The Industry Acceptance of Foam as a Fireblock Material

Fireblocking is required by the International Residential Code, Section R602.8 to be provided in wood frame construction in various locations. Many of the traditionally specified fireblocking prescriptive approaches are tedious, time-consuming and difficult to apply. These prescriptive approaches include dimensional lumber, wood structural panels, particle board, gypsum board, cement millboard, mineral wool or fiberglass. Using Hand-Foam® Fireblock instead of these prescriptive methods provides significant savings in labor costs, in addition to providing a more efficient and effective seal which also insulates and prevents air infiltration.

Another commonly used fireblocking material is a gunnable tube-type caulk that has been tested according to ASTM E 136. While these products do not fall under the IRC prescriptive definitions for a fireblock material, they are generally recognized and approved as non-combustible sealants. One of the big problems with these materials is that they generally dry to a very rigid, rock-like consistency which does not tolerate a lot of building movement or vibration. The advantages of Handi-Foam® Fireblock over an E 136 caulk include the superior adhesion and ability to remain in place for many years.

Specific IRC building code language states that fireblocking must be "installed in such a manner to be securely retained in place". Unfortunately, the locations where fireblocking must be used are, by definition, "concealed draft openings", and therefore are covered up during construction so that normal building settling over the years may render loose-fill or rigid materials ineffective over time. Handi-Foam® Fireblock will not fall out of vertical cavities, and resists movement and vibration.

The advantages of Handi-Foam® Fireblock over other foam sealants are many, and include the fact that Fomo Products, Inc. can provide a complete line of one and two-component foam products to meet a variety air sealing and insulating needs. Fomo offers several types of one-component dispensing units for gun foam, as well as straw and cylinder products and accessories. In addition, Fomo offers unsurpassed sales and technical service, and a quality management system that is registered to the internationally recognized ISO 9001:2000 standard.

Specific and detailed comparisons to other foam products are performed regularly by our in-house R&D personnel, and this information is shared with our sales and distribution partners so that customers can make well-informed decisions. Fomo Products, Inc. is a member of the FLM Group of Companies, which is the world's largest manufacturer of one and two-component polyurethane foams in pressurized containers.

This information is provided as a service, and is not necessarily meant to reflect any recommendation, guideline or position of Fomo Products, Inc. Each individual user must determine product suitability for any particular purpose.