If a firestop sealant is not adhering to a surface, what is the first course of action?

When a firestop sealant is not adhering to a surface, the first course of action is to clean the surface. Proper adhesion is critical for the effectiveness of firestop systems, and surfaces that are contaminated with dust, oil, grease, or other debris can significantly impair the bond of the sealant.

Cleaning the surface ensures that any foreign substances are removed, allowing the sealant to make direct contact with a clean surface, which is essential for achieving optimal adhesion. This step is fundamental because no matter how much sealant is applied or the type of sealant used, a lack of surface cleanliness can lead to failure in performance.

Once the surface is properly cleaned, testing the adhesion again would make sense before considering other options like changing the sealant type, applying more sealant, or removing old sealant, all of which may not address the underlying issue of surface contamination. This systematic approach is vital for ensuring the integrity and reliability of firestop systems in practice.