Firestop penetrations and seals: sealing on construction projects
Every penetration of cables, pipes and ductwork through a fire wall or ceiling must have the same fire resistance as the construction itself. We inspect the site, propose a certified sealing system, seal and label the penetrations and hand over the documents for the final building approval, throughout Slovakia.
What a firestop penetration is and how it is sealed
A building is divided into fire compartments separated by fire walls and ceilings. Until installations pierce them, they keep fire and smoke in one compartment. However, every opening for a cable, pipe or ductwork is a place where fire can spread. That is why it is sealed with a system of proven fire resistance.
What penetrates
Typical solution
cables and cable bundles
fire-resistant sealant or foam, for larger openings a board with fire-retardant coating
metal pipes
fire-resistant sealant or pipe wrapping with fire-rated insulation
plastic pipes, e.g. sewage
a fire collar or wrap that swells in a fire and closes off the pipe
cable trays and large openings
a system of fire boards and coating that allows cables to be added later
joints and connections between constructions
fire-resistant sealant, foam or sealing strips
The specific system is selected according to the construction, the required resistance and what passes through it, always according to the manufacturer's classification and procedure.
What the decree requires
fire-separating constructions must meet the fire resistance over their entire area, including linear joints
penetrations of services, installations, technical and technological equipment must be sealed to prevent fire spreading into another fire compartment
a sealed penetration must have the fire resistance of the construction it passes through, up to EI 90
the seal of an opening with an area over 0.04 m² is marked with a label directly on or right next to the penetration
the label shows the word PRESTUP (penetration), the symbols and value of fire resistance, the name of the system, the month and year of installation and the installer
Under Section 40 of Decree of the Ministry of the Interior No. 94/2004 Coll. on technical requirements for fire safety in the construction and use of buildings.
How we proceed
Site inspection. We go through the building or the fire safety design and record the penetrations, constructions and required resistance.
Proposed solution and quote. For each type of penetration we propose a suitable certified system and prepare a quote promptly.
Professional installation. We seal penetrations and joints exactly according to the system manufacturer's technological procedure.
Labelling and documents. We label the penetrations and hand over certificates for the systems used for the final building approval or a fire authority inspection.
When to deal with penetrations
New building
Before the final building approval, when the services are finished and the walls are still accessible.
Renovation
New cabling or services often damage the original seals. They must be restored after the work.
Shortcoming found during an inspection
Unsealed penetrations are often found by the fire protection technician during a fire inspection or by the fire authority during an inspection.
Change of use
New fire compartments or a different use of the premises may require new sealing.
Frequently asked questions about firestop penetrations
What is a firestop penetration or seal?
Sealing the place where cables, pipes or ductwork pass through a fire wall or ceiling. In a fire, the seal prevents fire and smoke from passing through the opening into the neighbouring fire compartment.
When must a penetration be sealed?
Whenever a service, installation or technological equipment passes through a fire-separating construction. Linear joints, i.e. the gaps between building elements of a fire construction, must also be sealed (Section 40 of Decree No. 94/2004 Coll.).
What fire resistance must a sealed penetration have?
The same as the fire-separating construction it passes through, but no more than EI 90. If the wall has a resistance of EI 60, the penetration through it must also be EI 60.
Must a penetration be labelled?
Yes, if the opening has an area of more than 0.04 m², for example 20 × 20 cm. The label shows the word PRESTUP (penetration), the fire resistance, the name of the sealing system, the month and year of installation and the installer. It must be on at least one side of the construction, visible and difficult to remove (Section 40(4) and (5) of Decree No. 94/2004 Coll.).
Is it enough to fill the opening with expanding foam or plaster?
No. Ordinary expanding foam or plaster has no proven fire resistance. The penetration must be sealed with a system classified for the given construction and exactly according to the manufacturer's procedure; otherwise it will not pass the final building approval or a fire authority inspection.
How much does sealing firestop penetrations cost?
The price depends on the number and type of penetrations, the type of construction and the required resistance. After a site inspection or based on the design, we will prepare a quote promptly.
We handle firestop penetrations from inspection to documents
Inspection, system design, installation, labels and certificates throughout Slovakia. We will prepare a quote promptly.
V zložitej spleti vyhlášok, noriem, zákonov a kontrol preberáme starosti za našich klientov. Vy sa venujete tomu, čo je pre vás dôležité – vašej firme.
In a complex web of decrees, standards, laws and inspections, we take the worry off our clients' shoulders. You focus on what matters to you – your business.