For many parts of Australia, it's predicted that spring and summer will bring higher than average temperatures and with that a heightened risk of fires.
The need for reliable, proven fire-protection measures is greater than ever. To support your fire protection plan, discover these passive fire construction solutions that can help safeguard lives and protect property over the long term.
Common building vulnerabilities: When to use fire-rated sealants
Bushfires or even unexpected home fires can develop quickly and spread dangerously, leaving unprepared properties at a higher risk of damage and loss.
Should a fire break out in a building, smoke and heat can spread rapidly through gaps and joints, putting lives at risk and blocking escape routes.
Some common vulnerable points and often overlooked areas include:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Service penetrations (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
- Construction joints
- Expansion joints
- Subfloor and cavity spaces
- Roof-to-wall junctions
By installing passive fire-rated solutions from Sika, you are adding a necessary layer of protection to your property, as these sealants and polyurethane formulas are designed to slow down the spread of fire and smoke by effectively sealing gaps and edges.
This is also especially important when retrofitting older dwellings in need of fire-protection upgrades.
By reinforcing a building’s vulnerable area in advance using high performing fire-rated systems, homeowners and specifiers can greatly improve the property’s overall resilience and safety.
Why passive fire systems?
Passive fire-resistant systems, like specially designed fire-resistant sealants and polyurethane foam, are just as important as active systems (e.g. hydrants and alarms). This is because their fire-stopping qualities mean they work automatically to prevent serious fire damage and slow its spread for a certain period of time.
Without the reliance on electricity, sensors or human activation, this form of fire protection offers an extra layer of safety and added peace of mind. When specifying or installing fire-rated systems, you’re supporting compliance while also helping protect lives, homes, and long-term financial investment.
Sika's fire-rated products are tested and certified to meet Australian Standards (AS 1530.4), giving you tough, reliable protection you can count on.
You can contact Sika’s technical services for further information and relevant documentation.
Benefits of using a passive fire protection system in homes
- It creates an extra safety barrier to fire protection that slows the movement of fire and smoke within a building by sealing unprotected cavities.
- Fire-rated solutions help extend the time a building can withstand fire, so occupants have more time to get out, therefore improving the chances of a safe evacuation.
- Fire-rated sealants and systems help homeowners meet compliance, with added confidence for safety and insurance.
- It can improve the overall fire resilience of older homes when retrofitted, helping strengthen weak points such as gaps, joints, penetrations, and wall or floor junctions.
- By helping slow or stop a fire early, passive fire protection can reduce repair costs and limit financial loss after an incident.
Top passive fire-rated sealants and fillers
Sika offers a range of fire rated sealants tested and compliant to Australian Standards AS 1530.4 in the technologies – Polyurethane, Silicone, Acrylic and Expanding PU foam. Here are some recommended products for sealing applications where fire resistance is required.
