What term describes the installation of materials to prevent the passage of flames, liquids, or gases?

The term that accurately describes the installation of materials specifically designed to prevent the passage of flames, liquids, or gases is firestopping. Firestopping refers to the methods and materials used to seal openings and joints in fire-resistance-rated wall and floor assemblies. This process is essential in maintaining the integrity of a building’s fire barriers and helps to contain fires, preventing them from spreading through openings created by service penetrations, such as HVAC ducts, plumbing pipes, and electrical cables.

Firestopping materials are typically used where fire-rated assemblies are compromised, and they work by expanding when exposed to heat, creating a barrier that is resistant to fire, smoke, and gases. This is a critical aspect of fire protection within buildings, as it contributes to life safety and minimizes property damage during a fire incident.

In contrast, while terms like fireproofing and flameproofing may seem similar, they do not specifically address the sealing of openings and joints to prevent fire and smoke spread in the same way that firestopping does. Fireblocking, while related, typically refers to the installation of materials designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in concealed spaces and does not encompass the full scope of firestopping near penetrations and gaps. Therefore, fire