4 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Fire-Rated Temporary Wall System

Choosing a fire-rated temporary wall system isn’t just another project decision. It’s a life-safety choice that affects people, property, and continuity of operations. The right system supports fire resistance, protects egress routes, and helps maintain safer work areas during construction, renovation, or phasing.

This guide walks through four core questions to ask, so you know what to look for, how to compare options, and which fire-rated wall system considerations matter most on real jobsites.

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What Is a Fire-Rated Temporary Wall System?

A fire-rated temporary wall system is a modular barrier designed to help contain the spread of fire and heat for a specified period, verified through standardized testing such as ASTM E-119. These systems are used during construction or renovation to help maintain fire separation, protect egress paths, and support safer occupied spaces while work is underway.

Fire-rated temporary walls are different from standard dust barriers or non-rated partitions. While non-rated systems focus on cleanliness and separation, a fire-rated system also addresses defined fire resistance performance under controlled test conditions.

1. How Was the System Evaluated? (ASTM E-119 and Documentation)

The first question when choosing a fire-rated temporary wall system: How has it been tested and evaluated?

A credible system should have clear, accessible documentation that shows:

• The applicable fire test standard (commonly ASTM E-119 in the U.S.)

• The duration and configuration tested

• Any limitations or conditions of use

• A current listing or report from an accredited testing laboratory

Why ASTM E-119 Evaluation Matters

ASTM E-119 is a standard test method used to evaluate the fire resistance of building assemblies, including wall systems. It exposes the assembly to a controlled time–temperature curve and may include a hose stream test, depending on the configuration.

When reviewing ASTM E-119 evaluation data:

• Confirm the wall construction and materials match the tested assembly

• Verify the orientation and installation (height, support conditions, joints) are consistent with the tested design

• Check whether penetrations, doors, or windows are covered in the test, or if they require separate listings

• Note any field conditions that could invalidate the tested rating

You’re not just looking for the phrase “ASTM E-119.” You’re confirming that the system you install reflects how it was actually evaluated.

Supporting Questions to Ask Vendors

• “Can you provide the latest ASTM E-119 test report or listing for this assembly?”

• “Is the entire system tested as an assembly, or are only some components fire-rated?”

• “Are there height, span, or installation limitations I should factor into my design?”

A vendor who can answer these questions clearly helps you reduce guesswork and align your solution with project safety requirements.

2. What Fire Containment Features Does the System Provide?

Once you know how the wall was evaluated, focus on its fire containment features and how they perform in real conditions.

When comparing fire-rated walls, assess:

System-Level Fire Resistance

• Rated duration based on test data (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour tested performance)

• Continuity of the barrier from floor to deck or rated ceiling, as specified in the test

• How the system addresses joints, seams, and transitions to maintain fire resistance

The goal is a barrier that functions as a unified assembly, not just a patchwork of parts.

Perimeter and Penetration Details

Fire-rated wall system considerations must extend beyond the panels themselves:

• How are head-of-wall and base-of-wall joints treated?

• Are there tested or engineered solutions for mechanical, electrical, or low-voltage penetrations?

• Can the system integrate with existing sprinkler coverage or detection layouts where required?

These details determine whether the installed system matches its intended fire resistance performance.

Doors, Windows, and Openings

If your temporary wall includes access doors, vision panels, or other openings, ask:

• Are these components part of the tested assembly, or do they require separate fire-rated units?

• Does the hardware support required egress, access control, and day-to-day use?

• Is there documentation describing how these openings should be installed within the fire-rated wall system?

Clear documentation and integrated components reduce field improvisation that can weaken fire containment.

3. How Do Modular Design and Installation Affect Safety and Project Workflow?

Most modern fire-rated temporary wall systems are modular. That modular design directly affects safety, speed, and overall project impact.

When choosing a fire-rated temporary wall system, ask how the design supports:

Clean, Rapid Installation

• Prefabricated panels that minimize cutting, dust, and debris

• Simple connection methods that reduce installation errors

• The ability to install with occupied spaces nearby, while maintaining a professional appearance

Cleaner installs help maintain safer conditions for building occupants and workers while the system is deployed.

Consistent Performance Over Multiple Uses

One key advantage of modular systems is reusability. A well-designed fire-rated wall system:

• Maintains its structural integrity and finish across multiple projects

• Uses durable surfaces that are impact-resistant and easy to clean

• Allows repeated assembly and disassembly without compromising key fire containment features

Reusability supports both cost control and consistent safety performance across jobs.

Integration With Jobsite Workflows

Evaluate how the system fits into actual daily operations:

• Can the wall be reconfigured as phases change without major disruption?

• Are material handling requirements reasonable in active facilities like hospitals or commercial buildings?

• Does the system support quiet, low-dust set-up suitable for sensitive areas?

A modular system that is easy to move and adjust helps maintain efficient phasing while still supporting critical safety requirements.

4. What Are the Real-World Safety and Compliance Considerations?

The final question is broader: How does this system support your project’s safety objectives and code strategy?

A fire-rated temporary wall is one component in a much larger life-safety plan. When comparing fire-rated walls, think beyond the product label.

Alignment With Project Design and Code Path

Coordinate early with your design team, AHJ, and life-safety consultants to define:

• The intended fire separation role of the temporary wall

• Any occupancy or egress impacts tied to its location

• How the temporary condition fits into the building’s overall fire protection strategy

The system you select should be compatible with that strategy and supported by clear documentation.

Support for Safer Occupied Areas

In many healthcare, commercial, and institutional projects, adjacent spaces remain occupied while work is underway. A suitable fire-rated temporary wall system helps:

• Support a defined fire separation between work zones and occupied areas

• Reduce visual disruption while maintaining a consistent, professional appearance

• Coordinate with other protections such as alarms, sprinklers, and compartmentation, where required by the project design

While no product can guarantee outcomes, a well-chosen system supports safer, more controlled conditions during phasing.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Documentation

Finally, consider how easy it is to maintain and verify the system during its use:

• Are there clear installation manuals and details for maintaining continuity?

• Can field teams easily inspect joints, connections, and openings to confirm they remain in place?

• Is there straightforward documentation you can share with the owner, AHJ, or safety team?

Systems that are easier to inspect and document support more consistent safety performance over the life of the project.

Quick Comparison: Key Considerations for Fire-Rated Temporary Walls

Practical Checklist: What to Look For in a Fire-Rated Temporary Wall System

When evaluating options, use this condensed checklist:

• Verified ASTM E-119 evaluation with accessible reports

• System tested as a complete assembly, not just individual parts

• Documented height, span, and installation limits

• Clear details for joints, penetrations, doors, and other openings

• Modular design that supports clean, fast, low-disruption installs

• Durable, reusable panels with consistent appearance and performance

• Documentation that supports your safety requirements and coordination with AHJs

For STARC-specific solutions, see FireblockWall

A well-chosen fire-rated temporary wall system supports safer phasing, cleaner installs, and more predictable performance during renovation or construction. When you’re ready to compare specific systems, review test data, installation guidance, and jobsite requirements side by side to select the best fit for your projects.

FAQs: Choosing a Fire-Rated Temporary Wall System

1. What should I look for first when selecting a fire-rated temporary wall system? Start with verified testing and documentation. Confirm the system has been evaluated to a recognized standard such as ASTM E-119, and that the tested assembly matches how you plan to install it. From there, review connection details, openings, and limitations.

2. How is a fire-rated temporary wall different from a standard dust barrier? A standard dust barrier is designed primarily for containment of dust and debris. A fire-rated temporary wall is evaluated for fire resistance performance, helping limit the spread of fire and heat for a defined period when installed as tested. Dust control is still important, but the fire-rated system supports additional life-safety objectives.

3. Do all modular wall systems provide fire resistance? No. Many modular systems are non-rated and are not evaluated to ASTM E-119 or similar standards. When fire resistance is required, confirm the wall system is specifically tested and documented as a fire-rated assembly, and not just marketed as “durable” or “heavy duty.”

4. Can fire-rated temporary walls be reused on multiple projects? Many modular fire-rated systems are designed for reusability, but it depends on the construction and materials. Check manufacturer guidance on reuse, storage, and handling. Reusable systems can support more consistent performance and reduce waste over multiple deployments.

5. Who should review and approve the use of a fire-rated temporary wall on a project? Coordinate with the design team, building owner, and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). They can help determine where the temporary wall fits into the overall life-safety strategy and how it interacts with rated assemblies, egress plans, and fire protection systems.