Fire and/or Smoke Barrier

This guys banner photo makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up?  (of course I’m not talking about Cody and his pride and joy- thank you Cody for letting me use your banner photo) 

Here is why it bothers me.  

When I look at that if I know it is a fire barrier, I know it will have one list of criteria it needs to meet.  

If I know it will be a smoke barrier there is a longer list of criteria.  

This gets overlooked all too often and I’m hoping this post will get folks to stop using signs like this.  

Here is a short explanation and very incomplete explanation: 

Fire Barrier Requirements: 

• Fire rated joints that connect the walls and floors to one another must utilize assemblies that meet the requirement of ASTM E1966 or UL 2079.  
• Penetrations in these assemblies must meet the requirements of ASTM E814 or UL1479 

Smoke Barriers need to meet those same requirements AND… and in addition to being a minimum of a one hour rated assembly and having fire rated joints and penetrations of a fire barrier the joints and penetrations also have to meet an ADDITIONAL requirement that is often overlooked. They have to meet the L rating requirements of the code.  

If you have a project that has smoke barriers, please understand this requirement and take action to get it right. If you need help, reach out to me or your favorite firestop manufacturer. Look at your firestop submittals and be sure your team can get this right.  

If you are labeling these assemblies pick one.  

• Is it a fire partition?   
• Is it a fire barrier?   
• Is in a smoke barrier?  
• Is it a smoke partition?   
• Is it a fire wall?   

Know the difference and label it accordingly.  Then, send me a photo or post it here and tag me so I can brag about you!!!