Is firestop as simple as 1-hour – 1 side, 2-hour – 2 sides?
No, unfortunately it is not that simple. Both sides of a wall must be firestopped with an equally rated system 1-hour for 1-hour, 2 for 2, etc. A floor installation can get tricky. 1 & 2 hour ratings usually require one side of the floor to be firestopped. 3 & 4 hour ratings can require both sides depending on the systems’ manufacturer. It is very important to note when firestopping a floor, metallic penetrations are usually done from the top of the floor and non-metallic penetrations are almost always done from the bottom of the floor. Floor/Ceiling assemblies (wood frame) require firestop systems at the top and bottom plates.
No, unfortunately it is not that simple. Both sides of a wall must be firestopped with an equally rated system 1-hour for 1-hour, 2 for 2, etc. A floor installation can get tricky. 1 & 2 hour ratings usually require one side of the floor to be firestopped. 3 & 4 hour ratings can require both sides depending on the systems’ manufacturer. It is very important to note when firestopping a floor, metallic penetrations are usually done from the top of the floor and non-metallic penetrations are almost always done from the bottom of the floor. Floor/Ceiling assemblies (wood frame) require firestop systems at the top and bottom plates. • Which is better 1-hour or 2-hour caulk? Firestopping is not about products or manufacturers, it is about tested and listed systems. Products by themselves carry no rating. It is the combination of specific application instructions and the use of specific products that establish the “firestop system” rating.
