Where Should Fireblocking Be Specified in a Modern Ventilated Rainscreen Assembly?

Where to Specify Fireblocking in a Modern Ventilated Rainscreen Assembly?.

Discover how to identify the “when and where” of specifying fireblocking within your modern ventilated rainscreen application.

In our previous blog, When is fireblocking required in ventilated rainscreen systems?, we took a deep dive into understanding the various building code regulations that would cause a trigger for the requirement of fireblocking. If you missed this piece, we highly suggest reviewing before moving forward in this series.

Read the first article in the Intumescent Fireblocking Educational Series, “When is fireblocking required in ventilated rainscreen systems?”.

With your ability to identify on when fireblocking is required in your ventilated rainscreen system, now we are going to challenge you to learn the next step – the placement of fireblocking in your façade application.

What are the IBC requirements for fireblocking placement?

In the International Building Code or IBC, the language can be rather broad in certain areas. But one thing for certain is the IBC code language is very clear when it comes to the placement of fireblocking in the cavity.

In Section 718.2.6 of the International Building Code, it states that:

“Fireblocking shall be installed at maximum intervals of 20 feet (6096 mm) in either dimension so that there will be no concealed space exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 m2) between fireblocking”

This language indicates that fireblocking must be installed in both vertical and horizontal orientations to create compartments that don’t exceed 100 square feet – but don’t excess 20 LF in either direction (refer to Figure 1).

Rectangular grid with three thick red vertical and three horizontal dividing lines.
Figure 1

Is the placement of fire blocking the same in every state in the United States?

While the International Building Code clearly outlines the requirements for fireblocking placement, this does not mean individual jurisdictions cannot not or will not make modifications for in the adoption of building codes.

In year of 2022, New York City made numerous modifications to Section 718.2.6 regarding the placement and building materials used in modern ventilated rainscreen assemblies. To give a bit of context on just how many details NYC modified, we took a snapshot of the modifications in Figure 2. The adoptions and modifications of the NYC building code will be reviewed further in depth later in the series.

Document page with building code rules on exterior wall coverings and fire spread.
Figure 2

Figure 2: The 2022 NYC Building Code Section 718.2.6 is being showcased. The highlighted pink text is all the modifications NYC Building Department applied to Section 718.2.6.

How do you know if your local jurisdiction has modified the placement of fireblocking?

Just like with any other specification questions, consult with your local building code department. They will guide you in the right direction regarding the requirements AND the placement of fire blocking in your application.

However, if you want a quick and effortless answer, check out the platform UpCodes. This platform provides easy access to 8,000+ building codes and standards for architects, engineers, and contractors.

What’s Next?

With a better understanding of the placement requirements and where fire-blocking is incorporated into the design, installation questions come to light. With many of the components engineered and installed based on the needs of the assembly, exterior wall covering assemblies are rarely evenly spaced – like a stud wall configuration.

Installing traditional fireblocking materials around all these components, in addition to achieving the tight fit, turns into its own individual challenge – and we haven’t even touched on the performance issues. Resolve this conflict in our next blog in the Intumescent Fireblocking Educational Series.

When is fireblocking required in ventilated rainscreen systems?

2024 IBC code book cover with: “When is fireblocking required in rainscreen systems?”.

Understand the different criteria in a modern façade application that would trigger the requirements for fireblocking in exterior wall covering assemblies.  

When constructing ventilated rainscreens, these systems are required to maintain a proper balance – a balance between high performance and fire protection. 

 The air cavity in a ventilated rainscreen systems can promote both proper water drainage and air ventilation. With these high-performing benefits, ventilated rainscreens allow architects to create a design built to improve a building’s 1) moisture control and 2) energy levels.  

The cavity also introduces an additional “concealed space” in the wall system.  To address this balance and ensure life safety is maintained at the highest level, ventilated rainscreen cavities are required to have protection when a fire outbreak occurs.  

What are the current standards of fireblocking in the United States? 

In the United States, fire performance in rainscreens already have a host of requirements. A large portion of architects, developers, and engineers are familiar with the:  

  • Multistory Test (NFPA285),  
  • Material Testing, such as ASTM E84 or ASTM E136, and  
  • Other application specific fire performance testing.  

Along with these requirements, the International Building Code (IBC) contains a fireblocking requirement for any walls with a cavity – including rainscreens, cavity walls, and even certain drainage cavities. This requirement is triggered when walls contain combustible materials in exterior wall coverings. These components include attachment system components, cladding components, and insulation.  

How have recent code adoptions changed the standards of fireblocking in rainscreen systems?  

In the 2024 version of the IBC, Ssection  718.2.6 requires fireblocking in the air cavity created by ventilated exterior wall coverings – however, this section has existed in some fashion since 2000. The IBC has always required some form of fireblocking in the exterior cavities created by the exterior wall covering and its architectural trim. Just like any part of the building code, this particular section has been updated over the course of the past several years. 

In 2012, ICC adopted changes to the name of the code section and added an additional exception. The name change clarified that it did indeed apply to all exterior wall coverings. The exception codified something that was widely enforced by building officials even though it wasn’t explicit in the language. The exception allowed walls to forgo the fireblocking requirements if the assembly was installed in accordance with a passing NFPA 285 test, so long as that tested assembly did not contain fireblocking.  

When my project’s height is below 40 feet, do I need fireblocking?  

In the International Building Code (IBC), it requires  most buildings over 40 feet containing combustible components to pass an NFPA285 test – however, this is not required in many projects under  40 feet that do not contain foam plastics.  

However, walls that do not require the multistory fire test, must install fireblocking in this cavity if they contain combustibles. As a result, a significant portion of walls installed below 40 feet with combustible components must also contain fireblocking in the exterior wall covering assembly 

Does my façade application required fireblocking if it houses combustible components, such as subgirts, cladding, insulation,, etc.?  

Simply, the answer is yes – and here’s why.  

In Section 718.2.6 Exterior Wall Coverings, the section addresses–  

“Fireblocking shall be installed within concealed spaces of exterior wall coverings and other exterior architectural elements where permitted to be of combustible construction in Section 1406 or where erected with combustible frames.”  

This part addresses that any part of your rainscreen application is composed of a combustible material, whether it be as small as the sub girts to the actual cladding itself, fireblocking is required.   

If my project’s cladding system not NFPA 285 compliant, do I need fireblocking? 

Let’s examine the code we have been referencing, Section 718.2.6.  

In Section 718.2.6 Exterior Wall Coverings, the section has an exception stating–  

“Fireblocking shall not be required where the exterior wall covering has been tested in accordance with and complies with the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285. The exterior wall covering shall be installed as tested in accordance with the NFPA 285.”  

This exception clearly states the installed assembly is required to be tested with the NFPA285. In conclusion, if your project isn’t compliant with NFPA285 – your project has triggered the fireblocking requirement.    

Where do you go from here? 

Those who understand high performance wall systems likely already see the conflicts that are going to arise when designing to meet water management requirements and fire requirements.  Pay attention to future blogs on how to resolve this conflict.  

Tenmat, ALPOLIC®, and CLADIATOR® Achieve NYC Code Compliance for Unified Rainscreen Cladding with Successful NFPA 285 Test

Tenmat, Cladiator, and Alpolic logos displayed above the text: Successful NFPA285 Test.

Advanced Intumescent Technology Helps Stop Flame Spread in Ventilated Wall Cavities

Wilmington, DE – November 5th, 2025 – Tenmat, a recognized leader in passive fire protection, in collaboration with ALPOLIC® and CLADIATOR®, is pleased to announce Tenmat’s FF102/50 Intumescent Fire Block has successfully tested an NYC compliant assembly for this collaborative rainscreen cladding solution. This milestone follows the successful completion of an NFPA 285 fire test conducted at Intertek Laboratories.

This strategic partnership was driven by the adoption of the 2022 New York City Building Code, which now requires fire blocking within rainscreen assemblies that include combustible components. To meet these new standards, the companies conducted a successful joint NFPA 285 fire test at Intertek Laboratories, combining Tenmat’s FF102/50 fire block, ALPOLIC® panels, and CLADIATOR’s Slotted-Z into a unified system.

“CLADIATOR® is proud to partner with ALPOLIC & Tenmat to highlight how this achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability, and smart building design as all three manufacturers share similar commitments to our industry,” said Tolga Bilge, VP of Operations for CLADIATOR®. “This compliance opens new opportunities for NYC Developers, Architects, & Building Envelope Consultants, ensuring confidence in material selection, while also reducing project risk & liability all the while advancing on & accelerating LEED certifications. At CLADIATOR®, we’re built to conquer challenges like these – ensuring every façade we support is backed by a continuous and relentless effort of quality products backed by quality service.” 

This collaborative achievement not only meets code requirements—it empowers design. For architects and specifiers, this means greater design freedom without sacrificing safety or budget. ALPOLIC® has long been celebrated for its exceptional flatness, durability, and versatility—qualities that make it a preferred choice for custom facades and bold architectural statements.

“We are proud to be part of this landmark collaboration,” said Octavio Diaz, Sales Director at ALPOLIC. “Achieving code compliance with our fire-retardant core—alongside these outstanding partners—paves the way for ALPOLIC to continue its contribution to the iconic architectural landscape that defines New York.”

At the heart of this solution is Tenmat’s FF102/50, a compact, fast-acting intumescent fire block engineered for ventilated cladding systems. It allows for airflow, moisture control, and energy efficiency—key benefits of rainscreen design—while activating in the presence of fire to seal off cavities and prevent flame spread.

When exposed to high temperatures, the FF102/50 expands up to 25 times its original thickness, forming a robust fire block that helps contain fire and protect building occupants. Its rigid structure supports easy installation and long-term durability, making it a practical choice for both new construction and retrofit applications.

“With the successful completion of another critical NFPA 285 test in a series of ongoing evaluations, Tenmat Intumescent Fireblocking continues to deliver a game-changing solution for architects and engineers seeking flexibility in metal composite material (MCM) cladding systems,” said Marco Kristen, President PFP North America. “By providing the critical fireblocking required by the NYC Building Code while also maintaining the functionality of ventilated rainscreen systems, Tenmat offers a unique solution that enables MCM to confidently re-enter the architectural conversation – bringing code compliance, innovation, and design freedom back into the landscape.”

Engineered for Efficiency, Proven for Protection

This NFPA 285 test assembly was specifically constructed according to the updated NYC code, with fire blocks installed around window openings and slab lines—precisely where the code mandates protection. The result is a fully ventilated wall system that meets modern building science standards while delivering critical fire resistance.

With this successful test, Tenmat’s FF102/50, ALPOLIC®/fr, and CLADIATOR’s Slotted-Z offer comprehensive, code-compliant rainscreen systems in dense urban environments. Together, the companies are helping shape a safer, more resilient future for architectural design.

 

 

About Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC Division

ALPOLIC® Metal Composite Materials (MCM) have been manufactured since 1991 at Mitsubishi Chemical America’s Chesapeake, VA location.  Part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s vast array of products and services, ALPOLIC® MCM is among the most versatile and useful architectural materials available, and our manufacturing, distribution and support capabilities extend worldwide. ALPOLIC® offers the rigidity of heavy-gauge architectural metals in a lightweight composite material, with a standard polyethylene, fire-resistant, or non-combustible core, available in an unmatched selection of colors and finishes. For more information about ALPOLIC®, visit www.ALPOLIC-Americas.com or call 800-422-7270.

 

About CLADIATOR®:

CLADIATOR® is a manufacturer of thermally isolated structural cladding attachment systems. Our mission is to accelerate the advancement of smart building design & construction by providing unique and cleverly engineered systems.

For Architects & Engineers it means a simple yet robust solution where one core design offers the freedom of limitless creativity. For Installers, working with intuitive installation components means faster, more cost-effective, and ease-of-mind option(s) to complete projects on time. Our universal systems offer improved thermal efficiencies while achieving rain-screen principles such as air & moisture ventilation with the use of long-lasting globally responsible materials. We remain dedicated and driven by our commitment to continuous improvement.

For more information about CLADIATOR®, visit www.cladiator.com or contact our team at info@cladiator.com and 1-800-917-6237.

Tenmat FF107 Explained.

FF107 Intumescents: glowing embers, grey layered panels, black background.

Discover how Tenmat’s FF107 advanced intumescent material is used in ember-resistant vents, fire collars, pipe and duct fire wraps to bring the presence of passive fire protection into a wide range of industries.

In today’s world of construction, intumescents are no longer unfamiliar material in the practice of passive fire protection. Known for their versatility and adaptability, intumescent materials have become one of the key components in the development of advanced passive fire protection solutions.

Developed to meet various expansion ratios + char output, Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials and Solutions are built to handle diverse and complex applications with ease. From mass timber construction to ember-resistant vents, our advanced intumescent materials have been utilized in passive fire protection solutions to meet the rigorous demands of a broad range of applications.

Among our portfolio, Tenmat’s FF107 material is considered one of the most versatile intumescent materials we offer. Let’s take a closer look at how Tenmat’s FF107 is redefining the standards of fire protection, from its ability to protect a building from both external and internal fire outbreaks.

Why Should You Develop with the FF107 Material?

TENMAT FIREFLY 107 is a high-performance intumescent material engineered for rapid activation and powerful expansion under heat exposure. Its unique formulation delivers a fast reaction time, generating a high level of pressure and volume to form a strong barrier against heat and flame spread.

Four large stone slabs and six narrow strips arranged together on a white background.

What sets FF107 apart from other traditional firestopping methods is its ability to produce a dense, solid char with excellent structural integrity – ensuring consistent protection and durability in demanding life safety conditions.

In addition to its high expansion and pressure generation characteristics, the FF107 has been tested according to ASTM E84 (UL 723) to measure its surface burning characteristics and achieved a Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Value of 0.

Tenmat FF107 is tested according to the current UL requirements and is a Recognized Component under UL Category OEXX2 for Intumescent Materials – Component. This combination of fast response, high expansion, and reliable char formation makes FireFly FF107 a trusted fire-rated material to use in the creation of fire-resistance rated applications.

How does Tenmat apply its FF107 material in mass timber construction?

Close-up of a wooden joint with a gray concrete or stone block set into the wood.

As the International Building Council (IBC) adopts more sustainable construction practices, architects and engineers have been challenged to integrate these standards into their designs. In response to this shift, innovative building methods have gained traction – one of the most prominent being mass timber construction.

 

Mass timber construction is built using a category of engineered wood products typically made of large, solid wood panels, columns or beams often manufactured off-site for load-bearing wall, floor, and roof construction.

It offers sustainability, design flexibility, efficiency, structural performance, and a myriad of other advantages, which position it as a prime candidate for sustainable building practices.

For joint and gap sealing applications in cross-laminated timber (CLT), and glulam, Tenmat has developed a state-of-the-art intumescent material, the FF107.

Tenmat’s FIREFLY 107 is an exceptionally powerful intumescent which combines fast reaction with high expansion and pressure generation – producing a solid char of good integrity. With its composition, the FF107 is applicable in construction joints and gaps.

When specified into construction joints and gaps, the FF107 slows the acceleration of flame and heat spread during an outbreak – ensuring these gaps do not compromise the structure’s integrity.

Learn More about Tenmat’s FF107 in Mass Timber Construction Here.

 

How does FF107 play a role in Ember-Resistant Vents?

Two metal air vent covers, one standing and one leaning, on a white background.

In high-risk wildfire zones (WUI zones), California building code officials now require new construction buildings to incorporate ember-resistant vents into their residential designs. Why? To protect residential homes from self-igniting during a wildfire outbreak.

When homeowners integrate an air ventilation system into their homes, each one of the vents act as prime entry point for hot embers and flames. To protect these entry points without compromising the air flow, homeowners install ember-resistant vents, such as BrandGuard Vents, into their residences to keep out these unwanted guests.

Now, here is where Tenmat FF107 plays a major role. Unlike other ember-resistant vent technology, BrandGuard incorporates Tenmat’s FF107 strips into its vent’s technology. When temperatures rise to dangerous levels in a wildfire, these strips expand rapidly to seal vent openings. This reaction effectively blocks embers and prevents flames from entering one’s household.

With the FF107’s fast reaction and highly expansive properties, BrandGuard’s Ember-Resistant Vents can react when it matters most.

Explore BrandGuard Vents Ember- and Flame-Resistant Vents.
Learn more about California’s Chapter 7A.  

Final Notes

With its rapid expansion, high-pressure generation, and solid char formation, Tenmat’s FF107 material delivers reliable performance across a wide range of applications – from sealing off gaps in mass timber construction to safeguarding homes in WUI zones through ember-resistant technology.

As building codes and fire safety regulations evolve, the demand for advanced fire-resistant materials continues to grow. Tenmat leads the way with innovative products like FF107, helping builders, architects, and homeowners enhance fire resilience and meet modern safety standards.

Passive Fire Protection in Hospitality Relighting Renovations.

Man installing new LED lights during hotel relighting renovations

Explore the role of passive fire protection solutions and materials in hospitality infrastructures – and how recent relighting renovations are prompting hotel developers to reassess and specify the appropriate level of life safety measures.

Introduction

Often, looked at as “a home away from home”, hospitality buildings – such as hotels – serve as welcoming spaces that offer comfort, convenience, and an opportunity to explore new communities, both near and far.

Whether located in a bustling city or quiet countryside, hotels serve as gateways for tourism, business, and family engagement. In addition to serving as a gateway for connections, these buildings often act as a gathering place for a large volume of people, such as weddings, conferences, and community events.

Providing to be a strong asset to our community and others, it is critical that these infrastructures are constructed with the upmost level of life safety. Over the past several years, architects and developers have been adopting stringent building codes to their new-construction architectural design details – ensuring lives and property remain safe.

Understanding the Growing Threat of Relighting Renovations

In recent efforts to move towards a “greener” future, many existing hotels have begun incorporating energy-conserving practices. From encouraging guests to reuse towels to utilizing keycards as a device to regulate lighting and climate control – hospitality buildings have fully embraced the ideas of energy conservation and sustainability.

To build onto their current strategies of sustainability and energy conservation, hotel developers have discovered a way to greatly improve their building’s energy efficiency levels – replacing current recessed can lights with LED wafer-styled downlights.

Known to consume less electricity and longer lifespan, low-profile LED wafer-style downlights are an ideal choice to decrease energy levels – which translates into lower utility bills as well.

Unfortunately, this highly-beneficial renovation comes at a cost – the safety of the building and its current occupants.

 

Addressing Compromised Fire-Resistance Rated Ceiling/Floor Assemblies

When contractors extract existing recessed lighting fixtures during renovations, the resulting ceiling openings are often left exposed and unprotected. Thinking this can be resolved by installing the new low-profile LED wafer? The answer is no.

In hospitality infrastructures, such as hotels and inns, ceiling and floor assemblies are often required to meet a fire-resistance rating. These assemblies are designed to prevent the vertical spread of fire, allowing an extended evacuation and response window.

Prior to any penetration, these assemblies serve as a barrier against the rapid transmission of flames, smoke, and heat between floors. However, once compromised by the installation of a fixture, the assembly’s integrity is compromised. If not properly sealed or protected, these openings will become the prime pathways for fire to accelerate throughout the building, both vertically and horizontally.

Why does the installation of a standard low-profile LED wafer fail to adequately address the issue?

When exposed to extreme heat, the fixture itself may melt, leaving the opening fully exposed. In such cases, the unprotected penetration acts as a conduit – enabling fire to spread from room to room and floor to floor within minutes. This not only undermines a building’s level of fire protection but also poses a serious threat to life safety and property.

How are architects and developers addressing this fire safety issue?

Adopting strict building codes, such as the 2015 IBC Section 714.4.2, architects and developers have begun integrating both the LED wafers and a fire-rated solution. With this integration, the integrity of the fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assembly is reinstated.

Note:

For new construction,

Please refer to your local building code to establish if your hotel’s design details require fire-resistance rated ceiling and floor assemblies.

For relighting renovations,

Examine the original design specifications to determine whether the building’s ceiling and floor assemblies are constructed to maintain a fire-resistance rating.

Passive Fire Protection in Relighting Renovations

When deciding on the specifications of fire-rated solutions in your relighting renovations, there are several questions developers and contractors need to ask themselves.

  1. Has the fire-rated solution undergone proper testing at an accredited third-party testing laboratory?
  2. Can I effortlessly integrate the fire-rated solution into my current design?
  3. Does the solution require a large volume of labor?

Regardless of whether you are planning to use a fire-rated light or fire-rated drywall box, it is critical that you can accurately answer all the questions above.

Tenmat in Relighting Renovations

Two black conical objects, wire tool, and three steps of an installation process shown in red hexagons.

Designed with a flexible, lightweight intumescent technology, Tenmat’s FF109-200 and FF109-250 allows hotel developers and contractors to reinstate their fire-rated ceiling/floor assemblies while meeting their recently adopted sustainable practices.

Additionally, both the FF109-200 and FF109-250 Fire-Rated Covers have:

  • Undergone proper testing and approval from Intertek (ETL),
  • Retrofitting Capabilities, allowing contractors to easily install the solution in pre-existing ceilings, and
  • A Flexible, Light Composition and require no additional tools during the installation process.

Explore Our Version of Fire-Rated Lights Here.

Next Steps for Hotel Groups and Developers

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve through sustainability-driven renovations and energy-efficient upgrades, the importance of maintaining proper passive fire protection measures cannot be overstated. While relighting renovations—such as the integration of low-profile LED wafer lights—offer clear benefits in terms of energy savings and operational efficiency, they also introduce critical challenges to the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceiling and floor assemblies.

Architects and developers must remain vigilant in ensuring that any modifications to existing infrastructure do not compromise life safety. The installation of recessed fixtures without proper fire-rated protection can create vulnerabilities that accelerate the spread of fire, smoke, and heat—placing occupants and property at significant risk.

By adhering to established building codes and integrating tested fire-rated solutions, such as Tenmat’s FF109-200 and FF109-250 covers, professionals can confidently balance energy efficiency with fire safety.

Ultimately, passive fire protection is not a secondary consideration—it is a foundational element of responsible design and development in hospitality environments. As buildings become smarter and greener, their safety systems must evolve in parallel, ensuring that comfort and innovation never come at the expense of occupant protection.

Protecting Your Multi-Family Project – Inside and Out.

Tenmat & BrandGuard in Multi-Family Use over residential neighborhood background.

Understand how Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Solutions and BrandGuard’s Ember-Resistant Vents work cohesively to protect multi-family applications from fire outbreaks, both internal and external.

Developing a new construction, multi-family project? Did you specify passive fire protection (PFP) solutions for your unprotected openings? Given the context, it’s likely this requirement has already been fulfilled.

With the widespread adoption of passive fire protection requirements, architects, developers, and contractors have become quite accustomed to specifying and installing PFP solutions into Type V-A construction. It should be noted that Type V-A construction is often used for new construction multi-family housing, such as condominiums, townhomes, and apartment complexes.

After integrating fire-rated solutions into multi-family housing, internal fire outbreaks are confined to its root of origin. As opposed to the fire traveling rapidly through unprotected openings, level to level. With this level of containment, occupants can evacuate safely, and first-responders have an extension in response time.

Although, the adoption of passive protection systems has been successfully integrated into multi-family applications, the demand of passive fire protection has now pivoted towards a new focus – exterior PFP systems.

Wildfires vs Multi-Family Complexes

Wildfires – a common enemy of California residents is now crossing borders into other regions of the United States. With extended seasons of dry, hot weather and population growth pushing development in Wildland-Urban Interfaces (WUIs), wildfires are appearing in uncommon regions. From Washington to Colorado to Texas, wildfires are claiming and destroying residences – dispositioning hundreds of Americans and their families.

As a result, it is critical for any project, located in a WUI zone, to integrate proper wildfire defense systems to protect their project’s structural integrity and its future residents. Discover more about WUI zones here.

It has been recognized that one of the main causes of home ignitions is thousands of wind-blown embers being circulated into a residence. Where? Through its air ventilation system. When these embers enter a home’s air ventilation system, they are able to infiltrate a home’s unoccupied space. With the space being unoccupied, the fire is able to grow and spread throughout the home – resulting in home ignition.

So, the question is “How do we protect these homes from wind-blown embers and other wildfire elements?”. The answer is passive fire protection.

Applying BrandGuard into Multi-Family Projects

Designed to keep out embers, flames, smoke and high temperatures, wildfire-rated vents, such as BrandGuard Vents, has become the number one wildfire defense system for air ventilation systems. After specifying these vents into multi-family residences, the property and its occupants will be able to have peace of mind during a wildfire outbreak. Now, let’s explore what are the common vent types in Type V-A construction.

 

Balcony Inspection Vents

Worker in hardhat installs or repairs outdoors, with power drills visible in front.

 

 

With its ability to allow air circulation and moisture drainage in balcony spaces, balcony vents are a popular choice for apartment complexes. To ensure these vents are properly protected, replace your current vents with a BrandGuard Ember-Resistant Balcony Vent. With the installation of a BrandGuard Balcony Vent, embers, smoke, and flames will be blocked out by its overlapping baffle design, self-closing intumescent technology, and 1/16” layer of fine mesh. Learn more about BrandGuard’s Removeable Wildfire Balcony Vents.

 

Gable Vents

Sealing a vent covers edges on an exterior white wall with a caulking gun.

 

 

Used for the purpose of allowing hot air to escape and cooler air to enter your attic space, gable vents are an ideal choice for enhancing air quality in a confined living space. To protect these vents from wildfires, specify BrandGuard Ember-Resistant Gable Vents into your new construction project. Engineered to be activated by nearby high temperatures and flames, BrandGuard’s Gable Vents are a prime addition to your project’s air ventilation system. Discover more about BrandGuard’s Gable Vents.

Dormer Vents

Terracotta roof tiles and two small brown attic vents beneath a clear blue sky.

 

 

Like gable vents, dormer vents are an ideal solution when trying to regulate temperature and humidity in the upper levels of an apartment complex or townhome. To defend these openings from embers and flames, integrate BrandGuard Self-Closing Dormer Vents into your multi-family application. Composed with an overlapping baffle design, Tenmat Intumescent technology, and a fine layer of mesh – embers, flames, smoke, and high temperatures don’t stand a chance against BrandGuard’s Flame-Resistant Vents. Explore BrandGuard’s Flame-Resistant Dormer Vents.

Foundation Vents

Person kneels by a wall, checking a vent among plants.

 

 

In apartment complexes and condominiums, foundation vents play a pivotal role in ventilating the building’s crawl space. Installed to help maintain the building’s structural integrity and prevent mold + rot, foundation vents are a common choice for architects and developers. To maintain the benefits of these vents and meet wildfire defense demands, it is highly recommended to specify BrandGuard Ember-Resistant Foundation Vents. Engineered with an overlapping baffle design, Tenmat Intumescent Strips, and a fine layer of mesh –BrandGuard’s Flame-Resistant Foundation Vents are capable of protecting a building and its occupants from embers and flames. Find out more about BrandGuard’s Flame-Resistant Foundation Vents.

Finding a Balanced PFP System in Multi-Family Applications

Upon establishing the clear demand for external and internal passive fire protection, architects and developers are now being tasked with specifying compatible PFP solutions. Here at Tenmat, our Advanced Fire-Rated Covers for recessed cans, LED wafers, and in-ceiling loudspeakers are engineered with advanced intumescent technology. Designed to expand rapidly when exposed to high temperatures, architects and contractors have favored Tenmats in their Type V-A construction.

Manufactured with the same Advanced Intumescent Technology, BrandGuard’s Ember-Resistant Vents can meet the same fire protection standards as Tenmat’s Fire-Rated Solutions. Independently, each of these PFP solutions exceed the standards of fighting flames, embers, high temperatures, and smoke. Together, Tenmat Advanced Fire-Rated Covers and BrandGuard’s Ember-Resistant Vents redefine the standards of passive fire protection in multi-family applications.

It is also important to note Tenmat’s Intumescent Technology has undergone rigorous age-testing – solidifying its capabilities to uphold the same level of fire protection regardless of time and exposure.

Final Comments

As our communities continue to develop and expand, it is critical that architects and developers recognize the importance of passive fire protection. Whether you are fire-rating unprotected openings, caused by recessed fixtures or outdoor air vents, it is critical that all these openings are properly protected.

Not only do these unprotected openings need to be reinforced with a proper fire-rated solution, but PFP solutions, who can work independently and dependently. Using passive fire solutions, such as Tenmat Fire-Rated Solutions and BrandGuard Vents, architects and developers will be able to protect their designs and its communities from falling victim to a fire outbreak – external or internal.

 

Charging our Communities with Lithium-Ion Batteries and Intumescents.

Battery Storage Facilities labeled Intumescents in Battery Applications with a battery system image.

Discover how lithium-ion batteries, located in electric vehicles and energy storage centers, are using intumescents to protect their communities from fire outbreaks.

Electric Vehicles. Smartphones. Laptops. Data Centers. Lithium-ion batteries have been absorbed into a wide range of applications in today’s society. This widespread adoption has been fueled by this battery’s combination of performance, efficiency, and adaptability that very few other energy sources can meet.

With its ability to store a large volume of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package, lithium-ion batteries have become attractive to a variety of applications. Applications, such as electric vehicles and smartphones, require an energy source that can fit into a small and lightweight package. This demand can be met with a lithium-ion battery.

Another key advantage of using a lithium battery is its low self-discharge rate, which allows them to retain power even when not in use. With this capability, it provides useful applications where reliability is crucial, such as emergency equipment or backup power systems. Adding to their appeal, lithium-ion batteries have the ability to charge quickly – an increasingly important feature in a world where time is a premium.

As the demand for portable power and clean energy solutions continue to grow, lithium-ion batteries will be one of the No.1 sources of energy in our future communities.

From Cars to Storage Centers: Where You’ll Find Lithium-Ion Batteries

As indicated earlier, the adoption of lithium-ion batteries has been rather significant. Once confined to powering smartphones and other compact electronics, lithium-ion batteries have evolved into critical components for high-demand applications – ranging from advanced transportation systems and data infrastructure to large-scale energy management.

Battery Storage

To keep our communities powered 24/7, modern energy centers have become increasingly dependent on advanced battery storage systems. Known for their high energy density, rapid response times, and compact footprint, lithium-ion batteries have been deemed suitable for meeting today’s demanding power requirements.

With not only being used as a reliable backup source during grid outages, lithium-ion batteries are also able to support additional advanced energy strategies, such as load balancing and peak shaving.

As these centers continue to accommodate the surging demands of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and real-time processing, their role has evolved beyond emergency backup. Lithium-ion batteries now have been integrated into intelligent management platforms that enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and grid-interactive capabilities.

Electric Vehicles

Lithium-ion batteries are at the core of nearly every modern electric vehicle, offering a balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability. With recent improvements in cell design, energy density, and battery management systems, EVs have been able to achieve extensive mileage on a single charge with the addition of its fast-charging capabilities and longer lifespans. These improvements have made EVs more practical for everyday use and appeal to an even broader market.

With the global electric vehicle component market being valued at USD 148.32 billion in 2022 and projected to reach 1,001.95 billion by the year 2032.  It should be no question that the demand for lithium-ion batteries will continuously increase. As EV adoption accelerates worldwide, the role of lithium-ion technology will only grow more critical—powering not just vehicles, but the future of sustainable transportation.

The Challenges of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Upon reviewing the recent adoption of lithium-ion batteries, a significant limitation has come to light – one that has notable diminished its overall value and performance.

Thermal runaway, a phenomenon that occurs when a battery or component experiences an uncontrollable increase in temperature, has become the main reason why the use of lithium-ion batteries has been questioned.

Normally triggered by either an internal short circuit or mechanical damage, the phenomenon of thermal runaway begins. When a battery’s cell overheats, it is not only contained to one cell – it spreads rapidly throughout the adjacent cells.

This rapid acceleration produces temperatures three times hotter than conventional gasoline fires, a release of toxic gases, and an ability to reignite after being initially extinguished. This combination creates challenges for both prevention strategies and emergency response protocols.

How to Protect Our Communities from Thermal Runaway

As a result, lithium-ion battery manufacturers have designed several cooling methods, in the case thermal runaway appears in a battery. However, the question is, “What happens if those active fire protection measures fail?”

Just like any application, which demands a level of fire protection, it is always important to incorporate all the pillars of fire protection – especially the act of “containment” or in other words, passive fire protection. With the integration of passive fire protection, the ability to contain a compromised battery cell or battery would be possible.

For instance, enclosing a battery or its cells in fire-resistant materials, a fire will be forced to slow down and be slowed within the desired space. Additionally, this scenario would also apply to any facility where a large number of batteries are being stored.

In the event a fire would break out in one area of a storage center, sealing off any unprotected openings with passive fire protection solutions will enable the fire from spreading to other parts of the facility. These unprotected openings could be caused by wires and cables, located in the walls, floors, or ceilings.

With integrating a strategy, such as passive fire protection, to contain a fire outbreak – it would permit a valuable extension in time – saving lives and property.

Passive Fire Protection for Lithium-Ion Batteries

When identifying what type of passive fire protection technology to use for your battery application, it is crucial to find a technology that will maintain appropriate firestopping measures without compromising the battery’s performance level.

Intumescents are a specialized material that reacts to high temperatures, produced by fire outbreaks, rapidly expanding. Once fully expanded, the intumescent forms a durable, solid char that effectively blocks the spread of fire, heat, and smoke for extended periods.

Building on its expansion capabilities, intumescents are only activated when exposed to heat. Therefore, intumescents can be molded into some of the most irregular and small applications – without compromising the application’s surrounding space. Tenmat has proven this true with our line of Advanced Intumescent Solutions and Materials.

Intumescents for Electric Vehicles

Designed with the latest in intumescent technology, Tenmat’s Advanced Fire Protection Solutions deliver multiple advantages, including the prevention of a fire outbreak by stopping thermal runaway propagation. Due to the intumescents’ highly expansive properties, it actively expands and creates a protective barrier when exposed to heat.

In addition to its firestopping capabilities, the flexible and lightweight composition of intumescent materials allows for thermal management through ventilation, which is critical for the prevention of overheating and the maintenance of long-term health of battery.

To further extend the safety benefits of using Tenmat’s Advanced Passive Fire Protection Solutions, these solutions boast electrical insulation properties as well.

Intumescents for Battery Storage Centers

In large-scale battery storage centers, where the batteries are located within several rooms, it is critical to identify and address any unprotected openings that could accelerate the spread of a fire. These pain points often arise from the extensive network of cables and conduits that pass-through walls, ceilings, and floors, creating prime pathways for fires.

To mitigate this risk, Tenmat’s range of through-penetration intumescents offers firestopping solutions and materials that can properly seal these openings – regardless of their shape, size, or complexity.  These firestop products are engineered to expand rapidly when exposed to high temperatures, effectively sealing gaps and helping to contain fire within its point of origin.

To review which Tenmat Firestopping Intumescents are best suited for your facility’s layout and cable management needs, please visit our Date Center landing page for detailed product information and expert support.

Keeping Our Environment and Community Safe

As the adoption of lithium-ion batteries continues to accelerate across a multitude of industries, the push to integrate proper life safety measures will remain of high importance. Whether in electric vehicles or large-scale energy storage centers, lithium-ion batteries need to be paired with proper levels of passive fire protection to protect the lives and properties within our communities.

With our decades of knowledge and experience in the field of passive fire protection, we have formulated a range of advanced intumescent materials and solutions – specifically designed to combat against the arising issue of thermal runaway in EVs and stationary energy storage systems. By integrating cutting-edge intumescent technology and optimal designs for various applications, our fire-rated solutions provide a fool-proof level of protection, controlling the acceleration of a fire while minimizing potential damage.

Whether in automotive applications or large-scale energy storage banks, Tenmat’s Advanced Solutions and Materials are engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of flames, heat, and smoke – the optimal solution to protect lives and property.

If you have any additional questions regarding passive fire protection for lithium-ion batteries, please contact us directly here. Our team of experts are ready to help you find the right solution for your application.

Sources

Fact.MR. (2022). Electric vehicle components market report. https://www.factmr.com/report/3893/electric-vehicle-components-market

Fire Statistics. (2025, May 1). Lithium-ion battery fires: Alarming statistics and trends. https://firestatistics.org/resources/lithium-ion-battery-fire-statistics

IDTechEx. (2022). Electric Vehicles: Land, Sea & Air 2022–2042. https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/electric-vehicles-land-sea-and-air-2022-2042/867

Passive Fire Protection and Tenmat.

Collage showing fire protection systems with the text: The Evolution of Passive Fire Protection.

Explore how Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Solutions and Materials have shaped the future of passive fire protection in modern-day construction.

As of 2024, the United States is home to 19,479 cities, towns, and villages – each containing an even greater number of communities. Now, each community can contain a multitude of different structures. Some contain bustling shopping malls, others are developing new multi-family complexes, certain ones include a wide range of various healthcare centers, and a number of them hold all the above and more.

Not one community is the exact same. But every community wants to protect the people and property within theirs. Therefore, whenever a community is getting a “face lift” or expanding internally or externally, life safety is the No.1 priority of the growing community.

To uphold this priority, communities need to prepare its redeveloping or new-construction buildings to withstand all potential disasters – especially the unexcepted ones.

The Beginning of Passive Fire Protection

Fire outbreaks have always been known to negatively impacted communities, especially when it comes to protecting properties and the lives within them. Over hundreds of years, countless safety measures have been put into place to fight off the potential damage of fires. From fire extinguishers to automated sprinkler systems, building code officials, construction professionals, and community members believed that they all their bases were covered.

However, this assumption was incorrect. Before 2006, unprotected openings were an unrecognized life safety hazard in many communities. These openings included openings created from recessed lights, in-ceiling loudspeakers, wires, cables, etc. Without being properly reinforced, these openings acted as a catalyst for the fire. Without these openings being improperly fire-rated, heat, smoke, and flames can spread rapidly throughout the building – endangering the integrity of the building and the lives of its occupants.

As a result of this discovery, the 2006 International Building Code adopted several building codes which required construction professionals to reinstate the fire-resistance rating of a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly. This is where we introduce the concept of passive fire protection.

Passive Fire Protection is the system which slows or prevents the spread of fire within a building – utilizing fire-rated materials and solutions to achieve this.  This system works by using fire-rated solutions, such as intumescent recessed light covers, to contain fire, heat, and smoke, by limiting heat and fire spread to a single compartment within the building.

Causing fires to become smaller and contained, passive fire protection (PFP) systems have the ability to increase the response time for first responders and provide additional evacuation time for the building’s occupants.

Tenmat’s POV: The Importance of Passive Fire Protection

Following the building code adoptions, construction professionals were seeking PFP solutions and materials that can resolve the unprotected openings within their design details. However, construction professionals struggled to find a fire-rated solution, which has been

  1. Properly tested and certified by an accredited third-party testing laboratory,
  2. Fitted to meet the design requirements of the application, and
  3. Engineered to be easily installed into a wide range of building types.

Dedicated to protecting the safety of present and future communities, Tenmat developed an adaptable form of passive fire protection technology, intumescents. With the release of this technology, construction professionals were now able to meet local building codes while simultaneously fulfilling their design concepts.

Through our manufacturing capability to produce intumescents, which offer various expansion rates and char production, Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescents can protect a wide range of unprotected openings.

With this versatility, our intumescents can be specified into a diverse range of unprotected openings. From ventilated air cavities in a rainscreen assembly to recessed fixtures in a fire-rated ceiling assembly, Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials and Solutions can reinforce the integrity of these fire-resistance rated assemblies.

Intumescents in Passive Fire Protection

As previously mentioned, our Intumescent Solutions and Materials can meet the design requirements + passive fire protection standards of a wide range of building types. To discover our capabilities for each popular building type, please explore our quick overview.

 

Modern home theater with a large screen, cozy sofa, and blue accent lighting; Audio text above.Rows of black server racks in a data center with Data Centers text and a More Information button.Classroom with round tables, chairs, bookshelves, TV, and a whiteboard; Education text at the top.A modern building facade with reflective glass panels and Facades text in bold red letters.

 

Hospital hallway with white floors and walls, labeled “Healthcare,” and a “More Information” button.Spacious, modern hospitality lobby with wooden furniture, large windows, and warm lighting.Modern white office building by a pond, labeled Industrial/Commercial. More Information button shown.Close-up of a mass timber joint with a gray insulation layer, and text reading Mass Timber and More Information.Several modular buildings under construction inside a large industrial warehouse, with Modular text above.Modern multi-family apartment building with large windows, under a clear blue sky, and a More Information button.

Enforcing Life Safety + Passive Fire Protection

Even though, Tenmat’s Solutions and Materials evolved alongside modern construction – the visibility of passive fire protection in modern construction remains on the lower side. Admittedly, this lack of visibility remains valid, due to the extensive, ongoing list of safety measures code officials and construction professionals are required to memorize and specify.

On top of curating our wide range of Advanced Intumescent Solutions and Materials, Tenmat is dedicated to educating local building code officials and construction professionals about unprotected openings in numerous building types. To encourage these individuals to gain more knowledge about these life safety hazards, we offer free 1-1 educational webinars for anyone who may be interested.

Schedule Your Free Educational Webinar Here.

AIA Course: Intumescent Fire Block for Ventilated Rainscreen Systems

Safety Hazards for Unprotected Ceiling Openings

Final Remarks

As communities across the United States continue to grow and evolve, so too must the strategies used to protect them. Passive fire protection can no longer be a secondary consideration – it is one of key components in the foundation of our future infrastructures.

Here at Tenmat, our Advanced Intumescent Solutions and Materials have not only addressed a once-overlooked life safety hazard but have also redefined how unprotected openings are managed in fire-rated assemblies.

By combining innovation, rigorous testing, and practical design adaptability, Tenmat encourages architects, builders, and building code officials to meet today’s safety standards without compromising on design or functionality.

As we look forward to the future, Tenmat remains committed to advancing passive fire protection technologies and educating industry professionals about relevant building code adoptions – ensuring that every structure, in every community, is built with safety from its core.

LED Downlights + PFP.

Ceiling cross-section showing LED wafer light with fire protection cones and text overlay about LED light safety.

Discover the importance of properly fire rating compromised openings, created by LED wafer-styled downlights – and how to effectively resolve this life safety issue.

When it comes to designing a space – whether it’s a luxury hotel lobby or a restaurant renovation – lighting is often one of the essential components in the overall building’s design. It sets the mood, enhances the functionality, highlights the building’s aesthetics, and even impacts energy efficiency.

However, selecting the correct lighting is more than just brightening the room. For example, would you specify a low-lumen light in an operating room? A high-lumen light for a newly renovated fine dining restaurant? No, of course not.

In addition to a fixture’s lumen output, construction professionals need to consider ceiling height, safety requirements, and the building’s aesthetics when selecting their lighting of choice. Therefore, selecting the right lighting fixture isn’t a design decision – it’s a strategic one.

One fixture that’s been checking all the right boxes lately? Low-profile LED downlights.

LED Downlights. Pancake lights. LED Wafer-Styled lights. LED Wafers. Whatever you want to call them. Low-profile LED Downlights have become a popular lighting trend in modern-day construction. But what makes these slim fixtures so popular on job sites across the United States? Let’s break it down.

LED Wafers in Today’s Construction Methods

In today’s construction world, efficiency, flexibility, and aesthetics are key – and that’s exactly why low-profile LED downlights have become a favorite among architects and contractors.

Formulated with an ultra-thin design, LED downlights can fit into tight ceiling spaces where traditional recessed lighting simply won’t work. Whether it’s a hotel relighting renovation or a new construction multi-family complex, their compact design makes them incredibly versatile.

Beyond their size, low-profile LEDs are also known for their installation process. With integrated junction boxes and no need for bulky housings, they’re quick to install – allowing for a reduction in labor time.

Plus, they’re energy-efficient, helping to meet new building codes and reduce long-term energy costs for clients.

Aesthetically, these fixtures offer a clean, modern look that blends seamlessly into ceilings, making them ideal for both residential and commercial spaces. Available in various sizes, color temperatures, and finishes, they can be tailored to suit any design vision.

Furthermore, it’s clear why LED downlights have become the preferred lighting fixtures.

Understanding Recent Building Adoptions & LED Downlights

As the popularity of these fixtures grow, so does their associated life safety hazard.  When an LED downlight is fitted into a fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assembly, the assembly becomes compromised.

How? In the event of a fire outbreak, the heat and flames melt the lighting fixture – opening a prime pathway for heat, smoke, and flames to spread throughout the structure. This reaction jeopardizes the building and everyone within it.

To combat this hazard, building code officials adopted the following building code. The International Building Code states:

“Penetrations of membranes that are part of a horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 714.4.1.1 or 714.4.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.”

This means that any form of recessed lighting – such as low-profile LED downlights – installed in fire-resistance rated applications must include a properly tested and certified form of passive fire protection. Because of this, passive fire protection manufacturers were tasked with formulating a fire-rated solution, specifically for LED downlights.

The Early Stages of PFP for LED Downlights

Traditionally, contractors would build boxes, composed of fire-rated drywall, around each individual LED downlight.

Often, these fire-rated drywall boxes are not built by specifications – raising the problem of inconsistency in the solutions’ quality. To add on to its inconsistency in quality, fire-rated drywall boxes require additional tedious labor – causing labor expenses to raise significantly.

In the effort to reduce labor and material expenses, PFP manufacturers introduced the fire-rated LED downlight. With its ability to be installed easily and merge two solutions into one, fire-rated LED downlights have become a popular choice for contractors and manufacturers.

As it turns out, many of these fire-rated lights have not been properly tested and certified. Without proper testing and certification, these fire-rated lights become a liability in the protection of the building and its occupants.

Consequently, construction professionals have not found a properly tested and certified fire-rated solution, designed for LED wafer openings.

Introducing Tenmat’s Fire Rated Covers for LED Downlights

Until Tenmat’s LED Downlight Fire-Rated Covers. Formulated with state-of-the-art intumescent technology, Tenmat introduced its FF109-200 and FF109-250 LED Downlight Fire-Rated Covers. These covers were designed to expand and seal off unprotected openings, caused by LED wafers, in the event of a fire.

Effortless Installation

With its lightweight, flexible composition, Tenmat’s Fire Rated Light Covers can easily be retrofitted into pre-existing and new construction jobsites. Their adaptable design ensures compatibility with a wide range of LED downlights, including wafer-style fixtures.

A modern, black, cone-shaped structure with an arched entrance and minimal interior on a white platform.

Certified Fire Protection

Aside from its seamless integration during installation, Tenmat’s FF109-200 and FF109-250 LED Wafer Covers both have undergone rigorous testing by accredited laboratories and are certified for up to 60 minutes of fire protection. Tenmat’s LED Downlight Covers are proven to be a reliable choice for meeting stringent building code standards in residential, commercial, and multi-family buildings.

Additional Key Benefits

  • Flexible intumescent material
  • Tool-free installation
  • Low-Profile Design
  • Retrofitting Capabilities

To Sum It All Up

In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, lighting is no longer just about aesthetics or energy efficiency – it’s about making smart decisions that balance form, function, and most importantly, life safety. Low-profile LED downlights have revolutionized modern lighting design with their sleek appearance, ease of installation, and energy-saving benefits.

However, their integration into fire-rated assemblies introduced a critical safety challenge that couldn’t be ignored. That’s where we, Tenmat, step in.

With the creation of the FF109-200 and FF109-250 Fire-Rated Covers, we have successfully bridged the gap between innovative lighting and passive fire protection. These fire-rated covers offer a tested, certified, a code-compliant solution that ensures LED downlights can be safety installed without compromising the integrity of a fire-resistance rated ceiling assembly.

For architects, engineers, and contractors, this means peace of mind – knowing that their lighting choices not only meet design and performance standards but also uphold the standards of life safety.

Because in construction, every detail matters – and when it comes to life safety, there’s no room for failure.

Protecting Patients with Passive Fire Protection.

Hospital corridor with text: Passive Fire Protection in Healthcare Facilities and red hexagon graphics.

Discover how Tenmat’s Fire-Rated Light Covers and Through-Penetration Solutions play a core role in protecting our community’s health centers and assisted living facilities.

Ambulance sirens blaring. Intercoms reporting incoming emergencies. Medical monitoring devices beeping and whirling. Medical centers, such as hospitals and assisted living facilities, are always bustling with activity and people.

With its prime functionality of keeping our communities healthy, healthcare facilities are required to be fully operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

However, in rare incidents, there are times when a healthcare center’s operations are compromised. One of those rare incidents would be an active fire outbreak. An active fire has the potential to endanger immobile patients, healthcare professionals, and expensive medical equipment.

In addition to its original endangerment, active fire outbreaks are known to accelerate rapidly within healthcare infrastructures. Why? Simply, unprotected openings.

Diagnosing the Issue: Unprotected Openings.

When analyzing the integrity of a healthcare building’s fire protection, any time a component breaks a barrier, such as a ceiling or floor, the assembly is now compromised. As one can suspect, there are endless unprotected openings in floors, ceilings, and walls.

But why are these openings considered life safety hazards? In short, these openings as a prime pathway for a fire to accelerate throughout a structure. When these fixtures are placed into their applications, often, these fixtures melt under the high temperatures of a fire. With the melted fixture, there is no barrier between the fire and its access to the remainder of the building. The question is “How do you identify these unprotected openings in a redevelopment or new construction project?”

Fixing the Fracture: Specifying Fire-Rated Light Covers.

Whether it’s lighting a surgical operating room or ensuring medical professionals are aware of important announcements, recessed can lights, troffer luminaires, or in-ceiling loudspeakers are common components in healthcare facilities. As previously mentioned, when these recessed fixtures are installed into these assemblies – the assembly now compromised. The main reason why is because these recessed fixtures melt in a matter of minutes.

Once melted, smoke and flames can quickly accelerate upwards and sideways in a building – drastically depleting evacuation and response times. In a structure where many patients are immobile or medically inclined, the non-existent evacuation time puts these individuals in critical danger.

To eliminate this potential scenario, building code officials have adopted building requirements where these unprotected ceiling openings are reinforced with a form of passive fire protection.

Here at Tenmat, we have formulated our Fire-Rated Covers to be applicable in various applications – especially in healthcare-related infrastructures. Explore our fire-rated covers for recessed can lights, troffer luminaires, and in-ceiling loudspeakers below:

Three fire-rated covers for recessed can lights with bulleted features and a red background.

Blue in-ceiling speaker fire cover with key features listed on a red and cream background.Treating the Tumor of Through-Penetration Openings.

In parallel with unprotected ceiling openings, through penetration openings pose as a major threat as well. Even though cables, wires, and optical cables tend to be minor in size; once melted – these openings become anything but minor.

With these components being necessary for building functionality, it is imperative that architects specify proper passive to ensure the highest levels of building functionality and fire protection.

At Tenmat, we offer a wide range of firestopping solutions and materials – applicable in a multitude of through-penetration applications. Explore Tenmat’s Intumescent Through Penetration Solutions below:

Red banner showing fire protection products, a checklist, and text highlighting intumescent firestop solutions.

In Recovery.

In the realm of healthcare, every second counts – and so does every layer of proper passive fire protection. Fires, while rare, can create devasting consequences in facilities filled with vulnerable patients, critical medical equipment, and around the clock operations. Therefore, addressing passive fire protection isn’t just a building code requirement – it’s non-negotiable.

Unprotected openings, whether in the form of ceiling fixtures or through-penetrations, can turn a minor incident into a tragedy in minutes. Our Fire-Rated Light Covers and Through-Penetration Solutions provide essential, code-compliant defense mechanisms that preserve the integrity of fire-rated assembles and buy time in emergencies.

When it comes to protecting healthcare spaces, Tenmat provides peace of mind – preventing smoke and flame spread before they ever have a chance to spread.