FIRESTOPPING vs. FIREPROOFING

Most people have heard of fireproofing, but what about firestopping, and what is the difference between the two?

Fireproofing commonly focuses on protecting the structural components of a building that could result in collapse due to a fire. Firestopping prevents fire spreading and the harmful byproducts of combustion (smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.) to building occupants. Both practices are considered passive fire protection.

Firestopping includes the sealing of penetrations in fire-rated assemblies.

The 2018 IBC references acceptable methods of fire-blocking and draft stopping in Section 718:Concealed Spaces. Limiting the movement of smoke and fire in the open spaces of a building with combustible structural materials can increase the time available for the evacuation of building occupants and firefighting efforts.

Fireproofing generally refers to various standards for fire-resistive ratings for specific structural building materials such as engineered wood, steel, and concrete. IBC 2018 Section 704 lists fire resistance ratings of structural members. Structural members that have reduced fire resistance ratings will have shorter exposure limits. Shorter exposure can impact the time available for safe interior firefighting operations.

Passive fire protection, combined with automatic fire detection and suppression systems, provides the greatest protection for a building and its occupants.