STI News

The Burn Newsletter – Summer 2025 Wrap Up

STI Firestop — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:15:38 GMT

In this issue:

Sound Advice from an Old Firestop Guy – Part 3: What is the STC of your Firestop Caulk?

STI Firestop — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:29:09 GMT

In the first two parts of this series, we explored the fundamentals of sound transmission and its interaction with barriers, particularly in the context of firestop systems. Part 1 introduced ASTM E90, the standard test method for measuring airborne sound transmission loss (STL) across a barrier in a controlled laboratory environment, and how this STL data is then evaluated and transformed into Sound Transmission Class (STC), a single-number metric that summarizes a barrier’s ability to attenuate airborne sound, using the standard contour curve outlined in ASTM E413. Part 2 delved into the physical nature of sound, explaining how sound waves interact with solid barriers that break up the wave energy. Some energy is reflected, some is dissipated within the material through mechanisms like damping and vibration transforming sound energy into heat energy, and some is transmitted to the other side of the barrier at a reduced decibel level. And we learned that the difference in sound energy measured before and after the barrier equals the sound transmission loss that is quantified by ASTM E90 across a spectrum of frequencies spanning 5 octaves. In this third installment, we address the complex challenge of integrating firestop systems into barriers that must meet both fire-resistance and sound-attenuation requirements, ensuring safety and acoustical performance are achieved without compromise.

Sound Advice from an Old Firestop Guy – Part 2: What is Sound? And How is it Controlled?

STI Firestop — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:53:05 GMT

In Part 1 of this series which appeared in the last issue of The Burn, we learned how ASTM E90 is used to measure sound transmission loss across a barrier and how the range of data gathered from testing is converted to a single number rating we call Sound Transmission Class (STC) which represents the sound transmission performance of a barrier. But have you ever stopped and contemplated what sound is? Are you curious how sound is affected by different barriers? Have you ever considered the answer to that philosophical question, does a tree falling in the woods make a sound if nobody is there to hear it? Today is your lucky day because we are going to take a closer look at sound, what it is, what measures can be taken to reduce sound transmission across a barrier, and how proper firestopping plays a major role. We might even answer that question about the tree.

The Burn Newsletter – Spring 2025 Wrap Up

STI Firestop — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:55:51 GMT

In this issue:

Celebrating David Volker: 22 Years of Dedication and Service

STI Firestop — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:09:39 GMT

David Volker has been a steady, guiding presence as Customer Service Manager at STI, known for his calming demeanor, strong grasp of systems, and genuine respect for everyone he worked with. As Customer Service was getting started, he was the natural choice to lead the team. He brought a thoughtful, organized approach that helped shape the department into one of the most efficient and well-structured in the company. His leadership was instrumental in preparing his department for ISO 9001 Certification, and he consistently found ways to help STI grow by making the most of the systems and resources already in place.

Back to Basics - What is the L-Rating

STI Firestop — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:12:56 GMT

The L-Rating is a measure of air leakage through an installed firestop system. The L-Rating measures the rate of airflow that passes through the firestop system. The L-Rating is listed in units of CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) per device module or CFM per square foot, with achievable ratings listed at ambient and 400F. CFM per device module is intended to be applied to fixed device type firestop solutions, with CFM per Sq. Ft. intended for sealant or other soft seal-type firestop solutions, which have openings ranging from several inches to several feet in size.

Consultants Corner (Spring 2025)

STI Firestop — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:13:46 GMT

Introduction

Welcome to the Curtain Wall Consultants Corner — the premier spotlight series where we sit down with the innovators, influencers, and industry leaders shaping the future of the building envelope. Aaron Alterman, Consultant Support Specialist - US & Canada for Specified Technologies Inc., will be your host, and in each episode, we’ll explore the insights, experiences, and forward-thinking ideas of the people driving change in curtain wall design, performance, and integration. We will also share general new and exciting updates with you.

Introducing the new SpecSeal® 8 Inch Cast-In Device

STI Firestop — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:35:33 GMT

The all new SpecSeal® 8 Inch Cast-In Device from Specified Technologies Inc. delivers a fully integrated firestop solution with the trusted quality of STI. Built with rugged welded construction, the SpecSeal® 8-Inch CID is designed to withstand even the toughest job site conditions. Its smooth-surface design ensures optimal concrete flow, effectively filling corners and gaps for superior concrete bonding. The result? A solid, reliable installation ready to handle large, heavy penetrants with ease.

The Burn Newsletter – Winter 2025 Wrap Up

STI Firestop — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:11:49 GMT

In this issue:

The Burn Newsletter – Fall 2024 Wrap Up

STI Firestop — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:07:08 GMT

In this issue: