• screen-shot-2023-05-11-at-3-35-26-pm
    What is the UL Technical Evaluation Developer Program (ULTEDP)?

    Posted on May 11, 2023

    What is the UL Technical Evaluation Developer Program (UL TEDP) and what are the benefits that it will bring to the industry? The UL TEDP program provides a management system for developing Engineering Judgements (EJs), also known as Technical Evaluations (TEs), issued by firestop manufacturers. The program is administered by UL for the purpose of…

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    Kettering Medical Center Implements Barrier Management Program to Ensure Fire Barrier Integrity

    Posted on Apr 17, 2023

    When Kettering Medical Center needed to ensure compliance with Life Safety Standards, NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes, and NFPA 80, they relied on STI Firestop to help.  In addition to exclusively using STI products, some individuals at the facility needed education about barrier remediation. Read the entire case study below to learn more about how STI Firestop…

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  • screen-shot-2023-03-22-at-8-43-10-am
    The Burn Newsletter – Winter 2023 Wrap Up

    Posted on Mar 22, 2023

    • FIT Level 2 Training
    • Spotlight on UL Systems
    • Kettering Medical Center
    • Product Field Shots
    • Upcoming Events
    • Meet the Team
    View Newsletter Here
  • lw0cxrt8matgxhcec-zuvhhn
    Michael Crowley – Coffman Engineers

    Posted on Feb 15, 2023

     Key Takeaways Mike’s Background Over 40 years of Fire Protection Consulting Experience Studied Fire Protection and Safety Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology Labs were at Underwriters Laboratories Received an MBA from University of Houston Working at Rolf Jensen and Associates and then Jensen Hughes Over 30 years Involved in the code writing process…

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  • figure-3
    Why Failed Firestop Performance Tests Can Be A Good Thing

    Posted on Jan 17, 2023

    After 25 years of testing firestop systems, I can safely say that I have learned more about product performance from failed tests than from the tests I passed.   Observing a failure during a fire test is truly the best way to figure out the limitations of a given system. Witnessing a test watching how…

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    InGRIDable Ingenuity: A Story of the EZ Path® Modular Grid System

    Posted on Jan 06, 2023

    We celebrate 20 years of innovation in fire-rated cable pathways with our EZ Path® Fire-Rated Pathway. When we speak of “fire-rated pathways,” it is a term we coined. As telecommunications professionals will tell you, the pathway is defined as the system that carries the cabling from the telecommunications rooms (TRs) throughout the building. We envisioned…

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  • what-color-is-your-firestop-pic-1
    What Color is Your Firestop?

    Posted on Dec 29, 2022

    It is safe to say that many within the firestopping industry have at least a bit of a preconceived notion that the default color for firestop is some shade of red. This is since most firestop manufacturers typically market their primary firestop sealant with a red pigment. This color scheme is especially true for intumescent…

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    Rich Walke – Creative Technology Inc.

    Posted on Dec 21, 2022

     Key Takeaways Rich’s Background Valparaiso University Grad, ,multi-Fraternity member Always wanted to go into engineering Passion started in Junior High School when he modified a bike Originally wanted to be in mechanical engineering, pivoted to civil engineering. Working at UL Had a friend who introduced him to the company. Lab work/office work combo was…

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  • screen-shot-2022-12-20-at-10-39-39-am
    The Burn Newsletter – Fall 2022 Wrap Up

    Posted on Dec 20, 2022

    • Access STI
    • Training that is FIT 2 be Synchronous
    • Spotlight on UL Systems
    • The STI September 2022 Sales Meeting
    • Product Field Shots
    View Newsletter Here
  • ian-ellias
    IAN ELLIAS JOINS SPECIFIED TECHNOLOGIES AS VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

    Posted on Nov 28, 2022

    SOMERVILLE, NJ – Ian Ellias joins Specified Technologies Inc., as Vice President of Finance, working from the company’s headquarters in Somerville, New Jersey. He will lead the Finance Team and will join the company’s Executive Team.  Prior to joining Specified Technologies, he worked at Tristrux, a Telecommunications and Electrical Construction company where he served as…

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  • screen-shot-2022-11-18-at-11-23-07-am
    SPECIFIED TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES KATE EMERY AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

    Posted on Nov 18, 2022

    SOMERVILLE, NJ – Kate Emery joins Specified Technologies Inc., as Vice President of Marketing, working from the company’s headquarters in Somerville, New Jersey. She will lead the Marketing department and will join the company’s Executive Team.  Prior to joining Specified Technologies, she worked at GAF, a leading manufacturer in the roofing and waterproofing space, holding…

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  • screen-shot-2022-09-23-at-4-10-29-pm
    The Burn Newsletter – Summer 2022 Wrap Up

    Posted on Sep 23, 2022

    • What Color is Your Firestop
    • Webinar Wednesdays are BACK
    • A Story on the EZ Path® Modular Grid System
    • Intertek Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Systems
    • Images from the Field
    • Spotlight on UL Systems
    View Newsletter Here
  • lw0cxrt8matgxhcec-zuvhhn
    Chris Brown – Jensen Hughes

    Posted on Aug 17, 2022

    Key Takeaways  Chris’s Background Cornell University Board member of the Bucks County Children’s Museum BucksKids.Org Started in Software and Information Technology Career evolved through sales, product management and marketing. Exposed to Fire Protection Industry at Tyco. Wanted to be an architect, was fascinated by the built environment. Chief Commercial Officer Focus is on the growth…

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  • screen-shot-2020-05-29-at-8-42-27-am
    New Firestop Systems – August 2022

    Posted on Aug 16, 2022

    New Cross Laminated Timber Penetration Listings for 1 and 2-hour ratings. STI/PF 60-01 STI/PF 120-01 Max 4 in PVC, closed or vented Largest plastic pipe penetration system offered currently STI/PF 60-02 STI/PF 120-02 AC Lineset Penetration Max 1 in copper tube, steel, cast iron, ductile iron pipe insulated with ¾ in. AB/PVC Two control wires Max…

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  • the-burn-spring-2022-7-13-1
    The Burn Newsletter – Spring 2022 Wrap Up

    Posted on Jul 14, 2022

    • Through-Penetration Systems for Fluted Deck Floors Solved
    • Train Your Trainers for Business Sustainability
    • Spotlight on UL Systems
    • Firestopping in Mass Timber Construction-Part 2
    • Firestop for Dissimilar Pipe Materials
    • Remembering Jon Matthews
    View Newsletter Here
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    Luke Connery – Conquest Firespray

    Posted on Jul 13, 2022

    Key Takeaways  Luke’s Background  Attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute   Time on the football team helped develop skills needed in the professional world.   Studied mechanical engineering  System design engineer at Kidde-Fenwal, assessing explosion risk  Went to Tyco and worked on the suppression side of the business  Introduced to the lab and fire testing  Patents   Developed and patented…

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    Tom Hardiman – Modular Construction

    Posted on Mar 30, 2022

    Key Takeaways Tom ’s Background MBA from Marshall University Had a passion for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Director of the Associated Builders & Contractors Modular Construction Modular Construction is a process of constructing a building or home in an off-site factory in modules, transporting to the site and then assemble. Shortened schedule with offsite…

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  • the-burn-cover-for-wp
    The Burn Newsletter – Winter 2022 Wrap Up

    Posted on Mar 18, 2022

    • Why Failed Firestop Performance Tests Can Be A Good Thing
    • Barrier Management Program
    • Manufacturers Rep of the Year Announcements
    • Understanding Joint Cycling Requirements
    • Spotlight on UL Systems
    • A Test Report by Any Other Name is Still a Test Report — or is it?
    View Newsletter Here
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    Specified Technologies, Eric LaCroix

    Posted on Mar 14, 2022

    Key Takeaways Eric’s Background Born in Massachusetts, grew up in the Carolina’s, went to college at Umass Dartmouth and then moved back south to work for STI in the Carolinas. Studied History at Umass Dartmouth, interested in going into Education Worked at a construction supply company while in College. Background is in plumbing, but crossed…

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    The Life Safety Guy, Ruben Garcia

    Posted on Jan 26, 2022

     Key Takeaways Ruben’s Background Born and raised in Houston, Texas. Gained “Street Smarts” during his upbringing. Stumbled into Life Safety after getting a job with Johnson Control in the Fire Alarm industry. Learned code and developed his own Fire Alarm business. Came in as a maintenance technician at Texas Children’s Hospital. Developed a passion…

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    Halpert Life Safety Consulting, Sharron Halpert

    Posted on Jan 20, 2022

     Today’s guest is Sharron Halpert, owner of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron has been involved in multiple aspects of the Passive Fire Protection industry for over 15 years. She is truly a pioneer in a traditionally male dominated industry. Key Takeaways Sharron’s Background A rich history of volunteer work. Santa’s Helper at Ranfurley Home…

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  • sti-corporate-logo-2188-2-2
    Mold & Mildew Resistance and Firestop Systems

    Posted on Jan 14, 2022

    Standard formulating procedures for sealants, coatings, and other building materials consider mold resistance. Mildewcides and fungicides protect against mold and fungal growth in both wet and dry stages. Testing is conducted to various ASTM standards to evaluate mold resistance. Testing for Mold Resistance: Polymeric materials such as sealants, coatings, or plastics are tested according to…

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  • system-search-i-pad-20202x
    Find “Special Conditions” with STI’s System Search

    Posted on Jan 10, 2022

    For many of those in the firestopping industry for many years, selecting the most appropriate firestop system for a particular application is almost second nature. These seasoned veterans can probably quote the top fifteen or twenty systems for specific applications from memory. Their knowledge is developed through repeated exposure to typical applications and experience using various firestop…

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  • summer-2021-cover
    The Burn Newsletter – Fall 2021 Wrap Up

    Posted on Dec 21, 2021

    • The Right Way to Spray
    • STI 2021 Training Wrap Up
    • Firestop Locator
    View Newsletter Here
  • lw0cxrt8matgxhcec-zuvhhn
    Aaron Johnson

    Posted on Dec 15, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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  • mep2021
    Expanding STI’s MEP Firestop Solutions

    Posted on Dec 07, 2021

    There are two types of mechanical, electrical or plumbing (MEP) pipe penetrations when it comes to Firestopping, you have the ideal caulk only metallic pipe with smaller annular space and all the physical access that you need. We call this the ideal because in the real world it just doesn’t happen all that often. The other, and unfortunately far more common, type…

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    The Mackey Group, John Mackey

    Posted on Nov 17, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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    STI’s Environmental Mission – UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification

    Posted on Nov 11, 2021

    Indoor air environments have obviously been heavily scrutinized in recent times for reasons associated with the global health pandemic situation since the spring of 2020. Temporarily overlooked during this period has been the degree of everyday chemical exposure which occurs in homes, schools, offices, and other venues. These airborne chemicals, commonly referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are utilized to manufacture and maintain numerous building products, interior finishing…

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    Banner Health, Joshua Brackett

    Posted on Oct 13, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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  • 3-building
    BAPTIST HEALTH ESTABLISHES AND ENFORCES CONTRACTOR ABOVE CEILING POLICY FOR FIRESTOPPING

    Posted on Oct 11, 2021

    BACKGROUND  Contractors performing above ceiling projects did a great job with the plumbing and/or electrical work, but they weren’t always firestopping when the jobs were completed. Baptist Health established an Above Ceiling Access and Barrier Management Policy and Procedure that standardized firestopping requirements – a no-nonsense program designed to ensure compliance and occupant safety.  Case…

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  • summer-2021-cover
    The Burn Newsletter – Summer 2021 Wrap Up

    Posted on Sep 22, 2021

    • UL Announces Minor Change to Firestop Listing Numbering System
    • Building a Firestop Submittal Package
    • The Advantages of Firestop Labels
    • STI Launches New Series: Webinar Wednesdays
    • A Preconstruction Risk Assessment Program for Firestopping
    View Newsletter Here
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    UL, Mark St. Onge

    Posted on Sep 22, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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  • m-rating1
    What the M-Rating means for EZ-Path

    Posted on Sep 01, 2021

    The question of penetration movement and its impact on installed firestop products has been a longstanding and re-occurring question in the firestop industry. We have had the protocols in place to evaluate movement in joint firestop listings for many years but continued to lack similar means and methods for through-penetrations. This left designers in a strange position, they could account for movement between a wall and floor, but not between that same wall…

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  • leed2
    LEED Credit Calculator

    Posted on Aug 12, 2021

    “LEED certification provides independent verification of a building or neighborhood’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings.” U.S. Green Building Council At Specified Technologies Inc, we understand the importance of the Green initiative and how it will be shaping our future, which is why we developed an online tool called the LEED Credit Calculator. This…

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  • screen-shot-2021-08-04-at-2-37-00-pm
    Autobonding Firestop Materials Facilitate Quick Repairs

    Posted on Aug 04, 2021

    Sometimes the need to repair a firestop is unavoidable. Inadvertent jobsite mishaps are perhaps the most common culprit that most people would think of as a potential source of damage to installed firestops. However, there is often a need to conduct destructive sampling tests of firestop materials to ensure compliance with the appropriate tested system. The thickness of the firestop material in this…

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    Koffel Associates, Bill Koffel

    Posted on Jul 23, 2021

     The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that…

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    Sleeve Requirements for Firestop Systems

    Posted on Jul 14, 2021

    The topic on the use or requirement of sleeves for through penetration firestop systems is a common inquiry to Engineering Services at STI. In most cases the contractor is being told they must install sleeves for all penetrations and want to know where in the building code this is stated. The fact is the use of sleeves is typically project and…

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  • screen-shot-2021-06-16-at-12-55-29-pm
    The Burn Newsletter – Spring 2021 Wrap Up

    Posted on Jun 16, 2021

    • Firestop Systems for Insulated Pipes
    • Access STI
    • Best Practices When Requesting an EJ
    • Baptist Health System San Antonio Case Study
    View Newsletter Here
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    A Comparison of Cable Protection Test Standards

    Posted on Jun 16, 2021

    You may have heard the phrase “There is more than one way to crack an egg”. It is true that essentially any blunt force applied to the brittle shell, no matter where or how, will result in a cracked egg. What if you want to crack the egg in such a way to be able to use the shell to separate…

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    Unifrax, Mike Kerrison

    Posted on Jun 16, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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    Global Fire Protection Group, Patrick Tesché

    Posted on Jun 02, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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    Managing Compliance in the Cable Pathway

    Posted on May 20, 2021

    Maintaining Fire and Smoke Seals within the structured cabling pathway is an ongoing challenge, juggling the demands of the facility vs the limits of firestop products installed at each wall and floor assembly. Purpose-built firerated and smoke and acoustical pathways such as EZ-Path® eliminated this challenge by making the seal at each barrier maintenance free. However, there exists a significant amount of…

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    FCIA, Bill McHugh

    Posted on May 19, 2021

     Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of…

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  • fit_1
    New Digital Badges Help Individuals Verify and Share Educational Achievements

    Posted on May 06, 2021

    Specified Technologies Inc (STI) Now Offers Credly Digital Badges for Completion of Continuing Education Courses SOMERVILLE, NJ (May 6, 2021) – Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI), a pioneer in the firestop industry, is proud to announce the deployment of their digital badges for completion of their online and distance learning educational courses. STI has partnered with…

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    Underwriters Laboratories, Sean DeCrane

    Posted on Apr 20, 2021

     Welcome back to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I’m your host. John’s Zalepka. Our show, if you’re not aware is focused on life safety, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an…

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    Lubrizol, Lainey Liotta

    Posted on Apr 14, 2021

     Welcome back to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I’m still your host John Zalepka. If you don’t know, this show is dedicated to life safety. So I’m on a mission to find the most interesting people in the space to get their unique perspectives. Now you can usually find me training people so that they…

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  • zero-spandrel-system
    STI’s “Zero” Spandrel System

    Posted on Apr 09, 2021

    All vision glass curtain walls are becoming more popular as architects are designing these walls to provide a modern and open concept for buildings. These buildings are aesthetically pleasing and result in unique and upscale designs. The difficulty firestopping all vision glass walls is there rarely is an area to properly install the firestop system and prevent it from being visible…

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    Inspect Point, Drew Slocum

    Posted on Apr 07, 2021

    Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I’m your host, John Zalepka. Since this show is focused on life safety, I’m on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspectives. As the training and development manager at STI, it’s part of my job to help people understand how…

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    Marine Firestop, Ruben Wansink

    Posted on Mar 29, 2021

    The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. This is a podcast where I will be interviewing interesting people involved in construction to get their unique perspectives. I’m going to be using my experience as the training and development manager, to help our audience walk away with an…

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  • winter-2021-1
    The Burn Newsletter – Winter 2021 Wrap Up

    Posted on Mar 15, 2021

    • Expanding STI’s MEP Firestop Solutions
      STI’s New Video Page
    • Find “Special Conditions” with STI’s System Search
    • IBC Slab Edge Perimeter Fire Containment Requirements: A-Voiding a Misunderstanding
    • Manufacturers Rep of the Year Announcements
    View Newsletter Here
  • lw0cxrt8matgxhcec-zuvhhn
    Welcome to The Burn

    Posted on Mar 11, 2021

    The Burn takes a dive into the life safety and code requirements for compliance in modern construction. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to design, build or erect a super tall, or how manufacturers test their products to meet codes and standards… then you’ve come to the right place. We are going to be…

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    Joint Systems for Fluted Deck Floors

    Posted on Mar 03, 2021

    Fire-rated construction joints between rated floors and rated walls (Floor-to-Wall) and joints between two rated floors (Floor-to-Floor) are common applications on commercial construction projects. At STI we have numerous product options that can address various joint widths and hourly ratings for these applications. When searching Floor-to-Floor and Floor-to-Wall joints on The System Search & Submittal Builder on the website you will see the choices shown in Figure 1. You may notice that concrete over…

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  • code-reference-is-a-snap
    Finding the Appropriate Code Reference is a Snap

    Posted on Feb 18, 2021

    The requirements for firestopping are driven by the model building codes. The specific language within the relevant codes informs building owners, design professionals, inspectors, and contractors what steps must be taken to make a building safe for occupants in terms of fire safety. However, there are several important codes and they are hundreds if not thousands of pages long. Is there an easy way…

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  • locator-image
    Firestop Locator: Map Based Locations & Asset Tagging

    Posted on Feb 03, 2021

    Location, location, location! Great success can come from having a good understanding of location. All aspects of construction rely on information based on location to accomplish a project. In facilities such as hospitals and other healthcare settings, location can mean life or death. Specifically on construction sites, location is found on floor plans (or 3D models) where every trade needs to use as…

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  • curtain-on-hose-stream-testing
    STI Pulls Back the Curtain on Hose Stream Testing

    Posted on Jan 20, 2021

    One of the more esoteric aspects of fire testing must be the hose stream requirements. Anyone who has witnessed the hose stream component of a fire test has an appreciation of how very dramatic the assault of pressurized water can be on a test specimen. The hose stream is usually the most difficult step in validating the performance of a firestop. Unfortunately,…

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    IBC Slab Edge Perimeter Fire Containment Requirements: A-Voiding a Misunderstanding

    Posted on Dec 17, 2020

    The 2021 International Building Code® was recently published.  Section 715 on “Joints and Voids” was refined to make it easier to understand the requirements.  Section 715.4 addresses the exterior wall/slab edge intersection. While the specific requirements are consistent with what appeared in previous versions of the IBC, the section was improved with more concise language…

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  • fall-2020-wrap-up-cover
    The Burn Newsletter – Fall 2020

    Posted on Dec 14, 2020

    • What the M-Rating means for EZ-Path
    • LEED Credit Calculator
    • STI Announces Upcoming AIA-Accredited Webinars
    • Autobonding Firestop Materials Facilitate Quick Repairs
    • Sleeve Requirements for Firestop Systems
    • A Comparison of Cable Protection Test Standards
    • Looking For the “Shining Star” Amongst All the Craziness These Days?
    View Newsletter Here
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    Safe Service Passage into Patient Spaces

    Posted on Dec 03, 2020

    As we look ahead to a return to normalcy post-COVID, Healthcare facilities are taking the lessons learned from handling this pandemic and planning for the future. We’ve discussed previously the trend of hospitals relocating services once contained in the patient room into the neighboring corridor to conserve Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (original post). Originally conceived as…

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  • spring_2020-virtual-2
    STI’s Continuing Education Pivots Virtual During Quarantine

    Posted on Nov 23, 2020

    The Coronavirus pandemic may eventually cost the trade show and event industry billions, if not trillions of dollars in lost revenue. However, the effect on supporting activities such as continuing education might be even greater. Many industry trade associations require a certain number of continuing education units (CEU) to be earned over a specific period…

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  • winter-2020-story-of-the-closet-flange-gasket
    Story of the Closet Flange Gasket

    Posted on Oct 09, 2020

    Customer-driven design has long been a hallmark of our approach at STI. I was explaining this to members of our team recently when I recounted the story of the “Closet Flange Firestop Gasket” and how it came to be. Back in 2006, we visited a jobsite in New Brunswick, NJ, a short distance from our corporate headquarters. The plumber on…

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  • screen-shot-2020-03-16-at-1-11-06-pm
    STI Launches Newly Designed Website

    Posted on Sep 24, 2020

    We are excited to announce the launch of our newly designed website, www.stifirestop.com. After months of hard work from Marketing, Engineering, Product Management, and Software Development departments, we were thrilled to have launched the new website on January 8, 2020. We strived to make the new website easier to navigate, faster, and more user-friendly. As a leader in the Firestop industry, it is important for…

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  • cover-5
    The Burn Newsletter – Summer 2020 Wrap Up

    Posted on Sep 21, 2020

    • STI’s “Zero” Spandrel System
    • Managing Compliance in the Cable Pathway
    • Firestop Instructional Training – Level 2 Goes Virtual
    • STI International Websites
    View Newsletter Here
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    STI Introduces Industry’s First Firestop System for Window Wall Construction

    Posted on Sep 09, 2020

    Window wall systems have increased in popularity for highrise construction. They are more economical than conventional curtain wall, while emulating the aesthetic look of such systems. A window wall system sits atop the floor slab. There is not a traditional joint like that which exists with traditional curtain wall. However, there is a gap between…

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  • wrap1
    Intumescent Firestops Grow Finer with Age

    Posted on Aug 28, 2020

    Intumescent firestop products, which are those materials that when heated will swell and expand in volume, are typically the best overall performers for most applications. Plastic piping firestop systems almost universally require some form of intumescent material since the combustible pipe will soften and eventually be consumed by the fire. However, a solution exists in the form of an intumescent wrap strip, collar…

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    E-Wrap Fuel Oil Systems

    Posted on Jul 31, 2020

    STI E-Wrap Endothermic Wrap was originally designed for protection of electrical circuits in order to maintain circuit integrity for crucial power and communications systems during the event of a fire. However, the application potential of E-Wrap is much farther reaching and STI continues to blaze a trail, exploring applications where E-Wrap can be used to protect essential service systems and penetrations. For example,…

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  • annular-space-diagram-1
    Defining Annular Space in a UL System

    Posted on Jul 16, 2020

    When comparing a field condition to a UL Tested system there are many factors that must be evaluated to ensure that the proper solution is selected. One of those factors is the minimum and maximum annular space that the UL System allows for. The topic of annular space is not something new, especially to those that have been in the business for…

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  • screen-shot-2020-06-24-at-8-23-11-am
    BUILDING A COMPANY WITH A SOUL

    Posted on Jun 24, 2020

    Entrepreneurship is part of the American Dream.  But even in a stable economy, most start-ups don’t  survive. In these lucid times, established companies too are experimenting to find greater resilience and flexibility.  The co-founder and CEO of Specified Technologies, Inc., Charbel Tagher, shares some of what he has learned over 30 years nurturing a start-up in the construction industry to its thriving maturity today….

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    The Burn Newsletter – Spring 2020 Wrap Up

    Posted on Jun 18, 2020

    • STI’s Continuing Education Pivots Virtual During Quarantine
    • STI Pulls Back the Curtain on Hose Stream Testing
    • Firestop Locator: Map Based Locations & Asset Tagging
    • Finding the Appropriate Code Reference is a Snap
    • Joint Systems for Fluted Deck Floors
    View Newsletter Here
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    Firestop Solutions for Archaic Construction

    Posted on Jun 17, 2020

     A growing trend across the nation is the revitalization of old office buildings, train stations and retail spaces to create residential lofts and hotels. Many of these structures are decades old and in most cases were constructed of materials that have not been tested like modern walls and floors to ASTM E-119. STI’s Engineering Services…

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    Firestop Marking and Identification

    Posted on Jun 03, 2020

     We all rely on signs to help us navigate in unfamiliar surroundings. Anyone disembarking from an airplane outside of their home base needs the guidance of signage to find the baggage claim and ground transportation. Imagine trying to take a hike in the woods without a properly blazed trail. The well-known song might opine that…

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    Firestop Clash Management: Now includes Construction Joints

    Posted on May 19, 2020

     Firestop Clash Management, a plugin for Autodesk Revit®, now includes the ability to identify and assign firestop systems for construction joints. Whether the construction joint is needed for applications such as floor to floor, floor to wall, wall to wall, head of wall, or bottom of wall, FCM has it covered. For those already familiar…

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    Firestop Locator: Collaboration

    Posted on May 07, 2020

     Any type of building, no matter the industry, achieves the most success when collaboration is maximized. This is especially true when it comes to the construction industry. Collaboration is found everywhere on the jobsite, within each trade and also with different trades. Harnessing the power of collaboration increases productivity and energizes team members to bring…

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    Sealing Temporary Penetrations with EZ-Path®

    Posted on Apr 28, 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare facilities to become even more resourceful. Facilities are relocating equipment traditionally contained within the patient room such as IVs, Infusion Pumps, and patient monitoring equipment, into the corridor in an attempt to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and reduce the frequency of contact between nurses and infected patients. We…

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    What’s the most versatile firestopping product?

    Posted on Apr 22, 2020

    When it comes to versatility and firestopping, many thoughts come to mind. The ubiquitous red caulk that we see liberally applied on construction projects is obviously very versatile. Versatility in the sense of firestopping is defined as being able to adapt or be adapted to a variety of applications. While firestop caulk is used in…

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    Comparison of Wet & Dry Thicknesses for STI Coatings

    Posted on Apr 20, 2020

     Third-party tested and listed designs (e.g. UL Systems) specify wet and dry film thicknesses for applied coatings. Where dry film thickness is specified, it should supersede. Always follow the parameters of the tested and listed design for coating thickness specifications.  Dry film thickness (DFT) is directly proportional to percentage of volume solids in the coating. …

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    STI Firestop Expands Architectural Design BIM Resources with BIMsmith Partnership

    Posted on Apr 13, 2020

    Specified Technologies Inc., an industry leader in developing innovative firestopping systems that help stop the spread of fire, smoke, and hot gases for over 30 years, has partnered with BIMsmith, the leading product research platform for building professionals, to expand its robust offering of Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools to the architecture and engineering community….

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    Sleeves in Concrete Floors

    Posted on Apr 06, 2020

    Sleeves are commonly used in concrete floors. Sometimes the sleeve is a form to create an opening for a penetrating item. Other times, the sleeve may project beyond the top surface of the floor to help deflect or prevent entry of water. Sleeves can be metal or plastic. Sleeves can impact how firestopping systems are…

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    COVID-19 Update for March 23, 2020 & NJ Executive Order 107

    Posted on Mar 23, 2020

    To Our Valued Customers and Partners: We continue to keep you informed of our status. Over the weekend, New Jersey issued Executive Order 107, which resulted in the temporary closure of many non-essential businesses and requirement for residents to stay home. STI’s headquarters is based in NJ. STI can remain open under the guidelines. To do our part,…

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    The Burn Newsletter – Winter 2020 Wrap Up

    Posted on Mar 17, 2020

    • Story of the Closet Flange Gasket
    • STI Introduces Industry’s First Firestop System for Window Wall Construction
    • Intumescent Firestops Grow Finer with Age
    • STI Launches Newly Designed Website
    • Healthcare Life Safety Podcast
    • Defining Annular Space in a UL System
    View Newsletter Here
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    Defining the Movement Capabilities of Firestops

    Posted on Mar 04, 2020

    Occasionally STI’s Engineering Services will be asked to comment on what degree of movement is acceptable for a through-penetration firestop. It is easy for contractors and architects to determine the allowable movement capabilities of a joint system since the test standards, which are either ASTM E1966 or UL 2079, used to investigate the performance of…

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    A Quick Trip to Compliance with Our New Quick Clip® System

    Posted on Feb 20, 2020

    Recently, we launched our Quick Clip® Perimeter Fire Containment System. This patented system is comprised of U-shaped steel brackets for support of curtain wall insulation that are secured to the vertical curtain wall mullions without the need to drive screws into the mullions. Self-locking fasteners are used to secure the insulation panels in place. The…

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    STI BIM Resources

    Posted on Feb 05, 2020

    In today’s world, technology is the forefront to everything we do. The same holds true with construction and how things are being designed. One of the most talked about topics in the construction industry is the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling). With BIM, most people think of 3D modeling and the power of visualizing…

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    Membrane Penetrations for Boxes Other than Electrical Boxes

    Posted on Jan 23, 2020

    A question that arises with reasonable frequency for STI’s Engineering Services group is what procedures to follow when a large steel panel is installed as a membrane penetration within a gypsum wallboard assembly. Since it is a membrane penetration, which by definition only breaches a single side of the rated wall assembly, this condition will…

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    Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) and Firestopping

    Posted on Jan 09, 2020

    Sustainable building practices have reached a fever pitch. Programs such as LEED and Living Building Challenge are helping us to make our buildings greener. Our focus as a society has changed significantly in the last 20 years, and we are witnessing the advent of a new type of construction material – wood. Well, wood is…

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    New Firestop Systems – January 2020

    Posted on Jan 07, 2020

    New Fuel Pipe Protection with E-Wrap, Systems FP-3 and FP-4 – Two new systems are available for the protection of fuel oil pipe using E-Wrap Endothermic Wrap. FP-3 is for a single pipe and FP-4 covers double containment piping applications. The testing to promulgate FP-3 and FP-4 was conducted in accordance with UL 1489 “Standard for…

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    The Burn Newsletter – Fall 2019 Wrap Up

    Posted on Dec 17, 2019

    • Firestop Solutions for Archaic Construction
    • Firestop Marking and Identification
    • What’s the most versatile firestopping product?
    • Healthcare Life Safety Symposiums
    View Newsletter Here
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    Standard Update: ASTM Publishes E3157, “Standard Guide for Understanding and Using Information Related to Installation of Firestop Systems”

    Posted on Dec 05, 2019

    A landmark publication came out in June 2019, when ASTM published ASTM E3157, “Standard Guide for Understanding and Using Information Related to Installation of Firestop Systems”. This new Standard Guide is chock full of good information that will help construction project stakeholders avoid many common firestopping errors. The stated purpose of the industry task group…

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    Wood Frame Technology Considerations

    Posted on Nov 21, 2019

    What are the typical applications in wood frame construction? In multi-family construction, there are two considerations. Penetrations that occur through fire-rated floor/ceilings or wall assemblies and penetrations in non-fire-resistance rated construction that are required to be fireblocked or draft stopped. What products does STI have specific to these applications? For all fire-rated penetrations, we have…

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    Compliance Through the Barrier Management Program (BMP)

    Posted on Nov 07, 2019

    An important criterion for a first-class property environment is the establishment of risk management and loss prevention programs to assure the reliability of fire and life safety systems. One risk management strategy, offered by Specified Technologies Inc., is a program called Barrier Management ProgramSM (BMP). Barrier management entails identifying all types of fire rated assemblies…

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    Firestop Maintenance

    Posted on Oct 23, 2019

    The need for firestopping at penetration and joint locations in new buildings is a fairly well understood requirement within the construction industry. The owner of the building may not be intimately familiar with the individual firestop products and how they perform to protect the structure in the event of a fire, but they are counting…

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    Introducing E-Wrap® Endothermic Wrap

    Posted on Oct 09, 2019

    E-Wrap® Endothermic Wrap is STI’s latest solution for Circuit Integrity and Survivability of critical infrastructure in the event of a fire. E-Wrap® is a flexible, high-temperature insulation wrap that releases chemically bound water when exposed to high temperatures. E-Wrap® easily cuts by hand with a straight razer and is lighter than all other competing solutions…

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    Firestops for Dissimilar Pipe Materials

    Posted on Oct 02, 2019

    There are times when dissimilar piping materials need to be connected during new or retrofit construction work. Old materials being replaced might be difficult to source or it could be advantageous to use a more economically priced pipe material for sections of the line. Whatever the reason, be it supply or cost considerations, the immediate…

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    The Burn Newsletter – Summer 2019 Wrap Up

    Posted on Sep 24, 2019

    • Defining the Movement Capabilities of Firestops
    • Sleeves in Concrete Floors
    • STI Products & Lubrizol FBC™ System Compatible Program Updates
    • Firestop Locator: Collaboration
    View Newsletter Here
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    Firestopping and the No-Fly Zone for Penetrations

    Posted on Sep 12, 2019

    A no-fly zone is an exclusion zone where aircraft are not permitted to fly, sometimes at the peril of being shot down. In the context of firestopping, we often see specifications create an exclusion zone at the top-of-wall to prevent penetrants from being installed in close proximity to the head-of-wall joint. Colloquially, this exclusion zone…

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    Firestop Locator…Have you tried it yet?

    Posted on Aug 28, 2019

    Firestop Locator launched earlier this year, and the user base continues to expand. It is the tracking program you need to digitally document all the items in your facility or on your jobsite. The map-based app gives you the easiest way to track and report on items such as Penetrations, Construction Joints, Doors, Dampers, and…

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    Solutions for Openings in Hollow Core Floors

    Posted on Aug 15, 2019

    Many of STI’s existing UL systems for firestops within concrete floors contain an option that allows their use in assemblies constructed of hollow-core precast concrete units. These listings will limit the opening diameter to 7 inches or less for round openings or to a maximum 7 inch by 7 inch square opening. UL offers a…

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    Just Bead It! Sealing the Point Contact Location

    Posted on Aug 01, 2019

    UL Systems that permit point contact will often specify a bead of sealant to be applied at the point contact location between penetrant and periphery of the opening. The UL Systems somewhat generically list the sealant applied at that location as a bead having a minimum diameter. This can sometimes cause confusion. To begin, let’s…

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    New Additions to the EZ-Path® Family

    Posted on Jul 16, 2019

    Structured Cabling is a constantly evolving aspect of building design, on a seemingly daily basis new solutions come onto the market that require integration into a building’s physical infrastructure. What we think of as a state of the art today is quickly relegated to the dust bin of history as even newer systems become available….

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    New Firestop Systems – July 2019

    Posted on Jul 14, 2019

    F-B-5011 – A new firestopping solution for insulated PEX Tubing penetrations within FinFrock Dual Deck floors. A SpecSeal® Cast-In Firestop Device is installed at the bottom slab and SpecSeal® Series SSS, LCI, SIL300 Sealant or grout is installed at the upper slab for max 1 inch diameter PEX tubing with up to 1-1/2 inch thick…

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    Firestopping 101 for Floor Drains

    Posted on Jul 01, 2019

    Floor, shower and tub drains seem like fairly straightforward building features that don’t warrant a great deal of attention. Unfortunately, these types of drains can result in firestopping headaches for both manufacturers and installers. The test procedures can often be more rigorous relative to a regular through-penetration and the International Building Code (IBC) requires equal…

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