Question 1

1. What is fire sealant?

Accepted Answer

Fire sealant is product that’s used to seal joints and gaps on construction and DIY projects. It’s specifically designed to be fire-rated, helping to stop the spread of fire, smoke and gases in buildings.

Question 2

2. Is silicone sealant fire resistant?

Accepted Answer

Standard silicone sealant is not necessarily fire resistant. Fire-rated silicone is typically labelled as ‘firestop’, ‘fire-rated', or ‘intumescent’. It’s specifically designed to stop the passage of fire, smoke, and toxic gases. If a silicone sealant isn’t labelled like this, it most likely won’t provide any of these benefits.

Another way to tell if silicone sealant is fire-rated is to look for specific standards listed on the product label, such as BS EN 1366-4, BS 476, or UL listings. These all indicate whether the sealant had been tested to withstand fire and heat.

Question 3

3. How long does fire sealant take to dry?

Accepted Answer

Drying time varies from product to product. Many become tack free within a few hours, with full cure often around 24 hours or longer depending on depth and conditions.

Question 4

4. What’s the difference between intumescent and standard fire rated sealant?

Accepted Answer

Intumescent sealants expand when heated to block openings. Standard fire-resistant sealant resists heat, but with expanding.

Question 5

5. Can fire sealant be used externally?

Accepted Answer

Some silicone-based fire sealants are suitable for external use due to weather and UV resistance. Check individual product specs for details.

Question 6

6. How long does fire sealant last?

Accepted Answer

Service life depends on the product and installation, but many are designed to remain effective for decades when installed correctly.

Question 7

7. Is fire rated sealant paintable?

Accepted Answer

Many acrylic fire rated mastics can be painted once cured. Silicone-based products are usually not paintable.

Question 8

8. Is fireproof sealant the same as fire sealant?

Accepted Answer

'Fireproof sealant’ is a commonly used term that usually refers to fire sealant or fire rated sealant. The term ‘fireproof’ for these products is informal. Most are actually fire resistant, meaning they’re tested to perform for a set period, such as 30, 60 or 120 minutes. For specification, it is best to look for tested fire ratings and certifications.

Fire sealant

Fire Mate Intumescent Acrylic Sealant 295ml White

Everbuild AC95 Intumescent Acoustic Sealant And Adhesive White 900ml

Rockwool Firepro Acoustic Intumescent Sealant 310ml

Rockwool High Expansion Intumescent Sealant 310ml

Bostik FP401 Fireseal Acrylic Sealant White 310ml

Geocel Dowsil Firestop 400 White 380ml

Bostik Pro FP403 Fireseal Hybrid Sealant Grey 290ml

AirSeal 310 FR Sealant

Penosil Fire Rated Handheld Foam B1 296 - Pink x 760ml

Penosil FireStop 331 Silicone Sealant - White 300ml (Box of 24)

Soudal Firecryl FR Fire Resistant Sealant White 310ml

Everbuild Tecnic Fire Sealant 400 Silicone Sealant White 380ml

Bostik Pro FP403 Fireseal Hybrid Sealant White 290ml

Penosil Fire Stop Intumescent Sealant 680 - White x 300ml (Box of 24)

Dow Corning Trade Mate Fire Block Seal Black 310ml