It does not stop there, however.įabricating the duct from steel sheet stock does not mean it will be easy to firestop. ![]() Ductwork fabricated from some of the alternate materials listed above can burn through, collapse, or melt, propagating fire through walls. This is good from a fire-resistance perspective, as steel is inherently fire resistant. Behavior of Sheet Metal Ducts Under Fire ConditionsĪlthough there are a variety of different materials used to fabricate HVAC ducts-such as insulated panels, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), aluminum sheet stock, or different grades of steel-sheet metal ducts fabricated from steel sheet stock are the most popular type of HVAC duct used in commercial construction. Knowledge of how to properly firestop HVAC ducts can go a long way toward making jobs run smoothly, minimizing costly delays, and increasing profitability. Additionally, many insulation contractors provide integrated firestop installation as a service. The average insulation contractor may be faced with situations where he or she needs to firestop HVAC duct penetrations through fire-rated walls. Many HVAC ducts penetrating fire-rated walls are externally insulated with light-density glass fiber duct wrap, whether for energy conservation, efficiency increases, condensation control, or even sound attenuation. In just 7 years, the industry has more than 3.5 times more designs representing advances in firestopping technology for a fairly common type of penetrating item. ![]() Today, a search would yield 237 total systems for HVAC duct penetrations through walls. A cursory review of the UL Fire Resistance Directory, Volume 2 at the start of this decade would have shown 66 systems for HVAC ducts passing through walls. Because of the nature of thin sheet metal ductwork and the physics that come into play during the course of a fire, additional steps are required to ensure that such penetrants are properly protected. Firestopping non-dampered heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) duct penetrations in fire-rated walls is more involved than installing that ubiquitous red caulk into the space between the duct and the periphery of the opening.
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