Linear joint seals are passive fire protection systems designed to maintain the required fire resistance rating of walls and floors across a separating element, while accommodating a defined degree of movement where necessary. In modern buildings, numerous joints between structural elements, including wall-to-wall, floor-to-floor and head-of-wall applications (joints between wall and ceiling or wall and floor), can create potential pathways for the spread of flames, heat and toxic smoke. Properly specified fire-resistant linear seal systems help maintain effective compartmentation, preventing fire from spreading through gaps in the building structure and protecting escape routes. By containing fire within defined compartments for a specified period, linear joint seals play a critical role in safety, property protection and compliance with relevant fire resistance standards.
Advantages of Sika's Linear Seal Solutions for Passive Fire Protection
- Maintain the fire resistance and compartmentation of walls and floors, helping to prevent the spread of fire, heat and smoke
- Comply with most relevant standards (including EN, UL, EAD, ASTM, AS) to meet the highest fire resistance requirements
- Can accommodate defined levels of joint movement while maintaining fire resistance performance
- Suitable for wall joints, floor joints and head-of-wall applications
- Multiple product options are available, including fire-resistant sealants, mineral wool backing rods and fire-resistant expanding foams
- Support life safety by protecting escape routes and helping to contain fire
- Can be tailored to suit different building materials, joint dimensions and movement requirements
Types of Fire Resistant Linear Seals
Fire Resistant Joint Sealant
The most common type of linear seal is to use a fire resistant joint sealant is in combination with a standard PE backer rod. In this case only the sealant is usually required to provide fire resistance while the backer rod is considered as sacrificial.
Fire Resistant Backer Rod
An alternative approach is to use a fire resistant backer rod - typically based on an inorganic fire resistant material like mineral wool - and combine it with a standard joint sealant. In this case the fire resistance of the linear seal is provided by the backer rod and the joint sealant is used to accommodate limited movement, ensure water tightness and provide mechanical protection.
Fire Resistant Expanding Foam
The third option is to seal the joint with a fire resistant expanding foam. This system is only recommended where the joints have very limited movement and are not exposed to water, UV radiation or mechanical impact.
Linear Seal Solution Finder
Use our Linear Seal Fire Stopping Solution Finder to select the most suitable Sika products for your application requirements. Enter your project information, select your preferred solution and download the standard details and technical information.
