Defending Inside and Out with Intumescents.

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.

Get to Know Tenmat’s Charles “Charlie” Alfieri

Today, we sat down with the man, who can be in three different places at once, Tenmat’s Sales Manager – Charles “Charlie” Alfieri. Whether he is exhibiting at this month’s Fire Protection trade show or connecting with our loyal customers on active job sites, Charlie is always on the go. However, he was able to allocate some of his time to sit down with us today and share his experience in the industry, his daily routine, and what he enjoys doing in his downtime.

Fire Protection

Passive Fire Protection Products are ideally installed in critical junctions of both walls and ceilings, sitting idle, unless called upon by heat or fire to react and expand.  Products like Tenmat’s Ventilated Fire Barriers (FF102-50) are low profile intumescent strips, applied directly to exterior walls, behind the cladding in rainscreen assemblies. Because of the thin profile of the FF102-50 the cavity is still open, allowing for drainage and airflow, which is critical for the performance of rainscreen assemblies.

Charlie Alfieri 

Sales Manager – Fire Protection

Get to Know Charlie Alfieri

Well, to start off this conversation, how long have you been with Tenmat?

 I have been with Tenmat for about 20 years now.

Wow, 20 years. Well, out of those 20 years, what is one piece of information you would give to someone on their first day at Tenmat?
The best piece of advice I could give to someone on their first day at Tenmat would be to be patient with themselves while learning the many features and benefits of the different passive fire protection products that Tenmat offers.  Passive fire protection products sit idle unless called upon, so proper product selection and placement are critical in order for the products to work as they were intended.
Now, from my understanding you have been representing the Tenmat name at the nation’s top construction conferences and exhibitions for several years now, what is your favorite memory from one of these events?
My favorite memory from the conferences and exhibitions would have to be from the 2022 ICC (International Code Council) Conference & Exposition in Louisville, KY.  Smokey The Bear was walking around the conference floor and decided to stay at our booth, taking pictures with delegates, and showing off our line of fire stop products.
Other than being known as the frequent traveler at Tenmat, what does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me starts off early replying to emails from the night before.  Then into the office and fielding calls offering products that can be specified and quoted for projects that are going out to bid across the country. Afternoons are pretty busy getting all project quotes out and fielding calls from customers in the field who have come across fire rated assemblies.
And finally, what do you do in your down time when you are away from the office?
I really enjoy spending time with my family, so I spend most of my weekends at the baseball or football field watching my boy’s play.    My daughter is on the dance team, so if I am not on the ball field you will probably find me watching my daughter at her dance competition.

Timber, Steel, and Life Safety: Passive Fire Protection in Modern Construction.

Learn More About the Standards of Passive Fire Protection in Modern Construction Practices.

Growing popularity for a major state university. Families relocating to the suburbs outside a rapidly developing city. Going demand for energy conservation practices in construction applications. For the past several decades, the United States has been swiftly developing its cities and towns, whether its repurposing outdated building structures, or constructing new facilities. Resulting from the rapid development, a multitude of modern construction practices, such as modular and mass timber construction, has emerged into the construction landscape.

As these practices appear in the construction scene, it is imperative that building code and life safety requirements are enforced and met. With passive fire protection upholding the safety of the lives and properties within our communities, building professionals and code officials need to properly identify the required firestopping solutions for each construction practice. In response, Tenmat has formulated an easy guide, which provides an overview of current construction applications and its associated passive fire protection requirements. Explore below and be proactive in protecting our communities from the disaster of a fire outbreak.

Overview

Testing 1, 2, 3 – Do You Have Life Safety? Advanced Passive Fire Protection in Audio Applications.

Whether you are installing in-ceiling loudspeakers in a newly renovated home cinema or mounting in-ceiling intercoms in new construction healthcare facilities, it is crucial that a high level of life safety is maintained. When these ceiling openings are left unprotected, flames, smoke, and heat are able to travel at an increased rate – jeopardizing the lives and property of these infrastructures. In response, passive fire protection solutions, such as Tenmat’s Fire Rated Enclosures, are designed to reinforce the integrity of the ceiling/floor assembly – causing the fire to be contained and allowing for additional evacuation time for occupants.

A blend of sound isolation, easy installation, and passive fire protection, TENMAT created the FF109-FRSC, a one-hour fire rated speaker cover. The FF109-FRSC 1 Hour Fire Rated Speaker is a dome-shaped intumescent enclosure which has been specifically designed to help maintain the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assemblies for one hour when penetrated by in-ceiling speakers. In addition, the sound absorbing properties of the propitiatory intumescent material enhance the acoustic performance of the speaker’s housing – allowing for a level of sound isolation.
If you want to learn more about the additional forms of passive fire protection in audio applications, please visit Audio Sector Page.

Ctrl+Alt+Delete Unsafe Facilities: Passive Fire Protection in Data Centers.

In the Digital Age, power-storage and data centers play a pivotal role in the storage, management, and processing of extensive digital information and computer systems. These facilities boast a sophisticated design, incorporating multiple storage devices, solid-state drives, and optical storage to cater to diverse and high-level client demands.

Given the substantial volume of through-penetration applications in these facilities, involving various electrical cables and wires, Tenmat has developed several UL Classified firestopping solutions to meet these specific demands. The FF160 Fire Protection Plug, a two-hour through-penetration firestop system, can be retrofitted within power and control cables, telecommunications cables, and optical fiber cables through solid floors or systems. UL Classified for a maximum of 60% cable fills in openings up to 5” diameter in concrete, this solution is easily customizable, making it ideal for power-generating energy stations. Additionally, our FF260 Fire Protection Block, a preformed, intumescent firestop block, is formulated to seal penetrations with cables, cable trays, cable bundles, metal pipes, and mixed penetrations, ensuring flame spread and smoke are halted for 120 minutes.

To gain additional knowledge about implementing the correct forms of passive fire protection into date centers, please visit Data Center Sector Page.

Educating Building Professionals About Advanced Firestopping Solutions in Educational Institutions.

Educational buildings, such as elementary and high schools (K12), university lecture halls, and vocational schools, are the starting grounds for the development of our current and future generations. One of the primary and most profound significances of passive fire protection is its capacity to save lives. In the unfortunate event of a fire outbreak, passive fire protection measures, such as fire-resistant materials, doors, and enclosures, act as a barrier, containing the spread of flames and smoke. This containment provides vital time for evacuation procedures to take place, ensuring the safety of students and staff. It is imperative to remember that in the chaotic atmosphere of a fire, seconds can make a crucial difference.

With T-Bar ceilings being fairly normalized in educational facilities, it is essential to develop a firestopping solution, which accommodates this life safety hazard. In line with the industry’s norm of suspended “T-Bar” ceilings, Tenmat engineered the FF130 – 2’ x 2’ and FF130 – 2’x4’ – a UL one-hour, fire-rated enclosure designed for troffer luminaires. With its ability to cater to any luminaire, regardless of any model or/and manufacturer, the FF130 – 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ allows architects and developers to choose their preferred lighting choice. Additionally, the flexible and lightweight nature of these covers allows for installation quickly and easily, significantly reducing labor costs compared to dry-walled box constructions.

Further educate yourself about the role passive fire protection plays in educational buildings by exploring the following link: Education Sector Page.

Creating the Equilibrium: Passive Fire Protection and Energy Conservation Solutions for Façade Systems.

In modern construction practices, the incorporation of external cladding and ventilated rainscreen systems have skyrocketed, serving as a dual purpose to enhancing a building’s aesthetics and providing effective protection against the elements. However, this innovative approach often leads to the creation of a cavity or void between the cladding and the building structure, a space crucial for ventilation and improved energy efficiency.

While this design strategy brings about notable advantages in terms of energy conservation and thermal performance, it also introduces a significant life safety challenge that demands careful consideration. The resulting void functions as an open chimney, posing a serious threat to the building’s structural integrity and the safety of its occupants. In the event of a fire this void becomes a conduit, allowing flames to spread rapidly both vertically and horizontally throughout the building.

In response to the massive life safety risks associated with this application, building codes, such as the 2022 NYC Building Code, has taken a proactive stance by identifying the challenges posed by concealed draft openings, both in vertical and horizontal orientations, within structures constructed using both combustible and noncombustible materials.
Tenmat’s FF102/50 Fire Blocks for rain screen systems are highly expansive intumescent fire blocks offering industry leading performance as Ventilated Cavity Fire Barriers / ‘Open State’ Cavity Fire Barriers and Façade Fire Block. The products have undergone extensive fire testing, including NFPA285, and are suitable for use within many construction types, enabling the versatile system to be specified with confidence and provide the installer with a simple, time saving and site friendly solution.

Expand your knowledge about the building code requirements and available solutions for façade systems by visiting Facades Sector Page.

A Band-Aid Won’t Fix the Aftermath: Implementing Passive Fire Protection in Healthcare Facilities.

Healthcare facilities play a vital role in our communities, serving as essential hubs for medical care, healing, and wellness. These facilities often cater to individuals who may have limited mobility, cognitive impairments, or other medical conditions that hinder their ability to respond quickly to a fire outbreak. Passive fire protection acts as a critical line of defense by compartmentalizing fires and preventing the rapid spread of flames, heat, and smoke. This containment allows for more time for evacuations, reduces the risk of smoke inhalation, and provides a safer environment for both residents and healthcare staff.

With a large-scale sanitary drainage and electrical wiring system within a healthcare facility, through-penetration is one of the key openings for flames and smoke, in the unfortunate event of a fire outbreak. As a result, Tenmat offers a full line of fire-rate solutions, designed for the small, irregular openings of through-penetration applications. Tenmat’s UL-Listed FF160 Fire Protection Plug is a flexible and lightweight material – ideal for retrofitting installation, as well as new construction of power and control cables, telecommunication cables, and optical fiber cables through sold floors or ceiling systems. For even smaller, irregular openings, Tenmat’s FF360 Fire Protection Foam can fire-rate irregular, hard-to-access, and large penetrations fast and effectively.

To broaden your understanding about the correct forms of passive fire protection required in healthcare facilities, please visit Healthcare Sector Page.

Shopping for Life Safety? Discover Various Forms of Passive Fire Protection in Hospitality Structures.

From luxury, all-inclusive resorts to your local shopping mall, the significance of maintaining high levels of life safety is crucial. With large volumes of people underneath a single structure, the outbreak of a fire possesses the potential to be catastrophic; therefore, implementing various forms of passive fire protection is essential.

Passive fire protection systems, such as TENMAT’s intumescent materials and solutions, serve as the first line of defense by containing fires, allowing more time for evacuation, and minimizing property damage. This not only protects the lives of guests and staff, but also helps preserve the reputation and financial stability of the hospitality industry. TENMAT offers a wide range of pre-designed solutions to reinforce the compromised integrity of fire-resistance rated ceiling assemblies in hospitality and retail applications.

With the affordability and design freedom of LED downlights, hospitality structures have grown to include these type of lighting fixtures in renovations and new construction of this form of application. TENMAT’s 109-200 and FF109-250s are designed to accommodate the future of lighting – LED downlights and with this solution’s retrofitting capabilities, it accommodates the bustling environments of hospitality and retail environments.

To discover more about the appropriate passive fire protection in hospitality structures, please visit Hospitality Sector Page.

The Age of Industrialization and Life Safety: Implementing Firestopping Technology in Industrial and Commercial Applications.

Whether you are developing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for a growing industry leader, or building additional warehouses for a consumer good giant, the importance of protecting its occupants and property is critical. In the unfortunate event of a fire, the lives of the structure’s employees and the physical assets of the facility are in danger of being consumed by smoke and flames. With the implementation of passive fire protection, it provides additional time for building occupants to evacuate, and an increased response time for first responders to extinguish the fire outbreak.

Many of these applications have irregular, hard-to-access, and/or small penetrations, which poses a threat when an outbreak of a fire occurs. These small, irregular openings allow for the flames, heat, and smoke to travel faster within a building, causing the number of lives and costly property damage to significantly increase. In response, Tenmat has formulated a line of pre-made solutions that cater to these irregular, hard-to-access openings.

Tenmat offers a wide range of pre-designed solutions to reinforce the compromised integrity of fire-resistance rated drywall or concrete wall and/or ceiling assemblies in industrial and commercial applications. Whether you are trying to fire-rate power and control cables, telecommunication cables, optical fiber cables, cable trays, cable bundles, metal pipes, or/and mixed penetrations, Tenmat offers a readily available solution.

To explore further about advanced passive fire protection for industrial and commercial applications, please visit Commercial Sector Page.

Master the Trade of Mass Timber and Passive Fire Protection Technology.

In recent years, the push for a smaller carbon footprint and faster lead times in construction practices resulted in the development of mass timber. 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 myriad other advantages position it as a frontrunner in the movement towards more responsible and eco-conscious building practices.

For joint and gap sealing applications in mass timber, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and glulam, Tenmat has developed a line of state-of-the-art intumescent materials and solutions, each designed with the capability to be versatile in various applications. 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. If the application requires a highly flexible firestopping material, Tenmat’s Firefly 104E is the optimal building block for this function. Its flexible nature allows for its ability to be applied into door and glazing seals, door hardware and ironmongery protection, damper seals, gap sealing or a variety of gasketing applications.

To gain additional knowledge about implementing the correct forms of passive fire protection into mass timber structures, please visit Mass Timber Sector Page.

Be The Role Model in Off-Site Construction: Explore the Demand for Passive Fire Protection in Modular Construction Practices.

Over the past several years, there has been a sharp increase in demand for more effective and efficient building processes within the construction industry. This heightened demand primarily stems from the limitations associated with traditional construction practices, including issues related to safety, construction quality, and project timelines. The answer to this problem is modular or off-site construction.

Modular, or off-site, construction practices have an assortment of benefits, compared to traditional construction practices; however, the demand for passive fire protection is equivalent to the demands in traditional construction practices. By building in passive fire protection at the point of manufacture, off-site structures offer builders a vast range of benefits making final construction an easier task.

From edge protection to through penetration, Tenmat offers “no build” UL fire-tested solutions, which have the ability to be installed in a matter of seconds and the flexibility to cater to the most difficult openings with no additional assembly or tools. Tenmat’s Firefly FF107 is an exceptionally powerful intumescent which combines fast reaction with high expansion and pressure generation. This material allows for an additional thickness for construction joint and gap sealing applications where the high expansion characteristics lead to economical material usage. If you are seeking to fire rate smaller wall penetrations, Tenmat offers a fire protection foam, the FF360. This sealant is recommended for blank openings, metal pipes, conduits, wires, and mixed penetrations in solid floors and ceilings.

To become an expert about passive fire protection standards in modular construction, please visit Modular Sector Page.

Multiply the Use of Passive Fire Protection in Multi-Family Complexes.

Conforming with the standards of implementing energy efficiency and accelerated construction practices, Type V-A construction has taken root in our modern, new communities. With its wood composition, these buildings provide excellent design flexibility, allowing for diverse architectural styles and layouts, making this practice optimal for residents, developers, and architects. Common applications of Type V-A construction include apartment complexes and condominiums. These structures house a multitude of families and individuals, which heightens the level of importance of installing passive fire protection solutions. By containing the smoke and flames, slowing their spread, and providing a longer evacuation period, passive fire protection not only reduces the loss of life but also ensures the integrity of the multi-family structure.

One of the main causes of the rapid spread of flames, smoke, and heat is the unprotected ceiling openings, caused by recessed can lights, LED downlights, and in-ceiling loudspeakers. When penetrating a fire-resistance rated ceiling with a lighting or speaker fixture, it compromises the integrity of a fire-resistance ceiling/floor assembly. Once a fire begins, the composition of the in-ceiling fixture melts within 15 minutes, allowing for heat, flames, and smoke to travel at a swift pace throughout the structure. In response, Tenmat has created a line of fire-rated enclosures, designed to fit over standard recessed can lights, oversized can lights, LED downlights, and in-ceiling speakers.

To learn more about applicable passive fire protection solutions and materials for multi-family structures, please visit Multi-Family Sector Page.

Wrapping It Up

To conclude, it is essential to keep our current and future communities safe from the unfortunate event of a fire outbreak. Here at Tenmat, we offer a full product range of firestopping solutions and materials, ranging from recessed can lights, in-ceiling loudspeakers, through-penetration systems, and so much more. To learn more about our full catalogue, please visit Application Overview or contact one of our specialists at +1-800-821-3436.