Firestop Special Inspections

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SOCOTEC provides firestop special inspections that help safeguard life safety, maintain building code compliance, and deliver confidence at every stage of construction.

Protecting buildings from the spread of fire and smoke begins with ensuring that firestop systems are designed, installed, and inspected correctly.

At SOCOTEC, we work with owners, developers, contractors, and design teams to verify that fire-resistant systems are properly implemented from start to finish. Our expertise covers a broad range of project types—high-rise office towers, residential developments, healthcare facilities, universities, industrial plants, and more.

Talk to our experts

Eric MONTPLAISIR

Principal, Fire and Life Safety

eric.montplaisir@socotec.us +1 603 289 8708

Services and Approach

Firestop Inspection Services

Our team provides third-party firestop inspections that combine technical expertise with a detailed understanding of building codes and standards. These inspections play a vital role in preserving the fire-resistance rating of assemblies and preventing the uncontrolled movement of fire, smoke, and toxic gases.

Our inspections focus on several key areas:

Material verification: Ensuring the correct firestopping and fireproofing products are used.
Installation quality: Checking that systems are properly applied, sealed, and reinforced.
Fire and smoke containment: Confirming penetrations and joints in walls, floors, and ceilings are sealed to prevent fire and smoke spread.
System performance: Maintaining the integrity of fire barriers so they function as designed during an emergency.

By verifying these details, firestop inspections help reduce risks, prevent failures, and support the overall safety, durability, and compliance of the building.

Our inspections focus on several key areas:

Material verification: Ensuring the correct firestopping and fireproofing products are used.
Installation quality: Checking that systems are properly applied, sealed, and reinforced.
Fire and smoke containment: Confirming penetrations and joints in walls, floors, and ceilings are sealed to prevent fire and smoke spread.
System performance: Maintaining the integrity of fire barriers so they function as designed during an emergency.

By verifying these details, firestop inspections help reduce risks, prevent failures, and support the overall safety, durability, and compliance of the building.

Our services include:

Firestopping

Inspection of penetrations through fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings to confirm openings are sealed.

Fireproofing

Verification that fire-resistant materials and coatings are correctly applied to structural elements.

Perimeter fire barriers

Ensuring building envelope systems provide continuous protection where floors meet curtain walls.

Joint systems

Inspecting expansion and control joints to verify fire resistance is maintained across assemblies.

Certified Firestop Inspectors

All of SOCOTEC’s inspections are carried out by qualified professionals with certifications from the International Firestop Council (IFC). This leading industry accreditation demonstrates advanced knowledge of firestop systems, materials, and safety practices.

Our inspectors’ qualifications ensure that your project benefits from:

Technical accuracy in documenting conditions
Consistency with building code requirements
Confidence in the long-term performance of fire protection systems

Compliance with ASTM

Our firestop special inspections follow strict testing and inspection protocols, including:

ASTM E2174 – Inspection of Installed Firestops
ASTM E2393 – Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint Systems
ASTM E2307 – Inspection of Perimeter Fire Barriers

By following these recognized standards, our special inspectors ensure that your project is evaluated against the most rigorous benchmarks in the construction industry. Our inspections not only meet code requirements but also support best practices for life safety and fire safety.

FAQ - Firestop Special Inspection

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[{"id":"7566","title":[{"value":"Why are firestop special inspections required?"}],"text":[{"value":"A firestop inspection verifies that fire-resistant systems such as walls, floors, ceilings, and joints are correctly installed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in a building.&nbsp;They are mandated by building code<\/strong>s to ensure compliance, life safety, and the long-term performance of fire protection systems.&nbsp;<\/p>"}]},{"id":"7567","title":[{"value":"Who is responsible for performing a firestop inspection?"}],"text":[{"value":"Only qualified, certified third-party inspectors can perform firestop special inspections. SOCOTEC\u2019s team holds International Firestop Council (IFC) certifications to deliver accurate and compliant results.<\/p>"}]},{"id":"7568","title":[{"value":"Which codes and standards govern firestop special inspections?"}],"text":[{"value":"Inspections are guided by the International Building Code (IBC) and ASTM standards such as ASTM E2174, ASTM E2393, and ASTM E2307. SOCOTEC ensures compliance with these nationally recognized benchmarks.<\/p>"}]},{"id":"7573","title":[{"value":"Who should require a firestop inspection?"}],"text":[{"value":"Firestop inspections are typically required by the project owner, developer, architects, engineers or contractors&nbsp;<\/strong>to ensure compliance with building codes and life safety standards.<\/p>"}]},{"id":"7569","title":[{"value":"What types of buildings require firestop inspections?"}],"text":[{"value":"Firestop inspections are required in many project types, including high-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, residential towers, and complex industrial facilities.<\/p>"}]},{"id":"7570","title":[{"value":"Why should I choose a third-party provider like SOCOTEC?"}],"text":[{"value":"As an independent provider with certified expertise, SOCOTEC delivers unbiased inspections, detailed reporting, and confidence that your firestopping systems meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.<\/p>"}]},{"id":"7571","title":[{"value":"Where does SOCOTEC provide firestop inspections?"}],"text":[{"value":"SOCOTEC offers firestop special inspections across the U.S., including major cities such as Boston, New York, Miami and beyond<\/strong>, supporting projects nationwide with certified, local expertise. <a href=\"https:\/\/our-locations.socotec.us\/en\">See all our locations<\/a>.<\/p>"}]}]

Trusted Expertise in Fire & Life Safety

Because fire safety is critical at every stage of the project lifecycle, our teams are present from the early planning phase through active construction and post-construction verification. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify issues before they become costly or hazardous, ensuring that projects move forward with full compliance.

With SOCOTEC’s certified fire inspectors, you can be confident that your building’s firestopping systems meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Ready to protect your building and ensure code compliance?

Schedule your firestop special inspection now!

Talk to our experts

Eric MONTPLAISIR

Principal, Fire and Life Safety

eric.montplaisir@socotec.us +1 603 289 8708