Thermafiber® FireSpan® FF 40 and FF 90

Thermafiber® FireSpan® FF 40 and FF 90 are formaldehyde-free mineral wool insulation products specifically designed to provide enhanced fire protection in curtain wall and perimeter fire containment systems in commercial buildings. They also offer thermal and acoustical insulation properties. The "FF" designation indicates these products are formaldehyde-free, contributing to better indoor air quality and meeting green building standards.

Key Features (Common to both FF 40 & FF 90)

• Enhanced Fire Protection: Designed and tested for use in UL and Intertek (formerly OPL) listed fire containment assemblies, providing 1, 2, and 3-hour fire ratings per ASTM E 2307.
• Formaldehyde-Free: No formaldehyde is used in the manufacturing process, contributing to healthier indoor environments and meeting stringent green building standards like GREENGUARD® Gold certification.
• Non-Combustible: Classified as non-combustible per ASTM E 136 and NFPA Standard 220.
• Moisture Resistant: Does not readily absorb moisture.    
• Non-Corrosive: Will not corrode steel, copper, or aluminum.
• Mold and Mildew Resistant: Inhibits the growth of mold and mildew.    
• Acoustical Performance: Helps enhance the sound absorption and transmission loss characteristics of wall assemblies.
• Thermal Insulation: Provides thermal resistance (R-value), contributing to energy efficiency. The R-value is the same per inch of thickness for both products.
• Dark Color: The natural dark color provides shadowing behind glass spandrel panels for a more uniform aesthetic.    
• Recycled Content: Contains a significant amount of post-industrial recycled content (typically >70%).    
• Contributes to Green Building Credits: Can contribute to LEED® and Green Globes® credits.    
• Optional Foil Facing (FSP): Available with a tough scrim-reinforced foil facing that acts as a vapor retarder in applicable construction assemblies.    
• Easy Fabrication and Installation: Can be easily cut to fit around curtain wall components and is typically mechanically attached using insulation fasteners.

Key Differences between FireSpan® FF 40 and FF 90

• The primary difference between FireSpan® FF 40 and FF 90 lies in their density:
  • FireSpan® FF 40: Has a nominal density of 4.0 pcf (pounds per cubic foot).
  • FireSpan® FF 90: Has a higher nominal density of 8.0 pcf (pounds per cubic foot).
• This difference in density can influence:
  • Stiffness and Handling: FF 90 is generally more rigid due to its higher density.
  • Acoustical Performance: Higher density materials can sometimes offer slightly better sound attenuation, though both products contribute to acoustical performance.
  • Perimeter Fire Containment System Requirements: Code-compliant perimeter fire containment systems often specify minimum densities and thicknesses. Generally, a lower density product like FF 40 will require a greater thickness to achieve the same fire rating as a higher density product like FF 90 in a specific assembly. Always refer to the specific UL or Intertek listing for the required thickness of each product for a given fire rating.

Applications

Both FireSpan® FF 40 and FF 90 are used in various perimeter fire containment systems, including:

• Aluminum Spandrel Curtain Wall Fire Containment
• Steel Stud-Framed/Gypsum Sheathing Curtain Wall Fire Containment    
• Aluminum-Framed/Glass Spandrel Perimeter Fire Containment
• Aluminum-Framed/Granite Spandrel Perimeter Fire Containment
• Precast Concrete Spandrel Perimeter Fire Containment    
• Aluminum-Framed/Steel Back Pan Perimeter Fire Containment

Standards Compliance

Both products typically meet the following standards:

• ASTM C 665 - Federal Specification HH-I-521FCurtain wall insulation as Types I and III, Class A, Category 1 (with foil facing).
• ASTM C 612 - Type IA, IB, II, III, IVA (for FF 40) and Types IA, IB, II, III, IVA, IVB (for FF 90).    
• ASTM E 136 - Non-combustible.
• CAN/ULC S114 - Complies.
• ASTM C 1104 - Sorption less than 1% by volume.
• ASTM C 356 - Linear Shrinkage <2% @ 1200º F (650º C).
• ASTM E 84/CAN/ULC S102 - Flame Spread 0, Smoke Developed 0.
• UL Formaldehyde-Free Validated.
• GREENGUARD® Gold Certified.

Installation

1. Select the appropriate size and quantity of Metacaulk® Firestop Pillows based on the size of the opening, the type and number of penetrants, and the required fire rating (refer to UL listings).
2. Ensure the annular space around the penetrants is appropriately sized as per the UL listing.
3. Pack the pillows tightly into the opening around the penetrants, ensuring all voids are completely filled. Compress the pillows slightly to achieve a snug fit.
4. The depth of the pillow installation should meet the requirements specified in the UL listing for the desired fire rating.
5. For larger openings or specific applications, additional layers or specific pillow arrangements may be necessary as outlined in the UL listing.
6. Consult the specific UL Directory listing for the exact installation details for the penetrating items and fire-rated assembly.

For detailed technical specifications, R-values at specific thicknesses, installation guidelines, and the specific UL and Intertek listed assemblies in which these products are approved, always refer to the official product data sheets and UL/Intertek directories from us.