Why all components matter in firestopping materials

ASTM E2307 is not about individual materials in the PFC system; it is about the systems themselves, each of which comprises a specific assembly of specific materials which are tested to show that they will work together to perform as required.

The rigorous design of ASTM E2307 has clearly contributed to the robust safety record of buildings in the U.S. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are advocating for a reduced, smaller-scale test which would evaluate components individually without considering how the individual parts function to support system performance. Imagine a situation where mineral wool stands up to the fire, but lacks the mechanical integrity to stay securely in place as curtain wall components begin to fail.

Conclusion

Time moves forward and building materials advance, but delivering the highest level of life safety is a timeless responsibility for those who design and construct commercial buildings. Efforts to shorten or simplify the testing standard by validating individual components, instead of the system as a whole, should be stopped. Industry stakeholders as well as the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) urge the industry to support ASTM E2307
for evaluating firestopping materials used in PFC systems.

Author

As Owens Corning’s senior engineering leader, Angie Ogino has more than 26 years of experience in the mineral wool and fire-stopping industry. She is also responsible for all Owens Corning third-party fire containment testing and provides engineering evaluations and technical support on firestopping for the design community. Ogino is the vice-president of the International Firestop Council (IFC), where she is also the task group chair of the perimeter fire containment educational program. Ogino is also the vice-president of Fire Safe North America.