Effective commercial firestopping requires integrating multiple layers of active and passive fire protection that work together to confine or compartmentalize the spread of fire, heat and smoke through your commercial property.
Firestopping systems incorporate various components, including:
Cables/cable trays or conduits
Fire-rated walls, partitions, floors or ceilings
Materials and methods for sealing penetrations
If you need to install a firestopping system in your commercial building, turn to Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing. We can help you implement a compliant firestop system to meet your fire safety needs.
Firestopping relies on the compartmentalization of various building components, including fire-rated walls, joints and floors. Firestopping prevents the spread of a fire within a building by sealing every opening.
Passive vs. Active Fire Protection
Active fire protection: This includes action-oriented solutions like fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, etc., designed to prevent or minimize the growth of a fire.
Passive fire protection: This includes the use of commercial firestopping systems engineered to compartmentalize spaces within the structure to minimize the spread of heat, smoke and flames. This creates superior protection when used in conjunction with active fire protection systems.
Types of Firestopping for Your Building
Effective firestopping solutions may incorporate these materials:
Caulking and sealants: We apply high-temperature acrylic or silicone sealants around pipes and doors, or at joints between adjoining surfaces to prohibit the spread of smoke or gases.
Insulation and fire blankets: Our team can install mineral wool, fiberglass or high-temperature foam fire blankets, insulation and foam pillows to effectively restrict the spread of heat and flame.
Mortars: We apply gypsum or cementitious mortars to create an impenetrable seal between wall assemblies and concrete floors, as well as adjoining concrete surfaces and expansion joints.
Intumescent coatings: Our intumescent coatings are engineered to expand when exposed to heat, which creates a thermal insulating barrier that protects columns and beams from the damage and distortion that heat and flames can cause.
Collars: We can install collars on flues, pipes, ducts, etc., to contain and prevent the spread of flames.
Why Commercial Firestopping Is Needed
Fire protection and prevention are critical for physical safety and preserving the structure’s integrity. The most effective solutions take into account a wide range of factors, including building materials, building usage, building layout, maintenance and foot traffic.
Florida is below the national average for the number of non-residential structural fires and below national averages for fire-related injuries and fatalities. This is due in no small part to rigid adherence to applicable safety standards and building codes.
Essential components for effective fire protection in Tampa include:
Detection/warning systems
Containment systems
Suppression systems
Trusted Commercial Firestopping Contractor in Tampa
Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing has the expertise and experience companies across the U.S. depend on for reliable protection. Over the past 40 years, our experts have earned their reputation as go-to resources for effective industrial and commercial fireproofing solutions.
In addition to fireproofing, we help ensure your structure is protected against a wide range of threats and damage. You can depend on our team for:
Contact Alpha Insulation & Waterproofing to learn more about the protection our commercial firestopping solutions offer for your Tampa, FL, building.
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