When most people think of passive fire protection, they imagine sealing a simple pipe or cable. But in Saudi Arabia’s landmark projects—from high-rise towers to sprawling commercial complexes—the architectural challenges are far more complex. A true firestop specialist must engineer solutions for dynamic curtain wall gaps, massive MEP shafts, and high-risk grease ducts.

These advanced applications are where true expertise is tested. Standard, off-the-shelf products are not enough; these situations demand specialized systems and certified installation to ensure full compliance with the Saudi Building Code (SBC).

The Critical Gap: Firestopping Curtain Walls (Edge-of-Slab)

Modern glass curtain walls, common in KSA’s new towers, create a significant fire-safety challenge. The “edge-of-slab” (EOS) gap—the space between the rated floor slab and the non-rated exterior wall—is a direct chimney for fire and smoke to “leapfrog” from one floor to the next.

A simple sealant is not sufficient. This application requires a dynamic, tested perimeter fire barrier system that can accommodate building movement (sway, thermal expansion) while maintaining a 2-hour or 3-hour rating. These systems typically involve high-density mineral wool, retaining clips, and specialized fire-rated sprays.

Solutions for Large Openings and MEP Shafts

Firestopping isn’t just for small holes. MEP shafts, large cable tray bundles, and busways can create massive openings in fire-rated floors and walls. These cannot be sealed with a single tube of caulk.

This is where advanced products are required. A certified contractor, as part of their fire protection services, will select the correct, tested system for the job.

Specialty Risk: Firestopping Grease Ducts

Commercial kitchen grease ducts, found in hotels and restaurants across the Kingdom, are a unique and high-stakes fire risk. A fire *inside* the duct can be extremely hot and can ignite the structure. These ducts must have their own 2-hour fire rating.

This requires a specialty solution, such as a high-temperature, fire-resistant duct wrap. This is a completely different application from sealing the *penetration* and requires specific certification to install correctly.

“Standard firestopping seals a hole. Advanced firestopping engineers a barrier. The difference is in the complexity, the testing, and the zero-tolerance for error.”

When No System Exists: The Role of Engineering Judgments (EJs)

What happens when a project has a unique condition that doesn’t match *any* pre-tested UL system? This is common in complex projects. In this case, a qualified contractor cannot guess.

The correct procedure is to request an **Engineering Judgment (EJ)** or a “Listed System Modification” from the firestop manufacturer. A certified contractor, like those who have completed our past projects, has the relationship and technical knowledge to work with manufacturer engineers to get a custom, compliant, and safe solution designed and approved for the specific condition.

This process is the hallmark of a true specialist and is recognized by bodies like the International Firestop Council as a critical part of the industry.

Conclusion: Expertise is Not Optional

As Saudi Arabia builds the future, its architecture demands more than “good enough.” For complex passive fire protection, expertise is not optional. From dynamic curtain walls to large-scale shafts, ensuring compliance and life safety requires a deep understanding of advanced firestop systems. Partnering with a specialist ensures that every penetration, no matter how large or complex, is secured to the highest standards of the SBC.

Facing a complex firestop challenge on your KSA project?

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