Firestopping...

Hilti Accredited Firestop Specialty Contractor
Advanced Training Hilti, Tulsa, Oklahoma

As evidenced by a number of recent well publicized fires, smoke and flames find their way through a building at an incredible speed. Even the best active fire prevention systems like smoke detectors, alarms and sprinklers, can be rendered ineffective by lack of power, inadequate water pressure, or improper maintenance. The results can be disastrous... loss of property, business, and worst of all, loss of life. Because "Active" fire prevention methods can fail when they are needed most, Alberta building codes now require the use of "Passive" fire prevention systems known as "Firestopping Materials." Their purpose is to compartmentalize and contain a fire to its smallest possible area without the help of any secondary systems.

Fire safety can only be guaranteed if the proper products are used in the appropriate manner. Often, sub-trades use unsuitable materials in untested ways simply due to lack of education. Only an accredited firestop contractor is knowledgeable in the many different types of firestopping materials, applications and techniques. 

Why firestop?

70% of all fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation. Without properly firestopping your facility, toxic gases can pass from room to room via wall and floor penetrations. Not only does firestopping save lives, it protects your investments 
from smoke damage. 

What exactly is firestopping? 

Firestopping is the installation of building materials such as sealants, mortar, foam, collars, blocks and boards specially-designed to prevent the movement of flame or gases to other areas of a building through small concealed spaces in building components such as floors, walls, and stairs.

What is a firestop system?

A system consists of assemblages and/or materials designed to prevent the spread of fire through openings. These openings include, but are not limited to, electrical conduits, cable, cable trays, and metal and plastic pipes, wall gaps, etc. 

What types of facilities frequently require firestopping?

Apartment Buildings, Condominiums and Townhouses

Data and Information Technology Centres

Health Care Centres

Hotels
Office Buildings

Schools
Shopping Centres

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Fireproofing...

Level 1 Applicator issued by International Cellulose Corporation, Houston, Texas

HiBAR is a ULC-listed, spray-applied mineral fibre insulation for fire rating structural steel. Its  blend of specially manufactured inorganic mineral fibres and proprietary binders contain no asbestos or free crystalline silica. HiBAR can be spray-applied over rigid structural substrates and exterior or partition walls. 

HiBAR also has thermal and acoustical properties. Its treatment for ceilings and walls is ideal for noisy production areas or large rooms such as gymnasiums or swimming pools where both sound absorption and aesthetic enhancement is desired. Condensation control is also provided on exposed structural components that are in contact with cold exterior surfaces. 

Basic Uses

Spray-applied fireproofing for use over rigid structural substrates such as open web steel joists, beams, columns, floor/ceiling assemblies and exterior or partition wall units.

Thermal insulation for prefabricated metal buildings, corrugated metal roof assemblies, underside of concrete slabs and masonry or metal wall assemblies.

Spray-applied acoustical treatment for ceilings and upper walls in noisy production areas or in large rooms such as gymnasiums or swimming pools where both sound absorption and aesthetic enhancement is desired.

Spray-applied treatment to provide condensation control on exposed structural components that are in contact with cold exterior surfaces.

Technical Data 

The following data reflect established HiBAR performance criteria - consult with the manufacturer for updated test information.

 

Fire Rating (ULCS102/ASTM E-84)
- Flame Spread	0
- Fuel Contributed	0
- Smoke Developed	0
Thermal Resistance (ASTM C518-76)	RSI 0.66 / 25mm (R3.76 / inch)
Thermal Conductivity (ASTM C518-76)	KSI 0.383 (K 0.266)
Combustibility (CAN4-S114)	Noncombustible
Marine Structural Fire Insulation	Coast Guard A-60 Rating
Air Erosion (ASTM E859-82)	Less than 0. 144 mg/m2
Sound Absorption (ASTM C423), solid backing sprayed with 1 1/2" HiBAR (frequency/absorption)	125/.42, 250/.60, 500/.94, 1000/1.08, 2000/1.03, 4000/1.03, NRC/.92
Light Reflectivity	Approximately 80%
Fire Resistance (ULC S101/ASTM E119)
- Wall ULC design No. W803	(1 & 2 hr)
- Column ULC design No. Z804	(1, 2, & 3 hr)
- Floor/Ceiling ULC design No. F820	(1 & 2 hr)
- Roof ULC design No. R807	(1 hr)
Thermal Barrier (ULC S124) (rating/thickness)	10 minutes/22 mm, 15 minutes/32mm
Corrosivity	None
Bond Strength (ASTM E736-80)	Exceeds 20 times material dry weight

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Insulation...

Blow In Blanket® System
Trained and Licensed by Ark Seal International, Denver, Colorado

Insulating a home to an R-value of 15 can result in energy savings of up to 50 percent. Custom Blow-In-Blanket Systems (BIBS) deliver seamless fibreglass insulation that will not settle or deteriorate over time.

An ideal insulation job is free of voids, provides a consistent level of thermal efficiency, and does not deteriorate over time. This degree of perfection has traditionally been hard to attain. Consumer complaints range from settling of the insulation over time due to compression and voids that give an inconsistent degree of thermal efficiency, to off-gassing of harmful chemicals, to difficulty of application in curved details or cathedral ceilings.

The Blow-In-Blanket System takes aim at all these complaints with a patented insulation delivery system that blows what is called "white" or completely unadulterated fibreglass into fabric-encased cavities to provide a consistent and highly insulative layer of protection anywhere in the home. This white fibreglass is clear glass that looks white as it refracts light. The white color is also a sign that it is dry and untreated. 

Why It Works

Unlike traditional cellulose-blown insulation, this product will not settle. The Blow-In-Blanket process can guarantee R-values of 15 in exterior walls and two-by-four cavities because it is blown in to a density of two pounds per cubic inch. Fibreglass batt insulation also provides R-values of 15 in two-by-four cavities, but it is difficult to fit in crevices, around doors, fixtures and outlets, resulting in unwanted voids where energy is lost. A blown-in installation guarantees a custom fit because the fibreglass seeks out and fills every void. Untreated white fibreglass is blown into the cavity, filling voids, and building to a density of two pounds per cubic foot. 

How It's Done

The first step is to enclose the wall and ceiling cavities with a BIBS fabric that is stapled in place. This fabric creates an enclosure and holds the blown-in fibreglass in place. Unlike the netting that is used with other blown-in applications, the BIBS fabric is breathable but does not allow insulation fibres to escape. In new construction, this fabric makes insulating all areas of the home possible, even in cathedral ceilings that do not have insulating attic space above them. 
Once the fabric is secured, a slit is cut in each cavity to fit the blower hose. Each cavity is then filled to a two-pound density, which is evident from a slight bulge in the netting wall. Installation is very quick and easy. As woven fabric is used instead of netting, the cavity is enclosed, and adhesive need not be sprayed in along with the fibreglass to ensure against settling. 

A BIBS installation has no chemical treatments, so it will not off-gas or release harmful chemicals into the air like some treated cellulose products. It is completely inert and will not support moisture, fungal growth, or provide food for insects or animals. It is non-corrosive and will not contribute to the rusting or deterioration of pipes or studs. It is fire resistant and provides superior sound control. 

Blow-In-Blanket installations are also very effective in older homes. When the homeowner has removed the material covering the 2x4 studs, the Blow-In-Blanket System is installed in the same way as in a new home. 


Loose-fill Insulation for Attics: New & Upgrades

Central Alberta Energy Savers uses only formaldehyde-free, fiberglass loose-fill attic insulation for both new and existing homes. In older homes loose fill insulation can be successfully installed over top of most existing insulation. 

Keeping your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, a minimum of R40 loose-fill insulation will provide you with a more energy efficient home, with minimal heat loss through the attic. It will not settle, decay or provide food for animals or microbes. In addition it will not accelerate corrosion of pipes, wiring or metal studs and will not rot, mildew or deteriorate.

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