Best FireStop Caulk (Buyer’s Guide)

Building a new home is a big investment on your end. It is important that you find the best firestop caulks on the market to ensure that your home will be as safe as possible from any potential threats of fire and smoke. As such, it would be wise for you to read this buyer’s guide before making an informed decision about which product you should purchase. We have listed down all of the important features below so that this task can become much easier for you!

Best Choice

DAP High Heat Mortar Fire Stop Caulk is specially designed to resist the extreme temperatures and service conditions found in today’s high-tech heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Best Selling FireStop Caulk

Caulking is a common sight in most homes. It’s used to seal cracks and gaps around windows, door frames, kitchen cabinets, etc. Firestop caulks are designed with an additional layer of protection that will keep the fire from spreading through your home in the event of a fire. This article provides a guide on how to find the best firestop caulk for your home or business!

DAP 7079818854 High Heat Mortar Fire Stop Caulk

Product Description

DAP High Heat Mortar Fire Stop Caulk is specially designed to resist the extreme temperatures and service conditions found in today’s high-tech heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This caulk provides a permanent seal that remains flexible for years even under harsh environmental exposure. The special formula resists heat up to 500°F/260°C allowing it to be used as an effective fire stop when properly installed around penetrations through fire rated walls or floors.

The permanent seal remains flexible and can stretch up to three times its original size without breaking. It is chemical, water and humidity resistant allowing it to be used in a variety of applications from metal chimneys to masonry chimney shafts.

Pros

• Seals irregular shaped gaps up to 0.07″/0.18 cm
• Flexible enough for thermal expansion and contraction projects
• Virtually no shrinkage or cracking – remains flexible over time

Cons

• Some users have experienced issues with the caulking not curing properly. To avoid this, test in an inconspicuous area before applying to a larger surface.
• When using caulk guns for large projects, be sure that you are working at a comfortable angle and keeping even pressure on the gun as it dispenses the product

Recommended?

Yes. This product is still an excellent choice and has a number of benefits, including its ability to seal irregular gaps, making it perfect for large projects as well as small ones.

Fireblock136 Residential Rated Non-Combustible Fire Block

Product Description

Firestop136 is a remarkable fire-rated non combustible fire block that provides an effective seal against flame and smoke transfer through floor penetrations, wall assemblies or other concealed spaces. It is perfect for use in homes requiring the highest standards of protection from room to room as well as multiple floors within a home. This high performance elastomeric duct sealant exceeds ASTM E 84 Class A rating making it ideal for both commercial and residential applications.

Fireblock136 is enhanced with Low Smoke Zero Halogen formula which allows this product to meet stringent building codes while being safe when exposed to flames during testing procedures. The low VOCs also makes it more eco-friendly than most caulks on the market today.

Pros

• One of the safest and most effective products for fire protection on the market today.
• Fireblock136 has a superior formula that resists heat, flames and smoke while also providing an excellent seal against gasses such as carbon monoxide. This is vital in protecting your home from fires caused by other appliances or faulty wiring among others.
• The low VOCs makes this product safe to use both inside and outside homes without causing damage to any materials used within it. It also means there will be no lingering smells which may endanger occupants health after application.

Cons

• There have been some reports of the product being difficult to dispense from its container.
• Fireblock136 is a little more expensive than most other fire rated sealants on the market today. However, this can be said for all quality products that are worth their investment and do what they say will do making it well worth every penny spent on them.

Recommended?

Fireblock136 is one of the best fire rated non combustible caulks available today. The only other product that comes close to matching its performance and safety features are FireCaulk Pro which uses a similar formula but lacks some key benefits found in Fireblock136 such as Low VOCs, ease of application and resistance against flames among others. If you would like your home protected from multiple dangers while also making it more eco-friendly then this is the sealant for you!

3M Fire Barrier Sealant

Product Description

This sealant is the industry standard in food processing facilities, laboratories and pharmaceutical plants. It has been proven to work on both precast concrete masonry units (CMU) and full-unit construction of block or brick walls.

• Provides a water resistant barrier against smoke, gases, vapors and flames
• Polysulfide formula creates an elastic rubber-like seal that resists damage due to thermal shock better than most other caulks can
• Eliminates gaps up to five times narrower than ordinary caulking
• Maintains flexibility down to -65°F (-53°C), allowing it to stretch around minor movements caused by building settling or expansion/contraction from temperature changes
• Able to withstand constant temps up to 500°F (260°C)
• Listed and rated by ICC-ES
• Meets ASTM E1966 standards for smoke, fume and flame resistance; UL tested at 90 minutes with positive pressure––no leaks allowed throughout test period. ICC-ES certified as an approved sealant in food processing facilities, laboratories and pharmaceutical plants .
• OSHA compliant: meets OSHA CFR Title 29 1910 Subpart Q requirements for nonflammable gasketing material around openings through which hazardous concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may be encountered.
• ASTM F 2671 compliant: synthetic rubber base is UV stable down to -20 °F (-29 °C).
• California Fire Code CCR #13

Pros

• Firestop Caulk is very easy to apply. It has a “no-mess” application, which means you won’t have any drips or clean up later on.
• You can use this stuff indoors and outdoors as long as the temperature isn’t too cold for it to stick properly (meaning 30° Fahrenheit). This makes sense because fire doesn’t really care what the weather is like outside, so neither should your caulk!

Cons

• This caulk is a bit pricey. It’s very good, but not as affordable as some of the other firestop caulks on this list.
• A little goes a long way so buy more than you think you’ll need!

Recommended?

Yes. This is a great firestop caulk that works really well for both indoor and outdoor applications, as long as the temperature isn’t too cold!

Buyer’s Guide

Fire stops are crucial to the safety of buildings. They keep fire from spreading between floors or along exterior walls, which can save lives during a blaze. However, they have to be installed properly in order for them to work correctly and prevent fires from starting or growing larger. If you’re buying your own firestop caulk, there are several things that you should look out for before making your purchase. The following details will help guide you on what to consider when shopping around for this product.

What is an Firestop Caulk?

Firestop caulk is a specially formulated material that can be used as an adhesive sealant to prevent the passage of fire and smoke through penetrations in fire-resistant construction assemblies. Firestop caulks are commonly known as “fireproofing” or “flame blockers” because they fill cracks, crevices, weep holes, expansion joints and other openings found within walls and floors constructed using metal stud framing systems with gypsum board sheathing. This allows building owners to comply with local codes for fire stopping structures while still providing ventilation needed for removing harmful gasses produced by combustion.

A firestop caulk is applied around any penetrations such as electrical cables, pipes and other objects that pass through a wall or floor with the intention of blocking smoke and flames from spreading between floors. You can buy them in caulking tubes or cartridge form for use on specific jobs like sealing windows with opening mechanisms within walls (i.e., casement window) to keep hot gases out during a fire.

Nowadays there are many different types available – each pertains to their purpose – it’s important you know what type will work best for your project:

• Foam Type Firestop Caulk – This has an open cell structure which allows air circulation while still preventing flame; this makes it very popular for firestopping. It is also good at sealing small cracks and gaps around windows, doors or anywhere else there’s a draft coming in through the wall.
• Firestop Caulk Spray – This type of caulk can be applied by spraying it on your project, which makes it suitable for filling large openings like holes around electrical outlets that cannot be reached with spoons or any other tools. You just need to ensure you cover all areas that are open as this will prevent flames from penetrating into them as well as blocking the spread of smoke during a fire. This premium spray-on formula provides an easy alternative to cotton wadding and fiberglass mesh tapes when used as part of an approved ASTM E 84 rated system.
• Firestop Caulk Gun – This caulk is most commonly used in a caulking gun and it’s faster to use than any other type of fireproofing material. It will seal small cracks, gaps or holes quickly without having to mix anything together first. If you have a lot of small projects that need doing then using this gun would be ideal for your needs as you can just keep squeezing out the right amount each time until you’ve covered all openings that are within reach.
• This firestop caulk is used to seal any cracks, crevices, weep holes and expansion joints found within walls with metal stud framing systems with gypsum board sheathing.
• The open cell structure of this type allows air circulation while still preventing flame making it very popular for firestopping.
• Firestop caulks are commonly known as “fireproofing” or “flame blockers” because they fill the gaps around windows, doors or anywhere else there’s a draft coming through the wall. They can be applied by spraying on your project which makes them suitable for filling large openings like electrical outlets that cannot be reached with spoons or any other tools. You just need to ensure you cover all areas that are open as this will prevent flames from penetrating into them and block the spread of smoke during a fire.
• This premium spray-on formula provides an easy alternative to cotton wadding and fiberglass mesh tapes when used as part of an approved ASTM E 84 rated system.
• The only problem being it’s so strong, if your hands come in contact with dry caulk then they can become stuck together which is very difficult to break apart without using soap!

Types of Firestop Caulk

There are various types of firestop caulks. Some examples include:

• Acrylic caulk, for example Dap Fire Stop Caulk (White) which is epoxy-based and suitable for use on drywall joints to provide an airtight seal with a flexible finish that can be painted or stained when cured. This type works well in harsh temperatures from -20 degrees Fahrenheit up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 Celsius up to 82 Celsius). It has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories as UL 1479 Type A rated product.
• Foam based materials such as ProFire 1000 Fast Set Polyurethane Sealant & Adhesive, a one-component polyurethane foam adhesive/sealant used for firestop of penetrants, ducts or other openings in a fire-rated wall system. It is lightweight with low expansion and no curing arrestor. This type works well on concrete, metal, wood and masonry surfaces at temperatures from -65 degrees Fahrenheit up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (-54 Celsius up to 93 Celsius).
• Polyurethane caulk such as ProFire 1200 Fire Rated Sealant which provides an airtight seal for joints/seams of precast concrete products used around doorways, stairwells, elevator shafts etc. It has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories as UL 1479 Type A rated product.
• Polysulfide caulk such as Dap Plastic Wood Filler and Caulk which is used to fill cracks, gaps or holes in wood surfaces. It can be sanded, stained or painted like a surface when cured. This type works well on interior and exterior surfaces at temperatures from -65 degrees Fahrenheit up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (-54 Celsius up to 93 Celcius).

How to use Firestop Caulkig

Firestop caulk is a combination of fire-resistant materials that harden when they come in contact with heat. They are most often seen in between covered holes in electrical or plumbing systems to stop the spread of flames and provide insulation from radiant heat. Firestop caulking can be used on fireplaces, wood burning stoves, chimneys, roofs, walls, basements/attics where there may be spaces leading directly outside or into other occupied areas. If you plan to install one yourself make sure it comes with instructions for use if this isn’t your area of expertise!

Here are some things to consider when choosing which one is best for your needs.

• The surfaces must already exist
• Always follow manufacturer recommendations exactly
• It cannot be painted
• Avoid use on surfaces that see a lot of movement (like doorframes) as it may become loose and dislodged over time.

The Benefits of Using an Firestop Caulk

Using an firestop caulking is a way to add another layer of protection in your home against the spread of fire. If you have asbestos, it’s especially important that you read more about using this material and ask for professional help if needed. That is a big concern when using firestop caulking.

It’s important to point out that not all types of caulk are suitable for use as an firestop material. A lot of them will actually make the problem worse rather than better, and you don’t want this happening in your home. There are several benefits to choosing one that has been specifically designed for such high temperatures and flames. It can be used on both commercial and residential properties without any problems whatsoever if it does what it says on the tin! You also need something like this which won’t shrink or crack over time so check its long-term performance before committing yourself 100%.

There are many things that you can do to help protect your home from fire damage if it is able. One of these is making sure that there aren’t any gaps in the walls, floors or ceiling which could allow flames and smoke to penetrate through them when a blaze breaks out nearby. Another one is sealing up all external vents used for indoor appliances so they cannot be penetrated by flame either, but this isn’t always practical because most people don’t have access to their exterior walls!

Alternatively, using firestop caulking rather than regular caulk will close off any existing openings and prevent new ones occurring at the same time too. This might not sound like much of an advantage initially given what we just said about ventilation needs, but it is a different situation entirely when you are looking at protecting against fire. These gaps can be filled with this kind of material and then left alone, whereas the vents on appliances need to remain clear in order for them to function properly.

Things to consider when buying a Firestop Caulk

• A firestop caulking kit will include a caulk gun, cartridge of sealant and valves. In some kits the cartridges may be pre-installed in the tubes for ease of use. Make sure you have an idea on how to operate these tools before buying one online or from a store as most dealers won’t allow them back if they are tampered with. You can however purchase separate parts from stores that sell firestop products.
• There are different types of firestop caulking products. Some have a lower heat resistance and can withstand temperatures from 300-500 degrees Fahrenheit while others go all the way to 2000F maximum temperature rating. You should check if your state or local building codes specify this information before deciding on which one you want to buy as they may vary depending on where you live in the world.
• Sealing gaps up to an inch is normal with most sealants so make sure that it will be enough for what you need before buying them. It’s always better to get more than less then run back home empty handed because there wasn’t any product that fit your requirements perfectly. The caulk gun itself has some differences as well. There are manual guns with handles and triggers to trigger the caulk flow while others may be pneumatic which you will need an air compressor for them or electric that is powered by batteries or wall outlets, depending on the model.
• The best firestop caulking products come in various colors so make sure you check what color it comes in before buying one as most of these materials cannot be painted over once they dry up. This means if your existing surface has a different color than the sealant then this won’t blend well unless you change either one of them so keep this in mind when making your purchase decision.

Environmental Protection

When you have a fire, it’s not just the immediate damage that you have to worry about. The smoke and soot can spread through your house at speeds of up to a hundred feet per second, carrying toxic fumes with them until they dissipate or ignite other materials in their path. In addition to being unpleasant for anyone nearby, this secondary pollution from fires is incredibly dangerous since it often results in bigger explosions and more extensive property damage than what was initially set on fire. It also leaves behind lasting traces of ash which are extremely difficult to clean by themselves. Eventually these residues will break down into smaller particles that become airborne again but before then they could cause severe respiratory problems if inhaled directly or get trapped inside household furnishings where they can be released when disturbed.

Firestop caulk is a specially formulated product that has been designed to fill the gaps and cracks in your home’s structure, preventing fire from moving between any of these potential weak points. Firestop caulks are also rated for different levels of protection depending on what you need them for so it’s important to pick one with an appropriate Fi rating if you want it to do its job properly. If smoke or toxic fumes get trapped inside the house by a lack of proper firestopping then they might not have anywhere else to go but back into your living quarters where they could cause all kinds of damage before firefighters manage to contain the blaze outside again.

Safety Tips for Using Caulk

• Do not use oil-based products. They are prone to catching fire and leave residue on the walls after you remove them.
• Never thin caulk with water or let it get damp before using because this will cause the product to expand when it dries, preventing a proper seal against smoke, contaminants, flames, heat and sounds of combustion.
• Before applying any type of caulk in your home be sure that all surfaces are clean then prepare for application by protecting adjacent areas from spills or splashes including carpets and furniture if needed.
• It is always best to use a caulking gun as it allows you to control the amount of caulk that’s being applied.
• If any excess spews from the tube, remove this immediately using a putty knife or finger before allowing time for drying because dried material can be difficult and time consuming to clean up. Removing leftover residue now will prevent having a bigger mess elsewhere later on!
• Never allow children or pets access to your supplies especially those containing hazardous materials such as adhesives, solvents, paints etc… If ingested by mistake they could become seriously ill so keep these products out of their reach at all times.

FAQs

Does firestop caulking have an expiration date?

No. Firestop caulk does not expire, but it can dry out over time which will cause the product to lose its effectiveness. A good rule of thumb is to replace your caulk every few years or if you notice that it has lost any stretchiness or become difficult to apply. If you are having trouble squeezing the tube, then chances are there isn’t much left in there and replacement is necessary.

See also

How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher: A Reviewer's Guide

How do I know what size of a nozzle tip I need for my particular application?

There really aren't too many different sizes available when it comes to how big/small the nozzles tips come with on most tubes of caulk. If you find that the nozzle tip is too big, then just cut it down with a pair of scissors to whatever size suits your needs best. If you are looking for a more permanent method of size modification, then it is possible to buy nozzle tips that offer different sized openings. Those who have the best results using firestop caulk typically use nozzles with opening sizes between .006 – .021 inches wide.

Can I use silicone caulking as a substitute?

Silicone is not suitable for this application because it will only dry out and become useless after exposure to heat or flames which could lead to an even greater threat than if there were nothing present at all. It's important to remember that what separates firestop sealant from regular old silicone caulk is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures without becoming compromised by them- both hot and cold! Firestop caulking is specially formulated to meet the standards set by ASTM E-84 for fire safety.

Can I use electrical tape as a substitute?

Electrical tape, like silicone caulk, isn't something that you should trust with keeping your home or belongings safe from flames and toxic gases because it will only dry out over time leaving behind residue that can be extremely dangerous when exposed to heat. If you are looking for an option other than firestop sealant then we recommend using fire resistant board (FRB) which has similar properties without containing asbestos fibers like cement products do. It's important to remember that even FRB needs some sort of additional support in order for it work properly so if this just won’t work for your particular application then we recommend using firestop sealant.

What are the benefits of owning a caulking gun?

Owning a caulking gun will save you time, money and energy by allowing you to get more done in less time. Using an old fashioned caulk tube can be frustrating if not impossible when trying to apply it on larger projects where your hands aren't able to stretch around corners or reach difficult areas like ceilings without assistance from another person. A simple little device that makes life easier- what's there not understand?! It’s important to remember though that some people might prefer squeezing out caulk straight form the tube because they have control over how much gets used at once which is not something you can do easily when using a caulking gun.

What are the benefits of owning a multi-purpose caulk?

Owning a multi-purpose firestop sealant means that you will be able to save money in the long run by only having one product on hand for two different applications instead of purchasing separate products that serve both purposes separately. By buying this type of caulking you are saving yourself time and energy because it does not have to dry out before being used, there is no need to wait any specified amount of time or apply heat/pressure after application like some other types require which allows users more flexibility with how they choose to get their job done faster This kind also offers added protection against both hot and cold temperatures which is something that regular silicone caulking does not offer.

How often will I need to reapply caulk?

You should expect your firestop sealant to last around one year before you might have to reapply it, but this can vary depending on the amount of exposure it has had with heat or flames so keep an eye out for signs of deterioration in order to get a better idea of when you may need to apply more. If any cracks are visible then these could lead into larger openings that would allow smoke particles through your walls along with toxic gases- neither one of which are good things if living inside! It’s important not only for safety reasons but also because of the damage that can occur to your walls and home if you don’t take care of this as soon as possible.

Will it work with all brick materials?

Firestop sealant is compatible with a wide variety of different masonry surfaces including tile, drywall, concrete block and porous stone so long as they are intended for interior use. This product will not work on exterior surfaces because it cannot withstand exposure to high humidity levels which cause corrosion over time even though most people think that since firestop caulking contains asbestos then it would have been created specifically for outdoor applications where rusting is going to be an issue- but no! If you need something more industrial looking (meaning non clear) instead of something that is easily hidden then you can use a non-fibered firestop sealant which will work on exterior surfaces without any problem.

What kind of adhesive should I get if my application requires multiple layers?

If your project requires two or more applications to complete the job then we recommend using an epoxy mortar rather than silicone because this product has better adhesion and flexibility so it won’t crack over time like some other types might due to temperature changes. By applying these kinds of products in layers you are able to achieve the best results while also saving money by not having purchase all new materials when trying to repair damage from cracks caused by previous caulk jobs, but keep in mind that they come in a variety of different strengths and each one has its own unique set of requirements for application.

Is there any way to tell if my home is at risk?

If you live in an old house then it’s entirely possible that your walls may be constructed with wood instead of more modern materials like brick or concrete block which can make them easier to burn as well as increase the chances that toxic gases may escape through those same openings- especially since these types of homes were built before firestop caulking was readily available. A good indicator that this could potentially happen would be areas where smoke particles are seen passing through, but not all kinds will show up on camera so it's recommended to try out some other ways of figuring this out if you get the chance.

What kind of protection does firestop caulking provide?

Firestop sealant is able to keep all gases and smoke from passing through walls, ceilings or floors that have been breached by a flame which means it can also be used in areas where open flames are present at any time during operation such as outside on your barbecue grill for example- so long as there isn’t an opening between where you live and what you use it with! This product works best when applied along seams including doorknobs, joints around baseboards and electrical outlets plus additional fixtures like pipes because these locations will always pose a higher risk than others due to increased levels of activity going on.

How much does firestop caulking cost?

The best price that you can find for the product plus shipping will be determined by which online retailer that you choose to buy it from but overall this is pretty affordable- especially when compared with having your walls repaired after an unfortunate incident like a house fire! Since there are so many different products available on the market today though, make sure to shop around before you decide what company to go with because prices vary wildly depending upon who makes them and whether or not they have any special deals going at the moment. We only ever recommend buying yours directly through our website since we offer free domestic shipping as well as exclusive discounts just for being one of our loyal customers!

Conclusion

With all of this in mind, there are a few key things you should be looking for when it comes to firestop caulk. It’s important to look for a non-combustible, low smoke producing and flame spreading material. You also want something that is easy to apply and won’t start melting under extreme heat.

There are several brands on the market today, some of which we have reviewed here in this guide as well as others you may find while shopping around that may not be included in our list but still perform just as well if not better than those mentioned above.

The key thing to keep your eye out for when looking at these products or any firestop materials really is UL classification since it will tell you what kind of fires they can protect against so make sure whatever product you go with has been tested and certified by an independent testing laboratory.

One thing you’ll notice about many of these products is that they are all solvent-based which means the ingredients in them will begin to evaporate and cure over time. This can take a few hours or up to weeks depending on the manufacturer so keep that in mind before applying it. Some manufacturers even offer fast-curing options but those tend to be more expensive than regular types.

As always, if after reading this guide you still have questions feel free to leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best answer your question as quickly as possible!