According to MarketsAndMarkets, which published the report "Firestop Material Market by Type (Sealants, Mortar, Sheets, Collars, Cast-in Devices), by Application (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing), End-Use (Commercial, Industrial, Residential) & Region - Global Forecast to 2026," it is estimated that the firestop material market will reach $2.4 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% from $1.4 billion in 2021.

Eight Categories

Firestop is a fire protection system for sealing any openings to prevent the passage of fire, smoke, and heat from one compartment to another. They are typically used in warehouses, office complexes, commercial buildings, and industrial structures.

Firestop materials' components are made of fire-resistant and intumescent materials, as well as cement-based, silicone, mineral fiber, and rubber compounds. They are primarily used in electrical, plumbing, mechanical, construction, and building applications.

A properly installed and tested firestop system will prevent the spread of fire, provide an effective smoke barrier, and delay the transfer of heat for a specified period.

These can be classified into eight types: mortars, sealants, cast-in devices, sheets, putty, collars, wraps/tapes, and others. Sealants had a higher share of value in 2020 compared to mortars and others.

Some of the prominent key players include:

Hilti Corporation (Liechtenstein)

3M (USA)

Etex Group (Belgium)

Knauf Insulation (USA)

Specified Technologies Inc (USA)

Sika AG (Switzerland)

RectorSeal Corporation (USA)

BASF SE (Germany)

RPM International Inc. (USA)

Opportunities: Development of Innovative Firestop Systems

To enhance the performance of firestop materials, global companies are innovating new technologies to improve their protective properties. Due to strict fire protection regulations by governments, the demand for firestop materials is on the rise.

Companies are coming up with innovative solutions that adhere to national codes and standards. Moreover, they are focusing on solutions that are easy to install, user-friendly, and require minimal maintenance.

Global companies like 3M and Specified Technologies Inc. are focusing on developing innovative fire protection systems to effectively stop the spread of fire, smoke, and gases. Recently, Specified Technologies Inc. launched E-Wrap Systems FP-3 and FP-4, specifically for protecting fuel lines.

The system is compliant with UL 1489 (Standard for Fire Tests of Fire-Resistive Joint Systems That Handle and Accommodate Movement of Liquid Combustibles). 3M developed a fire barrier ventilation wrap, especially for the ventilation ductwork that passes through wood-framed construction. It was tested according to ASTM E2816 B.

Standards and Solutions

Companies are becoming aware of various standards and are developing firestop solutions that comply with these regulations.

Putty and Putty Pads are estimated to be the fastest-growing type in the firestop materials market for the forecast period.

Putty is a highly plastic material, similar in texture to clay or dough, usually used to seal gaps during construction. Firestop putty is mainly used for electrical outlet boxes, sealing insulation around pipes and cables, construction joints, solid floors, and lightweight partition walls to increase their fire resistance.

It provides complete protection against the spread of smoke and fire during a fire incident. It also offers excellent adhesion to construction substrates and penetrants, including plaster, metal, and plastic. These properties are expected to generate demand for firestop putty and pads in the forecast period.

North America is estimated to be the largest region in the firestop materials market in 2020.

The North American market held the largest share globally. It is experiencing significant growth due to increased demand for these materials in both new and existing buildings.