User:Caulk ninja/sandbox

Firestopping is a passive fire suppression building system (also called fire caulking) is comprised of a series of laboratory tested life safety building systems.

A wide variety of tested or listed systems are available Including Sealants, pads, puddles, mortars, intumescent filling bricks and pillows for re-enterable applications and intumescent strips and retaining collars for combustible through and membrane penetrations.

The intent is to separate different areas of a building by sealing any gaps holes or openings. Starving a fire of oxygen and potential fuels while limiting the propagation of toxic gasses to critical escape routes and areas where fuel is present. Called compartmentalization and is proven very effective at reducing fire and smoke damage to property and saving lives.

Firestopping is susceptible to failure by moisture, mechanical interference such as trade damage, pests and excessive deflection.

Passive components of a buildings life safety system are critical to a comprehensive life safety system. Active suppression systems (sprinklers) can fail due to breaking, freezing, clogging and other damages that compromise the intended effect of the system.

Active suppression systems cause major water damage to the structure otherwise untouched by fire and smoke.

Fireproofing is another passive system used to protect structural components (usually metal) from failure due to the effects of high temperatures. Moisture and expansion can reduce the effectiveness of fireproofing systems.