top of page

Fire Door Mastic vs. Foam: A Comparative Analysis



When it comes to sealing the gaps and joints in fire doors, there's a clear winner: fire door mastic. In this comparative analysis, we'll highlight why fire door mastic stands head and shoulders above foam sealants in terms of fire safety and performance. Understanding the distinct advantages of fire door mastic will help you make a confident decision for your fire safety needs.


1. Unrivaled Fire Resistance


Fire Door Mastic: Fire door mastic is engineered to excel under extreme conditions. It boasts an impressive track record of withstanding high temperatures and effectively containing flames for extended durations, Certitek has testing up to 120 minutes. This unparalleled fire resistance ensures that fire door mastic is the ultimate choice for safeguarding lives and property during a fire emergency.


Foam: While foam sealants can offer some fire resistance, they often fall short in comparison to fire door mastic. Choosing foam may compromise the integrity of your fire door system, potentially endangering lives and property.


2. Superior Flexibility and Adhesion


Fire Door Mastic: Fire door mastic is celebrated for its exceptional flexibility and adhesion properties. It adheres securely to various surfaces, including wood, metal, and concrete, creating a resilient, long-lasting seal. Its flexibility enables it to accommodate structural movement without compromising the seal's effectiveness.


Foam: Foam sealants may provide good adhesion initially but can become brittle over time, leading to seal failure. In environments with structural movement, fire door mastic's flexibility is unmatched.


3. Comprehensive Smoke and Gas Protection


Fire Door Mastic: Fire door mastic goes beyond fire resistance; it acts as a comprehensive barrier against smoke and toxic gases. This dual functionality is pivotal in preventing smoke inhalation and enhancing the safety of occupants during a fire.


Foam: Foam sealants may offer some resistance to flames but generally lack the capacity to effectively block smoke and gases. In fire safety, every second counts, and fire door mastic's ability to thwart smoke infiltration is a game-changer. Some foams only have a smoke rating when capped with mastic, why not just use mastic instead of wasting more money unnecessarily?


4. Durability and Longevity


Fire Door Mastic: Fire door mastic is synonymous with durability and longevity. It is designed to endure environmental factors and the test of time, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.


Foam: Foam sealants are susceptible to degradation due to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs over the long term.


5. Expert Installation for Ultimate Safety


Fire Door Mastic: The installation of fire door mastic should always be entrusted to trained professionals. This ensures that the sealant is applied correctly and adheres to stringent fire safety regulations, providing the highest level of protection.


Foam: While foam sealants may be used in DIY projects, they are not suitable for fire-related applications. For fire safety, it's imperative to follow manufacturer guidelines and seek professional installation.


When it comes to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring the highest level of fire safety, fire door mastic emerges as the unrivaled choice. Its unmatched fire resistance, flexibility, longevity, and ability to provide comprehensive smoke and gas protection make it the superior option for sealing fire doors.


Call us on 01355 575971 or email team@certitek.io to find out how you can build Certitek's proven compliance into your projects.


bottom of page