How to Choose a Fire Barrier for an Expansion Joint
An expansion joint is a break in the structure. Where it passes through a fire compartment floor, wall or ceiling, the gap can act as a chimney for smoke and fire unless a fire barrier is fitted in it.
What decides the choice
- Fire rating. The fire integrity required, in minutes. Every FireFlex model is rated for at least 2 hours (120 minutes), and FireFlex 2300 for up to 4 hours (240 minutes), depending on model and gap width.
- Gap width. The barrier is made for the width of the gap.
- Movement. The barrier must keep its fire integrity while the gap opens and closes.
- Floor or wall. Floor versions are A01 (floor to floor) and A02 (floor to wall). Wall versions are A07 (wall to wall) and A09 (corner).
- The joint cover above it. The barrier sits in the gap beneath the expansion joint cover, so the two are chosen together.
The FireFlex range
FireFlex floor fire barriers and FireFlex wall fire barriers cover the 2100, 2200, 2300, 2500 and 2700 series. Fire test evidence for each model is given on its product page and data sheet.
Background: Fire barriers.
Next step
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