08/12/2026
🏛️ Chianis + Anderson Architects is proud to present the second in a series of Industry Insights by Project Manager Adam Brown.
Firestopping is one of those life safety systems that is often overlooked because, at a glance, it can appear simple. Too often, the assumption is that if a pe*******on has red caulk around it, the work must be correct. In reality, proper firestopping is far more nuanced. The right solution depends on the type of wall or floor assembly, the size and type of pe*******on, the backing material, the annular space, and the specific tested system being used.
This is exactly why experienced architectural review during construction matters. A properly detailed design is important, but field verification is just as critical. Installations can look acceptable from one side and still be incomplete, improperly packed, overfilled, damaged, or missing required components entirely. Those kinds of mistakes are common, and they are not always obvious to an untrained eye.
When architects stay involved during construction, they help verify that life safety systems are being installed as intended, not just cosmetically covered. That means asking the right questions, identifying deficiencies early, and helping protect the integrity of rated walls and floors before those problems become hidden above ceilings or behind finished surfaces.
Firestopping is not just a tube of red caulk. It is a tested system, and it deserves careful review.
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