Fire Barriers

Fire barriers are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke via building cavities, including the walls, floor and ceiling. They are necessary to seal internal gaps within walls, ceilings and other parts of a building.

Firewalls and fire partitions are the most common types of fire barrier. Firewalls are designed to resist fire from the exterior of a building. Fire partitions are designed to resist fire inside a building to protect rooms and floors.

 Cavity barriers are a common solution. These are pieces of fire-resistant material that fill gaps to provide a fire-resistant barrier. These are also known as stop socks. Firestops are also common. These are used to seal external gaps.

 Passive fire protection will nearly always require effective fire barriers. Fire barriers help to limit the spread of fire and protect escape routes. Many lives have been saved by fire barriers slowing down and stopping the spread of fire.