Composite board products typically offer which benefit in firestop construction?

Composite board products are specifically designed to enhance firestop applications through their ability to expand when exposed to heat. This intumescent expansion creates a barrier that helps prevent the spread of fire and smoke through penetrations in walls, floors, and ceilings. When temperatures rise, the materials in composite boards react by swelling, thus filling gaps and voids that could otherwise allow flames and smoke to permeate.

This property is crucial for maintaining fire-resistance ratings in various construction applications, ensuring that even during a fire event, the integrity of fire-rated assemblies is preserved. The design and composition of these boards make them effective in preventing the passage of heat, smoke, and flames, which is a primary objective in firestop construction.

While aspects such as easy installation, weight reduction, and low cost could be relevant considerations in choosing firestop materials, the uniquely beneficial characteristic of intumescent expansion is what sets composite board products apart in the context of fire resistance.