Expansion Joint Fire Barriers

What is an Expansion Joint (Linear Rated Barrier)?

Fire-rated decks, partitions, ceilings, and building envelopes are often interrupted by essential features such as continuous movement joints within the structure. To preserve the integrity of these fire-resistance-rated assemblies, fire barriers are installed to fill the gaps within the joint openings. This ensures continuous protection against the spread of smoke, fire, and heat.

These systems must function in harmony with the adjacent assemblies, match their fire-resistance ratings, and maintain performance while accommodating dynamic movement.

Learn About Expansion Joint Fire Barriers

Structural engineers incorporate intentional breaks in a building to accommodate seasonal and thermal expansion, allow for wind-induced movement in taller structures, and absorb seismic forces. These joints extend continuously from the foundation, through all interior and exterior walls, and up to the roof.

Expansion joints are typically introduced in the following situations:

  • Buildings with footprints exceeding 200 feet in length
  • Additions to existing structures
  • Transitions in building direction or significant differences in height between adjacent sections

Master Specification Sections 07 95 00 – Expansion Control

Requirements may also be found in the following:

  • Master Specification Section 07 95 13 – Expansion Cover Assemblies
  • Master Specification Section 07 95 16 – Exterior Expansion Cover Assemblies
  • Master Specification Section 07 95 19 – Parking Structure Expansion Cover Assemblies

5 Key Factors to Successful Fire Barrier Installations:

  1. A solid, crisp substrate is critical for securing the fire barrier in place. This substrate MUST be of a rated construction type.
  2. Consider the fire barrier as a complete system. Seams, changes in direction, and multi-layered systems are good places to check first.
  3. Expansion joint covers matching the tested conditions are a required part of a complete system. Pursue judgments or align your specifications with manufacturers that have completed this for you.
  4. Inspect test documents or request test data when writing specifications to ensure your product can meet the project demands. Pay careful attention to movement ability which is often not clearly defined in inferior barrier systems.
  5. Provide separate details for rated conditions – do not utilize canned or boilerplate details that were not developed with barriers specifically in mind.

Why doesn’t every Manufacturer have a “UL” Listing paperwork? 

How do I properly interpret movement ability of a tested system from the Listing? 

  • First understand that the test was performed at Maximum Open value of the system at its most vulnerable, not the nominal joint width that the system will be installed into. Next, the chart within the Listing will verify the product’s percentage (%) of cyclic action it allows for (compression and expansion from nominal)

What should I be looking for when researching Listings for potential Expansion Joint systems? 

  • Watch for Listings that highlight the “D” “Dynamic” movement testing in the title vs. “S” “Static” during your review

Why isn’t a Listing solution available for every condition and various substrate type on my project? 

  • Testing requirements are outlined for manufacturers to meet Horizontal deck conditions (Floor-to-Floor) and Vertical partitions (Wall-to-Wall). No testing code nor practical third party testing ovens allow for Floor-to-Wall (along wall base), Wall-to-Ceiling (inside corner of walls),  Rated Ceilings assemblies, nor Changes in direction (either in plane nor horizontal to vertical changes in the joint line)- For these conditions, Manufacturer installation instructions provide Best Practices.

Can I conjoin different fire barrier solutions that work best for each of my project’s unique spaces and needs? 

  • Linear fire protection products from one manufacturer to another cannot co-mingled in the field. This is due to both a lack of testing as well as the differing approaches and product profiles that will not conjoin cleanly together.

If during construction, the fire blankets get wet, are they still installable once they properly dry?  

  • Wet blankets require complete replacement. The various textiles and insulators within the product can be degraded and/or harbor mold.

Does damage to installed fire barriers by other Trades typically require replacement?

  • Yes, however this issue can be reviewed with the Manufacturer’s Rep. to verify extents (some are potentially repairable if only surface tears, however full penetrations cannot)