Firestop block and thermal barrier system for fluted metal decks

Abstract

The invention provides methods, systems and devices for installing thermal barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings and floors. At least one firestop block is positioned in the holes or gaps formed by the wall and a fluted metal deck of the ceiling or floor. The walls can be gypsum walls, which may have a metal track at the top or bottom, or could be block walls made of concrete or similar material. The firestop blocks are made of fire resistant material such as hydratable cement or intumescent materials. A flexible or flowable firestop material that is operative to cure or harden, such as elastomeric sealant or silicone, or hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the space between the firestop block and the hole or gap, as a sealant or filler.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to firestop blocks and a thermal barrier system for building structures, and more particularly to thermal barriers for “head-of-wall” joint assemblies between tops of walls and ceilings or floors.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Firestops are thermal barrier materials or combinations of materials used for filling gaps and openings such as in the joints between fire-rated walls and / or floors of buildings. For example, firestops can be used in walls or floors to prevent fire and smoke from passing through the gaps or openings required for cables, pipes, ducts, or other conduits. Firestops are also used to fill joint gaps that occur between walls, between a ceiling and the top of a wall (“head-of-wall” joints), and between a floor and vertical wall (“perimeter” joints).[0003]So-called “head-of-wall” joints pose a number of challenges for the firestopping industry. Walls are generally made of concrete block or other type of fire ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]A still further objective of the invention is to enhance safety of installation. An applicator must climb up and down ladders on a frequent basis when working on head-of-wall joint assemblies. In the first instance, there is the fitting and hand-packing of mineral wool material into the joint gap. In the second instance, there is the coating of elastomeric material to create a continuous surface between the ceiling, firestop, and wall. In both cases, the ladder may require frequent repositioning, and this is especially

Problems solved by technology

Intumescent materials, however, may be m

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