How are Firestop Sealants Different from Other Sealants?

The intumescent sealant helps in passive fire protection by expanding and charring on coming in contact with flames. They prevent the propagation of fire by sealing the gap inside pipes and space between compartments.

Firestop Sealants are specialized sealing materials which help in passive fire protection. Top-rated builders use these components for sealing small openings (up to 2-4 cm in diameter) on walls. The unique property of arresting the flame from propagating from one compartment to another makes these products different from other sealants. Similar to all other passive fire retardants, the fire sealant also comes with a fire rating indicating its ability to reduce fire damage. 

There are various types of firestop sealants like silicone, ablative and intumescent sealant. They can prevent the spread of flames for up to 4 hours. Here are some of the properties which make fire sealants different from other types of sealants.

Ability to Expand during a Fire

The intumescent sealant comes with the unique property of expanding on fire exposure. Builders usually wrap this product around plastic and PVC service pipes which passes through walls. They also coat the inner walls of plastic tubes with the fire sealant. Whenever this compound comes in contact with flame, its volume increases, and its density decreases. It covers up the entire pipe diameter and clogs the hole in between the pipe walls. In this way, the flame cannot spread to the next room or compartment through the bore in the pipe. 

Resist the Melting of Pipes at Higher Temperature

In general plastic and other PVC pipes can withstand a temperature of up to 300° to 500° Fahrenheit. If the temperature increases beyond this point due to the propagation of flames, the pipes start softening and melting. However, if you apply firestop materials in the form of intumescent sealants, wrap strips, collars, and fiberglass insulation, then it can bear a temperature of up to 1200° to 1300° Fahrenheit. It will resist the melting of pipes by absorbing the energy of the fire. It will help you buy additional time during a calamity to carry out the rescue operation successfully. 

Fire Sealants come with Fire Ratings

Whenever you buy any fire sealant, you would find a fire rating inscribed on its surface or mentioned on the pack. Appropriate Government Agencies thoroughly test these firestop products and rate them according to their resistance to combustion. Firestop retardants achieve a maximum fire rating if they can stop the propagation of flames for up to four hours. These sealants are the best products to safeguard your building walls, service pipes, and electric cables during the outbreak of fire.

These were the major differences between standard sealants and fire sealants. Since these products are highly sophisticated, they might be more expensive than other standard sealing materials. However, considering the safety provided by these compounds, it is worth investing in them.

If you are looking for the best intumescent sealant in Mumbai, consider Vijay Systems Engineers. Their non-toxic fire sealant comes with a fire rating of 2-4 hours and has a shelf life of up to 18 months.