40 Hour Property and Building Inspection Practice Test

Fire stopping should be provided at what locations in a building?

1. Only at the roof level

2. At every window

3. At every floor level

4. Only in basements

The correct answer is: At every floor level

Fire stopping is essential in a building to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through wall and floor assemblies. It involves sealing openings and joints in fire-resistance-rated wall and floor assemblies to maintain the integrity of the fire barriers. Providing fire stopping at every floor level is imperative because it acts as a critical point of defense against vertical fire spread within a building. When fire protection measures are only implemented at the roof level or in specific areas like basements, there may be significant gaps that allow a fire to travel upwards through floors, endangering occupants and complicating evacuation efforts. By ensuring fire stopping is installed at each floor level, the structural integrity and compartmentalization of the building are maintained, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with building codes. While options regarding the roof and basements may seem relevant, they do not address the need for comprehensive protection throughout the building at all levels. Additionally, stopping measures at windows alone are not sufficient; they play a role predominantly in limiting fire spread horizontally rather than vertically. Thus, the most effective strategy is to mandate fire stopping at every floor level across the building.