials that are created to stop the flames in their tracks, which protect the structures and save lives during the process.
A Few Common Curtain Wall Firestopping Solutions
Fires and related damage can spread once smoke, heat, and flames are able to travel without interruption. Containment is the crucial feature to stopping the spread of fire. Curtain wall firestop solutions utilize a blend of sealants, fire-rated glazing, and top-notch designs. Most curtain wall firestops seal in the gaps and voids, use fire-rated frames and materials, and help minimize the risk of broken windows because of high temperatures. Contractors will install firestop solutions for walls, windows, and the spots in between. This will eliminate the spaces through which smoke, flames, or heat can travel through them.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved know how to handle equipment and potentially risky situations during a project. We offer services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and Firestop. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
