5 Common Firestop Mistakes That Jeopardize KSA Building Compliance
- murtaza
- November 9, 2025
- Uncategorized
- 0 Comments
Across Saudi Arabia, the strict enforcement of the Saudi Building Code (SBC) has placed a critical focus on passive fire protection. However, simply installing a firestop system is not enough to guarantee compliance. Installation errors are common, and in a fire, even a small error can lead to catastrophic failure, allowing fire and toxic smoke to spread rapidly.
These mistakes are not only a major safety hazard but also lead to costly remediation work and project delays. Understanding these common pitfalls is the first step to ensuring your building is truly protected and compliant.
In This Article:
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Products (Fire-Rated vs. Firestop)
This is the most common and dangerous error. Installers may use a generic “fire-rated” silicone caulk, believing it will stop a fire. It will not. True firestop sealants are intumescent (designed to swell with heat) or endotrol (release water), forming a hard char that blocks the opening. Using the wrong product provides a false sense of security and will fail inspection.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Annular Space and Sealant Depth
Every tested firestop system specifies the required thickness (depth) of the sealant and the acceptable “annular space” (the gap between the pipe/cable and the edge of the hole). Applying just a thin cosmetic layer of sealant on the surface is a critical failure. The system relies on the full, specified depth of sealant and the correct gap size to achieve its fire rating.
Mistake 3: Mixing Components from Different Systems
Firestop systems are tested and certified by bodies like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as a complete assembly. This means *all* components—the sealant, the collar, the putty, and the backing material—are tested to work together. You cannot use a collar from one manufacturer with a sealant from another. This “hybrid” approach voids the certification and is a direct violation of SBC requirements.
| Common Mistake | SBC-Compliant Solution | Why It’s a Critical Failure |
|---|---|---|
| Using general-purpose fire-retardant caulk. | Using only intumescent or endothermic sealants specified in a UL-listed system. | Fire-retardant caulk simply burns away, offering no protection against fire and smoke passage. |
| Applying a thin, 1/4-inch surface layer of sealant. | Installing the correct mineral wool backing and applying the specified depth of sealant (e.g., 1-2 inches). | A thin layer will burn through in minutes, long before the 1- or 2-hour rating is achieved. |
| Mixing components from different brands to save cost. | Using a single, complete, and tested system from one manufacturer for each application. | The system’s certification is voided. There is no proof the mixed components will perform under fire conditions. |
Mistake 4: Damaging Barriers After Installation
A perfect firestop installation can be rendered useless the next day. This often happens when other trades (like IT or electrical) pull new cables through an existing, sealed penetration. This damage breaks the seal, creating a new, unprotected pathway for fire. This is why ongoing inspection and maintenance are critical parts of our fire protection services.
“In passive fire protection, ‘almost right’ is ‘completely wrong’. A small, unsealed gap is all the smoke and fire need to bypass a 2-hour-rated wall.”
Mistake 5: Failing to Label and Document
How can a Saudi Civil Defense inspector verify compliance? If an installation is not labeled, it is considered non-compliant. A professional installer must affix a permanent label to each firestop, identifying the installer, the date, and the specific UL-tested system number used. This documentation is essential for facility management and future inspections, as seen in our completed projects.
Conclusion: Get It Right the First Time
Avoiding these common firestop mistakes is not just about passing an inspection—it’s about ensuring the system will actually perform to save lives and protect property. The technical nature of these systems demands a high level of expertise. Partnering with a certified contractor who understands these nuances is the only way to guarantee your project’s safety and compliance from the start.
Don’t let these simple mistakes compromise your project’s safety and budget.
