What type of material is typically used as a coating over wider construction joints?

The correct response reflects the common use of elastomeric materials for wider construction joints due to their flexibility and ability to accommodate movement. Elastomeric coatings are designed to form a continuous, flexible layer that can expand and contract with structural movements, ensuring that the joints remain sealed and protected against fire and smoke.

This flexibility is particularly important in construction joints, which may experience varying degrees of movement due to thermal expansion, settling, or mechanical stress. The properties of elastomeric materials provide a reliable barrier while maintaining the integrity of the joint, making them a preferred choice in firestop applications.

This is why elastomeric materials are favored over other options, such as silicone, which may not have the same degree of fire resistance in this context, or intumescent coatings that generally expand when exposed to heat but may not be suitable as a primary coating for wider joints. Fire-resistant paint, while useful in some applications, typically serves a different purpose and may not offer the same level of flexibility and movement accommodation as elastomeric coatings.