Firestopping Shaft Penetrations: Are You Getting It Right? Part 4
Welcome to a new week. Last week I threw a lot at you for a seemingly simple topic. I hope that now, you understand a little more about how easy it is to get these installations wrong and what to look for on your next field walk regarding firestopping shaft penetrations.
Today I want to tell you why shafts are so important. I work mostly in concrete and steel structures. The bigger the project the happier I am. The total dollar value of projects I have been on in the last 12 years has just broken $18 billion. Yes, that’s a B. This is a testament to how much I love BIG projects.
It doesn’t matter if you have a shaft that cuts through 2 floors or 30 floors, shafts are critical to the life safety of the building.
The floor is going to have a 2-hour rating. This means that in the event of a fire, we expect it to remain on the floor of origin for at least 2 hours, allowing occupants to escape and giving first responders more time to act safely.
All penetrations through this two-hour floor must be sealed, typically with a firestop assembly. One exception is when the floor’s rating extends up a shaft wall to connect with the floor above. In this case, if a fire starts inside the shaft, fire, smoke, toxic gases, and heat can spread to all floors the shaft passes through. In my mind, firestopping shaft penetrations is a critical factor to the level of life safety in a building. If these firestop applications are not done correctly the occupants of every floor the shaft passes through are at risk.
If firestop contractors are allowed to install firestop using methods that have not been tested, they are putting the building occupants and our first responders at risk.
Firestopping shaft penetrations using the 1000 series details are the simplest applications out there. In the last two blogs we have shown you that the proper installation for these simple applications entails a number of critical steps.
Now you understand why the IBC Chapter 17 on special inspections is in the codes. If your project involves a special inspector, show them any WL1000 series detail with a 3-1/2 shaft wall and ask if it’s suitable for a shaft application. For a similar insight, ask your firestop specialty contractor the same question. Additionally, if a plumber, mechanical contractor, or electrician is managing their own firestop work, keep in mind that their training is specific to their trade. Their trade does not include firestop. If your project requires special inspection, be sure to hire a qualified specialty contractor for several important reasons:
- You have one point of contact for all things firestop
- You probably have one firestop manufacturer on the job
- You are more likely to have someone with training and experience, both of which are invaluable.
If you want to take your project to a whole different level, consider hiring us to consult on your project. We will review your firestop submittals to ensure all necessary documentation is complete. If anything is missing, we’ll provide you with a list of what you need. We will hold a preconstruction meeting that will help hold all the players accountable. We will share a list of best practices. Additionally, we will help resolve conflicts before they arise. However, keep in mind that unexpected challenges can still occur. We are a single point of contact for all of your firestop problems.
If you have a project in the NY/NJ area and you wonder what it might be like to have us on your project, give me a call and I’d be happy to show you. From now until the end of June, I will offer a complimentary site walk. This opportunity will help you identify any weak points in your project and determine how our team can assist you. Additionally, for projects with skilled contractors needing extra help, we can make a difference for under $20,000. If your contractors resist but you want them to succeed, it might cost a bit more. However, we are here to provide the support you need.
If you are not in the NY/NJ area and you think you are missing out, call me anyhow. We can offer you a complimentary review of your firestop submittals. It is amazing what those little pieces of paper help me tell you about your project.