Firestopping Versus Fireproofing: What is the Difference?

Installing fireproofing or firestopping safeguards in a building can save lives. Protecting a structure from the damaging effects of a fire is a very important application for commercial construction today. There is a myriad of different fireproofing and firestopping products that can be used in various locations of a building depending on what type of safeguards the building requires.

Fireproofing and firestopping are both forms of passive fire protection, which means they work to protect the integrity of a building by keeping the fire in one area. Active fire protection is provisions such as alarms and sprinklers.

Firestopping is a collection of materials used together in a specific way (with full instructions) to keep fire and smoke from travelling through any gaps and spreading across a building.

The combination of these materials is what makes up the firestopping system.

Both fireproofing and firestopping installations require tested and listed UL, ULC, and FM systems (Underwriters Laboratories, Underwriters Laboratories Canada which are safety certification organizations that test and certify products for safety standards and Factory Mutual which is a global insurance company that also conducts testing and certification).

These tested and listed systems work to maintain the fire resistance rating of the floors and walls that are being installed onto with the use of specialized products.

Both firestopping and fireproofing provide two different life safety jobs. Firestopping is about compartmentalization – keeping the fire contained in one area, and fireproofing is about protecting the building’s structure – ensuring the occupants can vacate before the structural integrity is compromised.

But let’s dig a little deeper into what each of these types of system designs are used for.

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Firestopping Materials

Firestopping products come in all shapes and sizes so to speak. There are sprays, caulking, putties, specialized blocks and mortar.

Once a firestop plan has been approved for your project, it will lay out all the products required and how they must be installed to ensure compliance.  

As each project will have many different variables, there are many, many different configurations of firestopping systems that can be applied. Therefore, listing all the materials that can be used in firestopping are too many items to list in this blog. It’s best to talk to one of our experts to better understand what types of material will be used.

Fireproofing Products

A standard fireproofing product that Beyond uses is a gypsum-based spray called Monokote MK6HY. This is a popular product as it sets quickly.

We also use a medium density cementitious fireproofing product called Monokote Z106HY for areas with high humidity and where resistance to abrasion is required such as mechanical rooms, stairwells, parking garages, gymnasium & pools.

Beyond also uses a product called Hibar – a mineral fiber that is used where fire rating is required. It is a semi-cementitious, or cement-like spray that is not only fireproof but also insulating and soundproofing.

Fireproofing materials can be used for most commercial fireproofing applications such as deck, column or beam assemblies and walls, including those made of steel or concrete.

These are just a few examples of materials used for fireproofing, so again, it’s best to talk to one of our experts to better understand what will be used in your project.

Training

While formal training and certification is not yet universally mandated for firestopping installers, at Beyond we treat competency as a requirement, and we take pride in intensively teaching our team.

Our technicians receive structured training based on manufacturer requirements and recognized industry education, including the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) Firestop Education Program, reinforced through Beyonds' in-house training, supervised field work, and ongoing coaching.

This comprehensive training helps ensure our installers understand not just how to apply products, but how to install complete, tested firestop systems correctly, document the work, and deliver consistent results that our clients can trust.

Understanding the difference between firestopping and fireproofing starts with the building design and the building code intent. Firestopping is used to maintain the continuity of fire and smoke separations where penetrations and joints occur, which helps limit the spread of fire and smoke between compartments. Fireproofing is used to protect structural elements from heat exposure so they can maintain their required fire resistance for the specified duration, supporting structural stability, and ensure safe escape during a fire.

Every project will be different from another, so it’s best to give us a call to discern what your project will need to ensure it is meticulously complete and above all, absolutely safe.