Selecting the Right Fire Door Mastic

Selecting the appropriate fire door mastic is crucial to ensure the effective fire protection and sealing of openings in fire-rated assemblies. Here's a guide to help you choose the right fire door mastic for specific applications.

Understand the Requirements:

Familiarise yourself with the fire safety codes, regulations, and standards applicable to your specific application. These guidelines will specify the required fire rating, size of the opening, and other relevant factors.

Evaluate Fire Rating:

Determine the required fire rating for the door or opening. Fire ratings are usually expressed in terms of time, such as 30 minutes (half an hour), 60 minutes (1 hour), 90 minutes (1.5 hours), or 120 minutes (2 hours). Ensure that the fire door mastic you select meets or exceeds the required fire rating.

Assess Fire Door Type:

Different types of fire doors have specific requirements. For instance, wooden fire doors, steel fire doors, and glass fire doors may have variations in their construction and sealing requirements. Consider the door material and design to choose a mastic suitable for that specific type of fire door.

Evaluate Expansion and Contraction:

Fire door mastics should accommodate the expansion and contraction of the materials they are applied to, ensuring a continuous and durable seal. Check the mastic's specifications for its ability to handle thermal movements and any limitations or requirements in this regard.

Compatibility with Substrates:

Consider the compatibility of the fire door mastic with the door or wall substrates you will be working with. The mastic should adhere well to the surfaces, providing a reliable seal. Ensure the mastic is compatible with materials such as wood, metal, glass, or gypsum board commonly used in fire-rated assemblies.

Soundproofing and Smoke Control:

Depending on the application, you may need additional features such as soundproofing or smoke control. Certain fire door mastics are designed to offer acoustic insulation or restrict the passage of smoke. If these features are required, select a mastic that meets the relevant standards for soundproofing or smoke control.

Certification and Testing:

Look for fire door mastics that have been tested and certified by recognized authorities or testing laboratories. Certifications such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or EN (European Norm) provide assurance that the product meets specific fire safety standards – check that the standards listed are still in use and not withdrawn, on the BSI website: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/.

Manufacturer's Recommendations:

Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and installation instructions for the fire door mastic. The manufacturer's guidance will help ensure the correct application technique, curing time, and any other specific requirements for optimal performance.

Seek Professional Advice:

If you are unsure about the selection process or have complex requirements, consult with fire safety professionals, architects, or engineers who specialise in fire-rated assemblies. They can provide valuable guidance based on their expertise and knowledge of local regulations.

Remember, selecting the appropriate fire door mastic is essential to maintaining the integrity of fire-rated assemblies and protecting lives and property during a fire.

Call us on 01355 575971 to find out how you can build Certitek's proven compliance into your projects.