How to Choose Between Firestopping and Fireproofing for Your Renovation Project
Upon renovating your property, you will realize how many decisions there are to be made in regard to finishes, aesthetics, and functionality. When renovating your property, do not forget about fireproofing efforts. Investing in cementitious fireproofing in Toronto may seem very complementary. However, you can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your building. The main options available to property owners are fireproofing and fire-stopping. Both of these techniques have different processes but are aimed to achieve the same goal. We will explore the differences between the two so that property owners can make a more informed decision about which option is best for their renovations. If you are looking to invest in fireproofing, contact EcoStar Insulation today! Our expert team offers expert commercial fireproofing to ensure your property is protected well into the future.
What is Firestopping?
Fire stopping refers to efforts taken in order to reduce the spread of fire throughout the inside of your property. If you have a large building with numerous rooms, a fire can start in any area and spread to other areas. With firestopping each room/major area is cared for in order to slow and prevent the spread of fire from one room to another. This is meant to give occupants more time to evacuate the building.
Firestopping works by sealing exposed building elements such as pipes, wiring, and joints, especially those right behind the surface of walls, floors, and ceilings. This is meant to prevent fire from spreading to different areas of the building.
What is Fireproofing?
Fireproofing differs from fire-stopping in regards to its application process and purpose. Fireproofing efforts refer to measures taken in order to prevent the structure of a building from collapsing or being compromised in the case of a fire. If there is a fire, structural elements like metal beams and supports can begin to melt, which can compromise the structural integrity of your building.
Fireproofing works by sealing all of the structural elements of your building to prevent it from collapsing. This will allow occupants ample time to safely escape the building before it falls down.
The Benefit of Both Options
While both fire-stopping and fireproofing offer benefits in regards to increasing the safety of a building in the chance of a fire, each has unique benefits and applications.
Firestopping
- Since the goal of fire stopping is to prevent the spreading of fire, it is usually more effective in protecting personal property
- .Firestopping helps isolate a fire to remain in a singular area, which helps reduce significant interior damage
- The release of harmful and toxic fumes is effectively limited with fire stopping due to the small containment area
Fireproofing
- Structural elements like concrete and steel beams are protected with fireproofing services, better protecting your building from collapsing
- Reduces the risk of severe structural damage to your building, which can be extremely expensive to repair.
- Fireproofing has extremely high fire resistance and allows building occupants ample time to escape prior to the building collapse
Which Option Should You Select?
Both fire-stopping and fireproofing are excellent choices. However, one may be better for specific applications than the other.
Firestopping
- Shared Components: Sealing areas where pipes, electrical cables, or vents pass through shared walls, floors, or ceilings.
- Valuables: If your building contains a lot of sensitive papers or valuables, fire stopping may be a better choice to prevent fire spread.
Fireproofing
- Steel Structures: Coating steel beams, columns, and frameworks to prevent loss of strength during high temperatures.
- High-Risk Buildings: Providing additional protection in hospitals, airports, data centers, and high-rise buildings where evacuation might take longer.
- High-Rise Building: These structures have a high density of occupants who will require a large amount of time to flee the building prior to collapse.
Oftentimes, a combination of both methods is helpful in order to reduce the risk of fire spread and building collapse. This offers a holistic approach to passive fire protection.
Improve Fire Protection with EcoStar
Overall, when renovating a building, it is important to consider what fireproofing options are available to you. Fire can not only compromise your valuables but can also compromise the structure of your building and the safety of the occupants. Both fire-stopping and fireproofing are excellent options to reduce the impact of fire on your building. One is better for reducing the spread of fir,e while the other is better for preventing building collapse. Based on the information above, you can make an informed decision as to which option is best for your renovations, although a combination of both will provide the most protection. Contact EcoStar Insulation today for commercial fireproofing services!
