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

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

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

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

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

battery storage battery storage facilities Fire Protection firestopping Intumescent Life Safety lithium ion battery Passive Fire Protection through-penetration

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

Properly tested and certified by an accredited third-party testing laboratory,
Fitted to meet the design requirements of the application, and
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.

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.

assisted living audio Commerical facades fire block fire-rated covers healthcare Hospitality industrial Intumescent mass timber modular Passive Fire Protection retail Tenmat

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.

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.

LED downlight LED wafer led wafer-styled pancake light Passive Fire Protection unprotected opening

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:

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:

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.

assisted living Fire Rated Lights fire-rated covers healthcare hospitals Life Safety medical assistance Passive Fire Protection peace of mind rehab centers

Going Back to the Basics: Fire Protection for Recessed Can Lights.

Fire protection covers for recessed can lights installed in a ceiling above a fire, with text on the left.

Discover why unprotected recessed can lights require passive fire protection solutions in multi-family homes.

Life Safety – the main catalyst for the rapid adoption in passive fire protection solutions and materials in the construction landscape. From through-penetration openings to ventilated air cavities, passive fire protection is required in a multitude of applications, environments, structures, and practices.

With the rapid expansion of this demand, passive fire protection specialists, such as Tenmat, have been put to the test in their ability to create the latest innovations in passive fire protection technology while simultaneously meeting the latest in construction practices. Unfortunately, the ever-changing landscape has “dimmed the lights” on certain passive fire protection solutions that aren’t related to the latest building code adoptions. So, let’s get back to the basics – unprotected ceiling openings caused by recessed can lights.

The Origin of Life Safety – Recessed Can Lights

Recessed can lights are commonly installed into the ceilings of both residential and commercial buildings. Often, ceiling/floor assemblies of multi-level buildings must comply with stringent fire regulations, and when necessary, the construction should be fire-rated. But, why?

When recessed lights are specified into these assemblies, the installation of these fixtures creates an unprotected opening. In the event of a fire, the fixture melts aways in minutes. With this opening, heat, smoke, and flames have immediate access to travel from room to room, level to level.

To protect the lives and properties within our communities, the International Building Code addressed in section 714.5.2 of the 2018 IBC:

“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.”

With this issue addressed, construction professionals are required to implement appropriate levels of fire protection – especially within ceiling assemblies. Please review the list below of the common applications where these standards may arise:

Multifamily Communities
Healthcare Facilities
Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Centers
Pre-K and Elementary Schools
Jr/Sr High Schools
Higher-Education Institutions
Student Housing
Mixed-Use Buildings

The Threats of Tradition

With the newfound demand for a passive fire protection solution and its non-existence, the race to formulate a proper solution commenced. Resulting from this demand, one of the first forms of passive fire protection originated – self-made boxes made out of Type X sheetrock.

Known for its cheap material cost, traditional drywall boxes were ideal to use when resolving the compromised ceilings. However, these solutions had major flaws with their improper fire ratings and costly labor expenses.

For this reason, fire-rated lighting fixtures were introduced. With their ability to fulfill lighting demands and fire protection standards, fire-rated recessed can lights were an optimal solution for both general contractors and electrical contractors. Often, the material costs of a fire-rated light remain at the higher end – not ideal for projects, who have strict budgets.

Due to this, contractors, architects, and developers were still seeking a fire-rated solution, where the solution can fully meet all the following demands:

Stringent Building Code Standards
Easy Installation Steps
Cost-Efficient

In response, Tenmat developed our line of Fire-Rated Covers – specifically formulated for recessed can lights.

Progression in Protection

Composed of intumescent material, Tenmat introduced the FF109-300, and FF109-350 Fire Rated Recessed Light Covers. With its intumescent composition, the cover allows for 60 minutes of protection from heat, flames, and smoke – allowing for additional evacuation time for the building’s occupants. Another added benefit of using intumescent technology is its flexible and lightweight composure. With the ability to be easily installed, our Fire-Rated Solutions have proven to provide significant labor savings, unlike traditional passive fire protection solutions.

Our Fire-Rated Recessed Can Light Covers are able to be paired with a variety of recessed cans, regardless of make and/or model. With this feature, contractors can easily install these solutions into ceiling assemblies, while meeting the overall building’s aesthetics.

To learn more about these products, please visit the following pages:

FF109-300 Fire Rated Recessed Light Cover

FF109-350 Fire Rated Recessed Light Cover

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring the safety and integrity of multi-family homes and other structures with recessed lighting is important. The evolution of passive fire protection for recessed cans, such as Tenmat’s Fire-Rated Recessed Light Covers, highlights the importance of addressing unprotected ceiling openings. By integrating advanced intumescent solutions and materials, construction professionals can significantly enhance fire protection, providing crucial evacuation time. As we continue to innovate and adhere to developing building codes, we must remember that the goal is to protect the lives and properties within our communities. Get Active About Passive Fire Protection – Specify Tenmat.

can lights Fire Protection fire-rated covers Passive Fire Protection recessed can lights recessed fixtures recessed lights

Defending Inside and Out with Intumescents.

Hexagonal collage featuring fire safety devices, highlighting the external and internal uses of intumescents technology.

Discover how intumescents have transformed the use of passive fire protection, from a building’s foundation to its outermost structure.

Investigating Our Communities.

Walls, Ceilings, Ventilated Air Cavities – are the main assemblies where architects are required to specify passive fire protection solutions and materials. However, within these assemblies, the range of applications requiring passive fire protection is vast. From cable openings to in-ceiling loudspeakers to a ventilated air cavity in a modern façade application, building code requirements have been rapidly adopted to protect the lives and properties within our communities. But why are these applications requiring passive fire protection measures? Simply, any application that has an opening, whether it be surrounding it, underneath it, or above it, acts as a prime pathway for flames and heat to travel. With these exposed pathways, a building can be rapidly consumed by an active fire in a matter of minutes, hence the demand for passive fire protection.

As a result, traditional fireblocking methods have been adapted and specified into modern construction applications. However, problems arose. Even though, traditional passive fire protection meets stringent code regulations, construction professionals have other demands other than code compliance. Whether if it’s allowing the fire-rated solution to adapt to its surroundings or be fitted into nonstandard applications, these demands are critical to ensure code-compliant passive fire protection is specified – but, specified correctly.

Here at Tenmat, we specialize in an advanced form of passive fire protection technology, intumescents. Intumescents are known for their ability to expand rapidly when exposed to heat or flames. With this ability, intumescents are allowed to be designed in a multitude of shapes, dimensions, thicknesses, and most importantly, applications. With this type of technology, architects and developers can meet stringent code requirements while meeting their personal demands. Now, let’s explore how intumescents can meet the demands of the code and the application itself – both inside and out.

Specifying Intumescents Through and Through.

Let’s start with addressing where passive fire protection is required – but remains hidden from its occupants’ eyes. In the innerworkings of a building, there are entire systems of cables, pipes, and wires – however, these systems pose as a major threat to life safety. Anytime, one of these components runs through a floor, wall, or ceiling, the opening of the penetration becomes an easy access point for fires. Since this discovery, building codes have required passive fire protection to be implemented into these applications. In addition to its code compliance, these solutions and materials were expected to fit into both standard and nonstandard openings.

As a result, Tenmat introduced a line of advanced intumescent solutions, designed to meet all the firestopping demands for through-penetration applications. Designed with flexible, lightweight intumescent material, Tenmat’s Advanced Fire-Rated Solutions and Materials can be retrofitted into unprotected penetration openings, regardless of the size or dimensions of the opening. In addition, all these solutions have been tested by Underwriter Laboratories (UL), an accredited third-party testing facility. Formulating a line of solutions, which are code-compliant and highly adaptable, Tenmat’s Advanced Passive Fire Protection Solutions are a top choice for architects and developers. To explore these solutions, click here.

“Uncovering” the Levels of Intumescents, Above and Below.

Now, that we discussed on how intumescents play a role in the foundation of our communities – let’s talk about where passive fire protection is a tad more visible. Look up at your current ceiling – doesn’t matter if you are at work, in school, shopping, out to eat. How many in-ceiling loudspeakers do you see? How many recessed light fixtures? Now, imagine each one of those recessed fixtures being a pathway for heat, smoke and flames. Shall we continue? In the event of a fire outbreak, these recessed fixtures, regardless of if it’s a light or loudspeaker, will diminish in a matter of minutes, leaving an access point for a fire to accelerate rapidly. To confront this issue, building codes such as Section 714 of the IBC, have been applied to reduce this hazard.

Traditional methods, such as fire-rated drywall boxes, were introduced to the construction landscape. However, problems such as lack of flexibility and installation consistency created additional labor costs and extended lead times for on-site contractors.

To resolve these issues, Tenmat introduced its line of Fire Rated Covers for Recessed Light Fixtures and In-Ceiling Loudspeakers. Engineered with adaptable, lightweight intumescent technology, Tenmat’s Fire Rated Enclosures can easily be placed on top of a large range of recessed fixtures, regardless of model or manufacturer. After installation, Tenmat’s Fire-Rated Covers reinstate the integrity of these openings – diminishing the acceleration of an active fire. With its technology, electrical and general contractors can easily install code-compliant passive fire protection technology without adding additional expenses in labor and materials. To learn more about Tenmat’s Fire Rated Covers, please click here.

Protecting the Cavity.

Finally, let’s take a step outside. Often, in new construction, we have been seeing an increase in the adoption of modern cladding applications. With its ability to generate positive benefits, such as increasing a building’s energy efficiency, maintaining water management while simultaneously appeasing the aesthetic eye – modern façades are the go-to construction practice. Unfortunately, its ventilated air cavity, the source of this practice’s major benefits, is a prime conduit for a fire outbreak. This cavity allows for heat, smoke, and flames to rapidly accelerate in a very short time – acting similarly to a “chimney”. As a result, building code officials have implemented stringent building codes – requiring fireblocking within these cavities. Architects have specified traditional fireblocking into these cavities; however, these solutions end up fully blocking the cavity. With this type of positioning, the cavity is unable to meet its performance requirements of proper water management and air ventilation – defeating the purpose of its design.

Here at Tenmat, we have introduced a new concept to the modern façade industry – Intumescent Fireblocking. When triggered by heat, the intumescent will rapidly expand and create a tough char – containing the fire from spreading upwards. Therefore, Tenmat’s Intumescent Fireblocking is able to sit flush on one side of the cavity rather than placed across its entire length. With this functionality, Intumescent Fireblocking maintains the intended performance of the ventilated gap while only blocking it when needed. To explore the full capabilities of Tenmat’s Intumescent Fireblocking, please click here.

Applying it to Your Application.

From its foundation to its most outer parts, a building can hold a multitude of passive fire protection solutions and materials. However, when specifying passive fire protection, it’s important that these solutions comply with your application, not the other way around. To resolve this, simply incorporating intumescent materials and solutions, such as Tenmat’s, will allow you greater flexibility in your project’s design. As modern construction rapidly progresses, it’s critical to find passive fire protection solutions and materials, which can meet both compliance and compatibility. To explore further expand your knowledge on intumescents in different construction practices, check out our application overview here.

in-ceiling loudspeakers Intumescent intumescents modern facades Passive Fire Protection recessed lights through-penetration

Inside the Intumescent.

Explore the inner workings of the main component of Tenmat’s Advanced Passive Fire Protection Solutions and Materials – intumescent.

Passive Fire Protection – one of the main practices used to protect our developing communities. But why is passive fire protection important when it comes to protecting lives and properties? Whether you are developing a façade or a Type-VA multifamily structure, construction professionals are faced with a common life safety hazard – unprotected openings. When openings are left unprotected, they act as a “match to gasoline” in the acceleration of a fire outbreak.

To combat against these issues, building code officials have identified and implemented code regulations to reinstate the integrity of these unprotected openings with proper fire-resistance rated materials and solutions. In today’s construction industry, a wide range of materials are available to architects, developers, and contractors. However, we are going to focus on a technology that exceeds the expectations of passive fire protection: intumescent materials. So, let’s start with the No.1 question regarding this technology – what is an intumescent?

Introducing Intumescents.

An intumescent is a specialized material that reacts to heat or fire by rapidly expanding. Depending on the application’s requirements, it can expand up to 30 times its original size. The expansion pressure can be customized for specific uses or even modified to crush plastic pipework if desired. Once fully expanded, the intumescent forms a durable, solid char that effectively blocks the spread of fire, heat, and smoke for extended periods.

With its ability to activate when demanded, intumescents are integrated into some of the most complex applications, including ventilated rainscreen systems, through-penetration openings in walls and ceilings, and other high-risk spaces. This adaptability permits intumescents to becoming an essential component in modern fire protection.

Implementing and Installing Intumescents.

Over the last several decades, intumescents have been utilized across various industries and building types to reinforce life safety measures. Some of the most common applications include:

Fire-Rated Ceiling/Floor Assemblies
Fire-Rated Walls
Fire-Rated Doors
Plastic Pipes and Ducting
Electrical and Mechanical Penetrations
Structural Steel Protection

As a result of this adaptability, intumescent materials provide a reliable solution for construction professionals seeking to properly seal and reinforce unprotected openings. With its on-demand expansion, intumescents can be seamlessly integrated into fire-resistance, firestopping, and fireblocking systems, ensuring compliance with stringent building code regulations while maintaining the integrity of the building’s design.

Owning to its versatility, intumescents are specified across a diverse range of structures, from high-rise commercial buildings and industrial facilities to residential complexes and higher education institutions. Their versatility, combined with proven fire protection performance, makes them a critical component in safeguarding lives and property against fire hazards in the modern-day landscape.

Tenmat and Its Technology

Here at Tenmat, intumescent is the core component in all of our advanced passive fire protection solutions and materials. By incorporating this form of technology, Tenmat has the capability to develop high-performance solutions and materials, designed to meet the most rigorous and demanding applications. From formulating intumescent fire blocks to dome-shaped intumescent covers, Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials and Solutions showcase the benefits of reactive passive fire protection solutions, as opposed to a proactive solution.

For example, traditional firestopping products, such as mineral wool and sheet rock, are limited in movement – which is optimal in the scenario where the firestop does not need to change composure before AND during a fire. However, when installed in an opening that requires movement, such as a ventilated air cavity, traditional firestopping solutions pose negative effects.

To illustrate, let’s talk about a ventilated air cavity. With traditional mineral wool, its application would block off a portion of the air cavity – completely diminishing the benefits of a ventilated rainscreen. In the installation of intumescent fireblocking, such as specifying Tenmat’s FF102/50 Fire Block, the solution would be flushed with the cavity wall until an active fire, where the intumescent will then expand and solidify across the opening. With this ability, Tenmat’s FF102/50 allows the cavity to maintain optimal performance and blocks the cavity when necessary. However, this is only one of the many scenarios on why Tenmat chooses intumescent as its main component in its Advanced Solutions and Materials.

Conclusion

As modern building codes continue to evolve, the demand for reliable, high-performance passive fire protection solutions continues to rise. Intumescents, with its unique ability to expand and adapt, plays a critical role in meeting these evolving safety standards. Its versatility allows it to effectively reinforce the integrity of both common and complex openings in our infrastructure, ensuring that flames, smoke, and heat are contained when it matters most.

As architects and construction professionals strive to design safer, more resilient buildings, intumescents will remain a cornerstone of passive fire protection. Whether used in high-rise developments, healthcare facilities, or K12 infrastructures, advanced intumescent materials and solutions, such as Tenmat’s, provides an unmatched combination of adaptability and performance. When it comes to passive fire protection, choose solutions, who have been tried and tested – specify Tenmat.

fireblocking Intumescent Life Safety Passive Fire Protection

Fireblocking in Façades: The Sunshine State Version.

Skyline view with Tenmat and Taylor Architectural Products logos; fire protection image inside a red location pin.

Un“block” the magic between Central Florida’s Top Division Seven Architectural Expert and the United States’ leading passive fire protection manufacturer.

Hot, humid climate, extreme weather conditions, astronomical energy building costs are just a small reason why Floridians were searching for an optimal building practice that can combat these severe elements. As a result, leading construction professionals have opted in specifying ventilated rainscreen systems into their new development projects. With its ability to control moisture-related issues such as mold, mildew, and structural degradation, ventilated rainscreens are engineered to mitigate these problems by allowing air circulation between the building’s exterior cladding and its inner wall structure. With this airflow, it promotes a proper drying mechanism – eliminating the risk of trapped moisture.

In addition to its capability to thrive in humid climate, ventilated rainscreen assemblies are able to create a thermal buffer zone that permits the regulation of indoor temperatures – optimal for air-conditioned buildings in Florida’s sweltering summers. However, this system’s ventilated air cavity creates a major life safety hazard – the ultimate pathway for an active fire outbreak. In order to resolve this issue, building code officials have implemented stringent regulations that enforce fireblocking within this gap. As fireblocking technology was developed, one of the main complications was its inability to maintain the proper gap sizing – depreciating the moisture control and energy efficiency benefits of ventilated rainscreen systems.

When discussing the development of a fireblocking solution for façade applications, Tenmat’s on-site engineers brought up the question, “Why block the cavity when it doesn’t need to be blocked”? Thus, we engineered a solution that can 1) meet the fireblocking requirements of the most stringent building regulations, and 2) offer the full performance and benefits of a ventilated air cavity – meet Tenmat’s Intumescent Fire Blocks for Ventilated Rainscreen Systems.

So, how does Tenmat’s Intumescent Technology allow for full-scale performance of the cavity within a ventilated rainscreen system? An intumescent is a remarkable material that reacts and expands aggressively when exposed to heat. This expansion fills gaps, accommodates changes in an opening, and forms a high-performance fire barrier that lasts for extended periods. Unlike traditional solutions, intumescent technology allows construction professionals to create custom fireblocking solutions tailored to specific project requirements—be it application type, thickness, shape, expansion rate, or char formation—rather than relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all options.

At Tenmat, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with ventilated rainscreen experts and building code officials to develop optimal fireblocking solutions for façade applications. Our products are designed not only to meet but to exceed the demands of modern construction projects.

Tenmat’s FF102/50 Intumescent Fire Block

NFPA285 Fire Tested Component
Intertek Listed (SPEC ID: 55536)
UL Classified under the Exterior Wall System Component category (FWFX)
ASTM E84 (UL 723): Flame Spread: 0 Smoke Developed: 0
Continuous Free Air Space up to 2″ (50mm)
Allows for ventilation and moisture dissipation
Expands up to 25x of its thickness in case of a fire
Creates a fire block to prevent “chimney” effect
Fire & Age Tested

Tenmat’s FF102/50Plus Ventilated Fire Block

Creates a hidden fire barrier/fireblock behind the cladding
Allows for ventilation and moisture dissipation
UL Classified under the Exterior Wall System Component category (FWFX)
NFPA285 Fire Tested and Approved
Continuous Free Air Space from 2″ (50mm) up to 19.6″ (500mm)
Quick & Easy Installation
Fire & Age Tested
Prevents “chimney” effect

About Taylor Architectural Products:

Taylor Architectural Products is built on a strong commitment to delivering innovative architectural solutions to leading design professionals and providing hands-on educational support to general contractors. As a trusted partner, they specialize in rainscreen cladding systems, insulation, and weather-resistant barriers.

To connect with Taylor Architectural Products, please contact Bob Taylor.

air cavity performance energy conservation fireblocking Florida gap performance intumescent fire block intumescent fireblocking Life Safety Passive Fire Protection rainscreen assemblies Ventilated Rainscreen Systems

Meet the Ford of the Façades Industry: Intumescent Fire Blocks for Ventilated Rainscreen Assemblies.

A city skyline with “Tenmat Passive Fire Protection LINES INC” and an inset of a fire safety device in use.

Discover why intumescent technology is the prime fireblocking solution for the growing states of Michigan and Indiana.

Detroit. Indianapolis. Fort Wayne. Ann Arbor. Grand Rapids. All of these major Great Lake cities have three things in common: they 1) are rapidly expanding, due to population growth, 2) have adopted the construction application of ventilated rainscreen systems, and 3) have been required to eliminate the chimney effect in these open-state cavities.

In modern ventilated rainscreen applications, its interior gap allows for a multitude of sustainability benefits, such as proper air circulation and moisture dissipation; however, this open cavity is a highly accessible route for heat, flames and smoke to rapidly travel throughout the building, both horizontally and vertically. With this form of accessibility, a fire outbreak can consume an entire building in a short time span – permitting individuals from having a sufficient evacuation timeframe.

To resolve this critical hazard, both building code officials and passive fire protection manufacturers have partnered together to formulate effective solutions to block off the pathway of the fire. However, one of the major disadvantages of these solutions is that it’s positioning greatly affects the functionality purposes of a ventilated rainscreen system. Traditionally, this technology seals off the cavity opening entirely, and when a fire occurs, it is compartmentalized by the technology. However, with the technology sealing off parts of the ‘open state’ cavity – the advantages of proper air circulation and moisture dissipation are nearly diminished.

Engineered with the latest in intumescent technology, Tenmat’s Ventilated Fire Blocks and Barriers are designed to allow for the full efficiency of air circulation and moisture dissipation in an open cavity – while providing the appropriate level of fireblocking. Intumescent technology is a material which reacts and expands aggressively when exposed to heat – allowing for gaps and changes in an opening – such as a ‘open state’ cavity in a ventilated rainscreen assembly. With this technology, we designed our fireblocking solutions to be compacted to the level, where it allows for the proper functionality of an open-air’ cavity and when activated by heat, expands far enough to seal off the entire cavity. To learn more about Tenmat’s Intumescent Blocks and Barriers, please click here.

In the efforts to provide the developing Great Lakes area with accessibility to the latest firestopping technology and the top performing building envelope solutions, Tenmat and Lines Inc. have converged a partnership to allow for this opportunity. With over 30 years in the field, Lines Inc. has deep expertise in architecture, design, and construction materials. Our extensive experience has led us to proudly represent exceptional product lines, ensuring that we bring the best to your projects and help your vision come to life.

Specializing in rainscreen systems with the following components:

Passive Fire Protection
Insulation
Cladding
Thermal Breaks
Balconies/canopies

To directly contact Lines Inc, please contact either Greg Schneider here or Dane Schneider here.

Building Code cavity barriers Detroit FF102/50 great lakes region Intumescent intumescent fire block modern facades Passive Fire Protection VFB Plus