Are silicone sealants considered intumescent products?

Silicone sealants are not considered intumescent products. Intumescent materials, when exposed to heat, expand and form a char that helps to create a barrier against fire and smoke, thereby maintaining the integrity of the firestop system. Silicone sealants, however, do not have this property. Instead, they provide a flexible and durable seal that can effectively seal joints and gaps, but they do not expand in response to high temperatures.

This distinction is crucial because the effectiveness of firestop systems relies on the specific properties of the materials used. Silicone sealants serve other purposes such as water resistance and durability, which are valuable in many construction and sealing applications, but they do not contribute to fire resistance in the same way that intumescent products do. Understanding these characteristics helps ensure the proper selection of materials for fire prevention and safety in construction.