What is the primary purpose of firestopping?

The primary purpose of firestopping is to restore the hourly rating of a rated assembly. Firestop systems are designed to prevent the passage of fire, smoke, and heat through openings and joints in walls, floors, and ceilings that are constructed to resist fire. These systems enable a building to maintain its fire-resistance rating as dictated by building codes and fire safety regulations. By effectively sealing gaps and penetrations, firestopping helps ensure that fire cannot spread through these openings, thereby containing it to the area of origin for a specified duration. This containment is crucial for the safety of occupants and for providing more time for evacuation and emergency response.

While enhancing aesthetic value, reducing noise transmission, and improving air quality are important aspects of building design and construction, they do not address the critical function of firestopping, which is specifically focused on fire prevention and maintaining safety standards.