Acoustic and firestop ratings can be greatly improved when developers choose innovative floor-ceiling assemblies made by a Canadian cold-formed steel leader.
Princeton, Ontario (November 24, 2021) – Acoustics and fire safety are two crucial aspects of new building construction. To provide superior acoustics, builders must choose the right construction materials, and to ensure occupant safety, builders must follow fire regulations and install firestopping around pipes, conduits and cable penetrations in floor-ceiling assemblies.
TotalJoist by Bailey Metal Products is the manufacturer and supplier of proprietary cold-formed-steel framing systems, revolutionizing the construction of mid-rise condominiums and apartments, hotels and retirement residences. The business’s floor-ceiling system is called Composite TotalJoist and is made of cold-formed steel joists and steel decking, topped with three inches of concrete.
The Ontario-based business recently released its updated Composite TotalJoist Acoustic & Firestop Guide, which details the latest acoustic testing results and firestopping procedures for Composite TotalJoist.
Composite TotalJoist Acoustic Ratings Now Available
New to the updated guide is the Composite TotalJoist system’s acoustic ratings, with separate values for when it is combined with insulation, drywall and standard floor finishes. (Vinyl, laminate, ceramic tile and carpet.)
This complete acoustic rating breakdown helps engineers and developers to better understand how Composite TotalJoist can help to greatly improve the acoustics of mid-rise buildings. The sound loss and sound transmission tests performed on the Composite TotalJoist flooring system are based on ASTM E90 (STC) and ASTM E492 (IIC), and incorporate lab testing, field testing and professional opinions.
Firestopping Solutions Are Crucial to Building Safety
The second section of the updated guide outlines certified firestop solutions that can be easily integrated into the Composite TotalJoist floor system to maintain the integrity of fire separations.
The guide suggests firestopping for all types of conduit, ducts and piping (e.g. ABS, PVC, copper, cables and steel), and informs clients of best practices for penetrating the fire separation with items such as lights, ducts and outlet boxes. Our guide suggests using a wide variety of proven firestopping materials, such as intumescent sealant, tube insulation, firestop collars, pipe coverings, steel traps, packing material and wrap strips. When these materials are properly incorporated, the Composite TotalJoist flooring system is non-combustible with a two-hour fire rating (UL, ULC listed), greatly improving fire safety.
Fire Resistance Ratings outlined in the guide are based on CAN/ULC S101 tests (in Canada) or UL263 (in the US). Full-scale floors were built and tested by subjecting them to a standard fire up to a temperature of 1,260°C.
Although firestopping is installed after the floor system, electrical and plumbing systems, the firestopping plan is best developed much earlier in the process. “We work with our clients on firestopping from the very first design meeting to after installation,” says Douglas Fox, Engineering Manager. “Firestopping is a crucial component at every stop along the way, and our guide helps to outline everything a contractor should know to achieve full compliance.”
Our proprietary Composite TotalJoist flooring system has superior acoustics to many other floor-ceiling systems and, when used in conjunction with certified fire mitigation solutions, is an essential structural system for mid-rise construction. For more information, contact us at 1-855-804-7726 or fill in our contact form.
-30-
About TotalJoist by Bailey Metal Products
We manufacture and supply proprietary cold-formed steel framing systems that are revolutionizing the construction of mid-rise buildings.
With a deep understanding of the construction process, we engineer and manufacture all of our own patented building components in our facility in Princeton, Ontario.
Through our full-service approach – from engineering and manufacturing, to supporting installation – our involvement does not end once the products are delivered to the site. We are with our clients every step of the way to ensure a successful project.
With applications for many building types, our framing systems have been used by leading developers and architects on projects across North America to provide a complete solution for the supply and installation of the building superstructure.
