Firestopping Contractor — ApexSeal NY NY NJ CT PA
Firestopping
Seal penetrations and joints to contain fire, smoke, and toxic gases within fire-rated assemblies.
What Is Firestopping?
Firestopping is the installation of fire-resistive materials at penetrations and construction joints in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings. Every pipe, conduit, cable tray, and duct that passes through a fire-rated assembly creates a potential path for fire and smoke to spread. ApexSeal NY installs UL-listed firestopping systems that restore the fire rating of the assembly — protecting occupants, limiting property damage, and satisfying code and insurance requirements across NY, NJ, and CT.
Why Choose This Service
- Restores the fire rating of penetrated walls, floors, and ceilings
- Prevents fire and toxic smoke from spreading between compartments
- Required by IBC, NFPA 101, and local fire codes on all commercial projects
- UL-listed systems provide documented, inspectable fire protection
- Protects building occupants and limits property damage in a fire event
- Required for certificate of occupancy on most commercial and multi-family projects
- Reduces insurance liability and satisfies insurer requirements
Our Process & Approach
Penetration Survey
We walk the project and identify every penetration and construction joint in fire-rated assemblies — walls, floors, ceilings, and shaft walls.
System Selection
For each penetration type (pipe, conduit, cable, duct, etc.), we select the appropriate UL-listed firestopping system that matches the assembly rating and penetrant material.
Surface Preparation
Penetration openings are cleaned and sized correctly. Annular space (the gap between the penetrant and the opening) is verified to fall within the UL system parameters.
System Installation
Firestopping materials — intumescent sealants, pillows, wraps, collars, or mortar — are installed per the UL system requirements. Each system is labeled with the UL assembly number.
Joint Sealing
Construction joints (head-of-wall, floor-to-floor, and perimeter joints) are sealed with listed joint systems to maintain the fire rating of the assembly.
Documentation Package
We provide a complete firestopping log with photos, UL assembly numbers, and locations for each penetration — required for AHJ inspection and project closeout.
Applications & Project Types
Common Questions
What is the difference between fireproofing and firestopping?
Fireproofing protects structural elements (beams, columns) from losing load-bearing capacity in a fire. Firestopping seals openings in fire-rated assemblies to prevent fire and smoke from spreading between compartments. Both are required on most commercial projects — they serve different but complementary purposes.
Who inspects firestopping?
Firestopping is inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) — typically the local fire marshal or building department — and often by a third-party special inspector. We coordinate with inspectors and provide all required documentation.
What happens if firestopping is not installed?
Unprotected penetrations can allow fire and smoke to spread rapidly through a building, defeating the purpose of fire-rated construction. It is a code violation that can prevent certificate of occupancy and create significant liability.
Can firestopping be installed after other trades have completed their work?
Yes, and it often is. We regularly perform firestopping as a final trade before inspection. However, earlier coordination with MEP trades reduces conflicts and rework.
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