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…

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…

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…

 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. …

Intumescent Gasket products such as SpecSeal® Track Top Gasket (TTG) are a relatively new addition to the suite of firestop products used to address construction joints. Designed to take the place of traditional firestop sealants and sprays, TTG consists of a thin profile intumescent with a Polyethylene backing material on one side. TTG is available…

Walls built to contain both fire and sound are commonplace in modern building construction. Beyond protection of occupants and property, personal privacy is of ever increasing importance. For this reason, barriers are constructed with features to reduce sound transmission. While construction methods and materials can vary, commonality is their ability to resist passage of sound…

Firestopping is required in multi-family frame dwellings wherever a rated separation wall or floor is required. Rated separation walls are always required between units. Rated floors are only required in in buildings of three stories or more. These are the general rules there are exceptions. What is Fireblocking? Where the walls and ceilings do not…

UL 1479/ASTM E814 defines the test procedure used to measure the air-leakage of a fire-stopping device. The test is completed using a tightly sealed chamber and a flow measurement device capable of measuring ultra-low volumetric flows of air. UL 1479/ASTM E814 specifies the test to be completed at 75 Pa. The purpose of this investigation…

Total flooding gaseous suppression systems rely on the tightness of the enclosure in order to provide maximum protection to the hazard. Like water draining from a bathtub, the clean agent mixture exerts a pressure on the floor of the enclosure which causes the agent to run out of the enclosure through leaks in the lower…

Firestopping is a fairly well defined process these days. The average contractor is aware of the need to properly seal penetrations made within fire-rated floors and walls. Not only is it an important step from a life safety and property protection perspective, but it is also code mandated. Publications such as the BICSI Telecommunications Distribution…

One of the least publicized and most misunderstood products in the SpecSeal® line would have to be our putty pads. At the request of several of our customers, we’re going to attempt to remove the shroud of mystery surrounding this product by answering some of the most commonly asked questions. What are putty pads used…

Improperly sealed cable penetrations are a serious problem. There are three facts of life when it comes to firestopping and smoke sealing data and communications cable penetrations… 1. Change is constant. 2. Cable bundles are inherently leaky. 3. Conventional cable firestopping requires human beings to do the job right every time! These factors combine to…

More and more UL Firestop Sysems for cable penetrations now carry L-Ratings. Do you know what they mean? It seems simple doesn’t it? Air is pumped into a chamber and the rate at which it leaks out is measured. Pretty simple… Or is it? It would be if that’s all there was to it. Unfortunately…

Wood frame construction and fire are a deadly combination! It’s easy to understand the concern people have about fire when it comes to wood frame structures. Everyone knows full well that wood is easily ignited and burns rapidly. More deaths occur in wood frame buildings each year than in any other type of structure. Over…

Firestop systems tested to ASTM E814 (UL1479) have two ratings. the F Rating represents a minimum amount of time that an installation has been tested and shown to prevent the propagation of fire. Most people can readily understand this portion of the rating. the T Rating, however, is a different and more complicated story. the…

The importance of maintaining the intended ratings of walls is paramount in the design and construction of buildings. Fire and acoustical transmission ratings severely affect the safety and comfort afforded by all types of dwellings found worldwide. Construction techniques and materials utilized must ensure that both fire and acoustical sound are limited in their propulsion…

Two and a half minutes is often the difference between passing a fire test and failing one. In these situations money and time is at risk but not life and limb. In the last two years we’ve learned a great deal about plastic pipes. We’ve also learned a great deal about our own two-stage technology….

As a firestop manufacturer, we are frequently asked to provide firestop design recommendations for various applications. Many of these questions deal with firestopping nonmetallic pipes. With over 45 UL tested and classified designs for firestopping virtually all types of plastic pipes through all common constructions, STI is a recognized leader in the industry. An alarming…

For purposes of this discussion, all flexible current, data, or telecom signal conveyances will be referred to as cables. While some cables may be armor clad (metallic jacketed) or mineral insulated (MI Type), we will be discussing standard polymer jacketed or protected cables. These penetrants are considered to be combustible. Combustible penetrants potentially pose a…

The Right Products With the Right Installation Designs And Methods Make Protection Of Combustible Penetrants Safe And Easy! The use of plastic pipes in construction is increasing with each passing year. Most people are aware of the economies of using plastic pipes as well as some of the benefits… Plastic pipes are easier to install….