Wall Systems Contractors’ Firestop Construction Division
In a fire, every second counts. Properly installed firestop assemblies protect you by reducing the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases.
What are firestop assemblies?
Buildings are designed with fire-rated walls to minimize the spread of fire, giving you extra time to get out of the building.
When a contractor has to cut a hole in the wall for pipes, electrical conduit or boxes, the wall loses its fire resistance. Firestopping assemblies use special materials to fill those gaps in the walls, restoring its fire resistance.
These assemblies are engineered by firestopping product manufacturers and tested through independent testing facilities such as Underwriters Laboratories or Factory Mutual. The independent test verifies the effectiveness of the firestop assembly.
How are the firestop assemblies tested?
Completed assemblies are tested for how they stand up to smoke, fire and water. Under controlled conditions, the firestopping assembly must meet strict standards for a 1, 2, or 3 hour fire rating.
Do you have to use a specific firestop assembly?
Firestopping assemblies must comply with local building code. They are specified by the architect, but a qualified firestopping contractor must verify field conditions comply before installing a firestop assembly.
How do I know that a firestop assembly is installed correctly?
You can start by hiring a qualified firestopping contractor. The Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) is a great resource to find qualified contractors.
Wall Systems is the only firestopping contractor in the state of Florida that is a FM 4991 Approved Firestop Contractor.
What sets a FM 4991 Approved contractor apart?
In this program, a firestopping contractor must meet certain qualifications including:
1) Maintaining at least one Designated Responsible Individual “DRI” to oversee firestopping projects.
2) Must develop and maintain a quality control manual that addresses firestopping assembly selection, field inspections, material handling as well as tool calibration.
3) The DRI’s must earn as many as 60 educational contact hours and / or submit to re-testing every three years.
4) Then, the firestopping contractor must submit to annual audits to verify compliance with their systems.
Reading this in 4 steps sounds easy, but it is our dedication to relentless continuous improvement and our commitment to staying client focused that drives us to earn and maintain our qualified firestopping contractor status.
The bottom line is that Wall Systems knows the firestop industry and we pass inspections. For you that means a project that stays on time and under budget completed by an organization who honors their commitment to deliver when we say we will, and one who pays attention to the details that make a difference to you.
Contact Wall Systems Contractors to request a bid for your firestopping project today.