What is the purpose of a firestop collar?

The purpose of a firestop collar is specifically to close off openings in walls and floors that are created when pipes pass through them. This is essential in preventing the spread of fire and smoke through these openings by maintaining the fire-resistance rating of the walls and floors. Firestop collars work by expanding when exposed to heat, effectively sealing any gaps and ensuring that fire cannot travel through these spaces, thereby enhancing building safety and compliance with fire protection codes.

The other choices do not align with the function of a firestop collar. Supporting heavy structures is not the role of a firestop collar; that function is more related to structural elements like beams and columns. Providing ventilation in attics is irrelevant since firestop collars do not facilitate airflow. Terminating insulation materials also does not describe the collar's function, as its primary purpose relates to fire safety rather than insulation management.