Fire Stopping

Fire stopping is a vital element of passive fire protection in modern construction. It involves sealing the gaps, joints, and penetrations between walls, floors, and service installations with fire-resistant materials—slowing the spread of fire, heat, and smoke throughout a building.

These seals, known as penetration and linear joint seals, are designed to address imperfections caused by design tolerances or installation gaps between structural elements. When properly applied, fire stopping helps contain fire to its point of origin, buying crucial time for safe evacuation and emergency response.

Due to its importance in the overall fire safety strategy, fire stopping must be executed by competent, trained professionals who fully understand fire behaviour and the regulatory requirements involved. Improper or incomplete installation can seriously compromise a building’s fire integrity.

Fire stopping rose to prominence in the late 1970s as a response to devastating fires where smoke—more than flames—was the leading cause of injury and loss of life. Today, its role is especially critical in buildings where safe evacuation is more challenging, such as:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Nursing and assisted living homes

• High-rise residential or commercial buildings

• Prisons and secure institutions