Why can improper installation of firestop systems be problematic?

Improper installation of firestop systems primarily undermines their effectiveness in preventing the spread of fire and smoke between different compartments of a building. The primary purpose of firestop systems is to create fire-resistive barriers that can withstand the heat and pressure generated during a fire, thereby limiting the passage of flames and smoke through penetrations and joints in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings.

When firestop systems are not installed correctly, critical gaps or weak points may remain, allowing smoke and flames to escape from one area of a structure to another. This can have dire consequences in an actual fire situation, as it can lead to increased risk of injury or loss of life, greater property damage, and can complicate firefighting efforts. The effectiveness of firestop systems is measured by their ability to maintain the integrity of fire-rated assemblies, and improper installation can completely negate this.

While the other options touch on aspects that might arise from improper installation, such as cost implications or aesthetic concerns, they do not directly address the core purpose of firestop systems, which is fire protection. The significance of option B lies in the direct impact that improper installation has on safety and the intended functional performance of fire-resistive barriers.