Firestopping is a life safety issue and a frequent inspection failure.
In this article
Why it matters
Openings in rated walls let fire and smoke spread.
Listed systems
Match products to conditions.
Keep reading — free
The rest of this article is worth the 20 seconds
Tell us where to send it and the full piece unlocks right here, along with everything else on this blog.
Rather just talk? Message us on WhatsApp.
Penetrations
Pipes, conduits and ducts.
Responsibility
Define in subcontracts.
Inspections
Before walls are covered.
Documentation
Labels and photos.
Rework
Late fixes are expensive.
Where to start
Clarify firestopping responsibility in every subcontract before the next project starts.
An example
A GC hired one firestop contractor for the whole building and required photos of every penetration. Inspections passed without major findings.
What to track
Track penetrations completed, inspection failures and rework hours.
Questions to ask
Who owns firestopping in each scope? Are listed systems approved? When are inspections scheduled?
Common mistakes
Assuming someone else will handle penetrations, using unlisted products and covering walls before inspection. Each of these leads to costly rework near the end of the project.
Run tighter jobs and win the right ones.
We help construction companies build the systems, online presence and client relationships that bring better projects.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for firestopping?
It varies by contract. Some projects use a single firestop contractor; others assign it to each trade. The responsibility must be clear in the scopes.