What is a key feature of silicone sealant in relation to firestop applications?

Silicone sealants are known for their temperature resistance, making them a key feature in firestop applications. This characteristic allows silicone to maintain its integrity and effectiveness in environments exposed to high temperatures, preventing the passage of smoke and flames. In firestop systems, materials must withstand thermal extremes without degrading, which silicone sealants are specifically formulated to do.

This temperature resistance is critical for ensuring that firestop systems remain functional during a fire event, helping to compartmentalize fire and smoke and protect structural integrity. While other properties such as expansion rates, intumescent behavior, and flexible bonding are relevant in certain contexts, it is the high degree of temperature resistance that primarily enhances the effectiveness of silicone sealants in firestop applications.