Fire Barriers
It is vitally important that building designers consider placing fire barriers beneath expansion joints where that jointing system breaches fire compartment floors, walls and ceilings.
Expansion Joints are physical breaks in the continuity of construction and, as such, pass through floors, walls and ceilings. In the event of fire these expansion gaps act as a chimney allowing passage of toxic smoke and fire throughout the building.
Where expansion joints pass through compartment floors, walls and ceilings it is important that a suitable fire barrier is installed within the expansion gap. These fire barriers must be able to accommodate the movement that the structure is expected to exhibit while at the same time maintaining the fire integrity of the compartment.
Fire Barriers are rated in the number of minute’s fire proofing integrity that they offer and Vexcolt’s products are grouped into two separate ratings:
- FB2 120 minutes fire integrity
- FB4 240 minutes fire integrity
Fire Test Certification
Fire barriers are tested and rated to UL 2079 and BS 476. Further details are available in the relevant Technical Datasheets at pp 155 to 161 inclusive.
Full details and copies of Vexcolt’s UL Certification may be found in the Online Certifications Directory at www.ul.com.
Fireproofing Products
Vexcolt has a range of products relating to fire resistance.
