Intumescent sealant, on the other hand, does not expand when applied, and only swells up when a fire has broken out and it reaches a certain temperature. In this circumstance, the sealant will then expand and seal a hole to reinstate a wall or door’s fire containment properties. A common mistake is for fire rated foam to be used in situations where intumescent sealant is better suited. While fire rated foam expands on application, it sets hard and will not expand further and seal up a hole when a fire breaks out. Fire foams are usually tinted pink to distinguish them from other non-fire rated foams, but they’re all different and have varying functions and properties - make sure you’re using the right one. Some fire-resistant foams are specifically designed and tested to fill larger gaps. Closely follow the conditions of use stated in the certification if installing a fire-rated foam product

Expanding Foams are not an intumescent, it cannot close or crush a plastic pipe and should never be installed as such. Some Foams can only provide fire resistance (surface spread of flames) and cannot provide any means of fire integrity depending on manufacturer. PU foams are combustible and generally will only offer fire-stopping properties when used in narrow voids or gaps Try not to use them at all. Take care to cut and install fire protection so that it fits exactly. Use proper collars and seals if compartments need to be penetrated.It is the responsibility of the installer and individual responsible for the property to ensure that the product selected is suitable for its intended purpose.

This additive will then slowly migrate to the edges of the foam before forming lines on the surface. This type of foam typically has a volume resistivity in the range of 10 10 – 10 12 ohms.cms and often has a surface resistivity that is higher still. Fire rated foam is often misused due to poor understanding of its suitability. It is important to note that it should only be used to fill small linear gaps, gaps between a door frame and wall and small holes in fire walls.

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If you need advice on the fire rated foam or sealant you need for your project, get in touch with our expert team who will be happy to help you. Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a commonly used additive (although other similar chemicals are also used), which is introduced during the extrusion phase of the material manufacture. Polyurethane (PU) foam fillers - also known as ‘fire foam’ - are common in construction, but if you use them without properly understanding them they can end up costing you money, creating worse fire risks, and potentially ruin your hard-earned reputation.

It is recommended by ASFP, BMTRADA, FIRAS, IFE that any installations of pink foam are removed and replaced with a true fire rated alternative due to it being difficult to trace the product without chemical composition testing. Fire foams are usually tinted pink to distinguish them from other foam products but they're not all the same - read the instructions There is not a one standard does all for expanding fire foams, as they have been tested differently.Pink Foams especially should be avoided as there is no way after the installation to identify the manufacturer or product used. 10 things to remember about Pink Foam Depending on the product and conditions of the fire it can also produce toxic fumes causing permanent health damage.

Nullifire FF197 foam is also well known in the industry and can be used in fire door and concrete applications.As it is non-combustible, it won’t catch fire and therefore won’t contribute to the spread of fire through a building.