Insulation & Disaster Preparedness

They say, “Plan for the worst. Hope for the best.” But in homes and businesses, you don’t want to just “hope” for the best. You want to know that you have the best.

In terms of insulation, choosing the right insulation materials and products can save lives and limit damage in case of fire or other disaster. It is true that insulation provides many energy-saving and acoustical benefits. However, it can also play an important role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

When you need insulation for fireproofing or other preparedness supplies like PPE, contact Service Partners. Your local branch has all the materials available for your projects.

Different Types of Insulation

As the leading distributor of insulation products in the nation, Service Partners sells a variety of insulation materials – some of which are better at firestopping than others. The general types of insulation products we sell include:

• Fiberglass Batt – budget-friendly insulation available in a variety of sizes
• Fiberglass Blown-In – blown-in insulation with an excellent ability to fill small spaces
• Spray Foam – two-part spray-applied polyurethane foam
• Cellulose – a loose insulation product made from recycled paper products
• Mineral Wool – insulation made from rock, furnace slag, and other raw materials available in batt, board, and blown-in forms
• Rigid Board – lightweight, easy to handle insulation available in three types: extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate

Insulation for Fireproofing

When people think about insulation, they often think about its thermal and acoustical benefits. Insulation is commonly chosen for its ability to increase energy efficiency, improve comfort, and control sound. However, insulation also plays an important role in stopping heat transfer. This property can make insulation important in case of fire.

While insulation cannot make a building fireproof, it can help slow the spread of fires of all sizes. Service Partners’ knowledgeable team members can help you choose the best insulation that combines your project needs with fire protection.

For example, fiberglass insulation can withstand temperatures of up to 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit, while mineral wool insulation is not combustible. You can also install cellulose insulation with fire-resistant chemicals added.

Choosing the right insulation for your home or business can keep occupants protected in the event of a fire emergency. Installing insulation that helps slow the spread of fire and smoke can provide valuable extra time to escape in case of fire. For the best insulation to fit your project needs, contact your local Service Partners branch.

Fireproofing Products Used with Insulation

When you are building a structure with as much fire protection as possible, install fire-resistant insulation in combination with additional fireproofing products. These materials include firestop putty, silicone firestop sealant, and other barriers and coatings. These fireproofing products are part of a system that seals openings and joints in fire-resistant walls and floors to impede the spread of fire and smoke.

When applied correctly, fireproofing products allow structures to meet local building codes. Service Partners also have fireblock products that seal gaps in walls or floors in structures not requiring a rated wall or floor assembly as defined by local codes and jurisdiction.

Firestop devices are manufactured products designed to seal penetrations from fire and smoke movement. Coatings such as thermal barriers are designed to provide at least a 15 minute protection barrier over spray foam, wood, and other building materials to extend the time before involvement in a fire.

Firestop & Fireblock

Firestop and fireblock products are a form of passive fire protection. Materials like caulk, putty, cementitious mortars and grouts, sprays, intumescent wraps, pillows and poly bags or blocks can all be used as firestops. Filling gaps and cracks with firestop or fireblock helps prevent the spread of fire in walls and floors. A slower spreading fire means that occupants have more time to get out safely. Service Partners carries many types of firestop and fireblock accessories including:

• Caulk – one part sealants that can be used for combustible and non-combustible applications
• Putty – typically used on small cable penetrations, metal pipes and electrical boxes
• Cementitious mortars and grouts – cost-conscious firestop for larger openings in concrete walls and floors
• Sprays (coatings) – applied to various construction substrates using spray equipment or a brush
• Intumescent wraps – available in a variety of sizes and commonly used on plastic piping and other combustible penetrations
• Pillows, bags or blocks – soft, cushion-like products designed to be compressed and stuffed into openings around penetrants

Firestop Coatings

Firestop coatings are another form of passive fire protection. These products are sprayed or rolled onto substrates including structural steel, sheet metal, sheetrock, wood joists, gypsum, and more to provide an additional layer of fire protection.

Coatings can also be applied on top of spray polyurethane foam insulation. Firestop coatings protect surfaces from high temperatures and fire. When exposed to heat, firestop coatings increase in volume and decrease in density.

Firestop coatings are generally easy to apply. Some products can be rolled on like paint. Other coatings are applied with a commercial grade airless sprayer. Firestop coatings are also available in multiple colors so you can match them to existing finishes. The Service Partners team can help you choose from different types of firestop coatings:

• Thermal barriers (TBCs) – advanced material systems applied to metallic surfaces that operate at high temperatures
• Intumescent paints – paints applied by spray, brush, or roll-on application to many different types of building materials

Air & Vapor Barriers

Air and vapor barriers are other products which are important in case of fire or other disaster including industrial accidents. When building codes require flame retardant products, install barriers like flame retardant sheeting.

Air and vapor barriers can prevent smoke and other airborne chemicals from moving throughout a structure. Barriers treated with flame retardant chemicals can also protect buildings from high heat and fire. If you are looking for air and vapor barriers as part of a disaster preparedness system, the experienced team at Service Partners can help you choose the right product for your needs.

Personal Safety and PPE

Keeping employees safe is a priority for every project. Insulation and firestopping products help save lives and protect workers from burns and other injuries. Slowing the spread of fire can provide valuable time for your employees to safely escape.

Furthermore, fires are not the only workplace disaster to worry about. Providing your employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect them from injury and even death due to jobsite hazards. You may also need to supply PPE for OSHA and ANSI compliance.

Service Partners sells only the highest quality industrial safety products including respiratory protection, PPE and fall protection equipment. We can supply you with masks, respirators, hard hats, ear plugs, glasses, and harnesses from the top brands in the industry.

Insulation & Disaster Preparedness Products Near Me

If you are in need of insulation for any reason – including disaster preparedness – Service Partners can help. We have all the insulation and related accessories you need to protect workers and building occupants from injury, fire, and other disasters.
Reduce damage to structures and protect assets using only the best insulation products available from Service Partners. Our experienced team can provide advice on insulation and accessories appropriate for firestopping and other potential disasters.

Contact your local Service Partners branch for more information on insulation, fireproofing, and other products appropriate for disaster preparedness.