What you need to know before you start fireproofing

There is not just one way to fireproof. Several factors influence and determine what the process should look like and what materials should be used. How you should proceed depends on what you are fireproofing and where – and what the requirements are.

To ensure that a fire seal is done properly and can withstand heat and smoke for as long as required, there are several things to consider. For example, you need to know whether the space you are fire sealing is dry or damp, whether the seal is going through a wall or perhaps a roof – and whether that material is lightweight or solid. For each space, there are also requirements for how long the fire seal should last when a fire breaks out.

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We always start by asking what environment to fireproof in. Is it a dry environment – i.e. indoors – or is it a damp environment such as a workshop, shaft or culvert? The environment you need to fireproof will in turn affect which system you should use. For dry environments, the system containing acrylic is usually used, and in damp environments you need to use silicone. But! Silicone can be used even in dry areas. However, you can’t do the opposite; if you use acrylic in damp areas, the seal may not hold. It is also not possible to combine the materials.

There are requirements on how long a seal should last. These requirements are determined at the design stage and specify how many minutes the space should be able to withstand smoke and heat in the event of a fire. Usually, you can find the requirements for the specific space in the drawings.

The material also affects how you should proceed. Should you fireproof through a roof or a wall? Is the wall light or solid? Is the wall made of plaster or stone? In order for the seal to meet the requirements and pass the inspection, you also need to think about what is going through the seal. Is it cable, ventilation, copper or perhaps steel?

Whatever the material that will ultimately go through the seal, you should always start your process by carefully looking at the space you are going to fireproof. By looking at the drawing, as well as at what the space actually looks like, you create the right conditions for your seal.