| Author |
Message |
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger
Post Number: 317
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 02:18 pm: |    |
We have an overseas project where the architect wants to use what they call "flexible fire quilts" of mineral fiber insulation, to act as flexible fire-rated dividers in concealed void spaces. They want this rather than gypsum board because of the ease of installation in tight concealed spaces.
Does anyone know of a manufactured product that fits this description? Seems to me it should be more than just a mineral wool blanket attached at the top, but would need some facing or stitching to contain the fibers, and some kind of stiff borders to allow perimeter attachment. |
Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski
Post Number: 861
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 02:25 pm: | |
What about the rated batt insulation used in curtain wall applications? Thermafiber comes to mind... |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey
Post Number: 187
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 02:27 pm: | |
Dave,
Try http://www.thermafiber.com/
Mineral wool alone does not a firestop make. It is part of a system. |
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger
Post Number: 318
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 02:40 pm: | |
This is not for firestopping of penetrations through fire-rated construction, nor for perimeter firestopping between adjoining fire-rated constructions (as top of wall or slab edge at curtain walls).
Instead it is to subdivide concealed void spaces, similar to firestopping a cavity below flooring. Except they want a flexible not a rigid product. |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey
Post Number: 188
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 02:57 pm: | |
I am not aware if Thermafiber mineral wool is fire-rated by itself although it does have a Class 1 flame spread (25 or less) and a high melting point (1800-2000 deg F). That only makes it noncombustible. |
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman
Post Number: 755
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 03:19 pm: | |
What are the specific requirements in the governing building code?
Is the code prescriptive- or performance-based or both? In U.S. codes, materials aren't fire rated, only assemblies.
However, it sounds like they don't really want a fire-rated material, but more of a noncombustible material to subdivide large, concealed spaces to impede the spread of flames and smoke.
Since I'm only familiar with U.S. building codes, the IBC does allow the use of mineral wool or glass fiber blanket insulation to be used as fireblocking per Section 717.2.1 and as draftstopping pe Section 717.3.1, provided materials are "adequately supported."
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
RLGA Technical Services
www.specsandcodes.com |
Scott P. Sampson, AIA, CSI, CCS
New member
Username: scott_sampson
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 03:44 pm: | |
Look at Knauf Insulation Rocksilk Smoke and Fire Barriers. |
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger
Post Number: 319
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 04:13 pm: | |
The project is in the Middle East (with a British architect), but the applicable code is IBC 2006.
Looks like you nailed this, Ron.
Thanks |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey
Post Number: 189
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 04:14 pm: | |
Scott,
Please post a link directly to "Knauf Insulation Rocksilk Smoke and Fire Barriers." I have crawled all over the Knauf US web site and cannot locate this brand name. All Knauf's products appear to be glass fiber versus rock or slag fiber (mineral wool). |
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger
Post Number: 320
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 04:24 pm: | |
Wayne:
Google "Rocksilk fire barrier" and it will take you to the Knauf UK website.
Thanks Scott--that's exactly what I was looking for. |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey
Post Number: 190
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 04:26 pm: | |
Scott,
Found Rocksilk on the UK website.
http://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/products/rocksilk_slabs/rocksilk_firetech_slabs.aspx
Rocksilk Slabs and Rocksilk Mattresses
http://www.knaufinsulation.co.uk/products/all_rocksilk_products.aspx |
Colin Gilboy
Senior Member
Username: colin
Post Number: 184
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 10:14 am: | |
Here is a note from Knauf to me after asking them - note this project is in the Middle East:
"Knauf Rocksilk Smoke and Fire Barrier products are not available in the US and we do not have an equal product to it. Sorry."
Colin Gilboy
Publisher, 4specs.com
435.654.5775 - Utah
800.369.8008 |
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