Sika - High Performance Products And Technical Customer Support

Designed to prevent fire spread by containing it within defined compartments, passive fire protection is crucial to saving lives and minimising damage. As a leading global building products manufacturer, Sika provides a comprehensive range of building joint and penetration sealants for the fire-resistant construction of commercial, residential and public buildings, steel structures and many other applications.

With modern buildings populated by a plethora of multi-configurated utility and network services such as cables, pipes and ventilation, the opportunity for fire-spread through penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings is abundant. Fire isn't the only threat, however. Gaps and joints between building elements also provide a passage for heat and toxic smoke to wreak havoc with potentially fatal consequences. Loaded components can also cause damage when exposed to fire. Reinforced concrete may lose static stability and load-bearing capacity, thus putting a building's structural integrity at risk.

Providing crucial safety time

Unlike sprinklers, passive fire protection measures, although unable to extinguish a blaze, are effective in preventing its spread by sealing leaks through which services run. Fire spreads quickly. Therefore, containment in the form of passive fire protection gives firefighters vital time to carry out their duties safely and just as importantly, improve the opportunity for occupants to evacuate a building unharmed. It is why passive fire protection systems should be considered at the earliest stages of a building's design – they save lives.

When it comes to specifying an appropriate solution, passive fire protection applications for building compartmentations can be divided into three main groups: linear joint seals, cavity barriers, and penetration seals. Each solution should be third-party tested and certified according to relevant international standards.

Proven fire protective sealants

Sika passive fire protection solutions include Sikacryl®-621 Fire+ (fire-resistant acrylic sealant), Sikacryl®-623 Fire+ (fire-resistant high-pressure graphite-based intumescent sealant), Sikaseal®-626 Fire Board+ (fire-resistant coated protection board) and Sikasil®-670 Fire (fire-rated silicone joint sealant). Each system complies with the highest international standards (including EN, UL, EAD (ETAG), ASTM, AS, Certifire) and is subject to a stringent testing procedure. It involves exposing the product to a blaze in a test furnace whilst the process temperature and other relevant parameters are recorded. This information is used to determine the tested element's fire resistance time. As an example of the outcomes attained from these assessments, Sikacryl®-621 Fire+, Sikaseal®-623 Fire+, and Sikaseal®-626 Fire Board+ are proven to provide up to four hours' fire resistance.

Sika's technical knowhow all part of its superb product offering

As well as sika sealants offering the very best passive fire protection, customers have access to first-class support courtesy of our expert technical team. On-site training and testing in relation to our systems is available in certain instances to ensure buildings have basement-to-roof passive fire protection. Max Colligan, Head of Major Projects at Sika UK, said: "Our solutions have been tested to the very highest standard, hence their excellent reputation throughout the construction industry. For our customers' peace of mind our expert technical team is available – from specification through to installation – to ensure the whole process is carried out correctly. Fire safety in modern buildings is sacrosanct. This is reflected in the excellent quality of our fire-resistant products and customer service."

Modern building frameworks filled with multiple services raise the stakes in terms of fire risk. Therefore, no shortcuts should be taken to protect these buildings and their occupants. With more than 100 years' experience in construction experience and incorporating passive fire protection at every stage of the process, Sika has the vital building joint and penetration sealing issue covered.

For more information on how Sika's passive fire protection solutions can help your next building project, watch this video or visit our website. For any specific fire stopping enquiries, please contact John Gardner (Specification Manager, Passive Fire Protection) and for any information on Sika Modular Builds, please contact Max Colligan (Head of Major Projects).

John Gardner
Mobile: +44 (0) 7881379400
Email: firestopping@uk.sika.com

Max Colligan
Mobile: +44 (0) 7867256426
Email: colligan.max@uk.sika.com