In high-rise construction, smoke poses a more complex and hazardous threat than flames during a fire event. Ensuring effective smoke control is essential to occupant safety, structural protection, and emergency response efficiency. Passive fire protection materials play a critical role in this strategy — among them, FastWrap XL stands out for its high-temperature insulation and flexible duct enclosure capabilities. Let’s explore how it supports fire-rated duct systems and contributes to compliant, robust smoke control in vertical buildings.
The challenge of smoke management in tall structures
Smoke in high-rise buildings travels quickly through vertical shafts, mechanical risers, and ductwork. Without adequate compartmentation and insulation, it can:
Obstruct evacuation routes
Damage equipment and structural components
Endanger fire services personnel
Lead to non-compliance with civil defense regulations
Active systems like pressurization fans and dampers are necessary but insufficient on their own. Passive containment using UL-tested, flexible fire wraps forms a critical secondary line of defense, especially in high-risk zones like escape routes and mechanical shafts.
What is FastWrap XL?
Morgan FireMaster FastWrap XL is a flexible, lightweight fire-resistant insulation wrap designed for fire-rated duct enclosures. It is composed of a low-bio persistent, high-temperature insulation blanket enclosed in a durable reinforced foil. The product is UL-classified and tested to ASTM E2336 standards for fire-rated duct enclosures, including smoke exhaust, kitchen grease ducts, and air distribution systems.
Key Characteristics:
2-hour fire resistance rating (ASTM E2336)
Lightweight and easy to install
Non-combustible and non-corrosive
Flexible enough for tight and irregular installations
Compatible with vertical and horizontal duct applications
How FastWrap XL supports smoke control strategies
1. Maintains duct integrity under fire exposure
During a fire, FastWrap XL maintains the structural and thermal integrity of duct systems for up to 2 hours, ensuring that smoke exhaust or pressurization ducts remain operational under high temperatures.
2. Reduces risk of smoke leakage
Unprotected or inadequately sealed ducts may crack or fail during thermal stress, allowing smoke to leak into adjacent compartments. FastWrap XL resists thermal degradation, preventing premature duct failure and supporting compartmentation strategies.
3. Accelerates installation in complex high-rise layouts
Due to its lightweight and flexible design, FastWrap XL simplifies installation around complex duct paths common in high-rise buildings, reducing labor hours and improving fit in congested mechanical shafts.
4. Supports regulatory compliance
The product meets the fire protection standards required by international and UAE civil defense authorities. For engineers and contractors, this facilitates smoother project approvals and third-party inspections.
Comparative advantage over rigid enclosures
Unlike traditional shaft enclosures or fire-rated boards, FastWrap XL:
Adds minimal weight to building structures
Requires less space, allowing for more efficient shaft design
Accommodates irregular duct geometries with ease
Simplifies retrofit applications in existing high-rise buildings
Integrating FastWrap XL into project specifications
When specifying fire-rated duct insulation for a high-rise development:
Verify UL and ASTM E2336 compliance
Confirm compatibility with the duct system (e.g., kitchen, exhaust, HVAC)
Coordinate with mechanical consultants and civil defense-approved installers
Engage trusted regional distributors with technical support expertise
Strengthening fire safety through smarter material selection
In high-rise construction, the ability to control smoke movement is fundamental to life safety and regulatory compliance. Passive fire protection systems, particularly those protecting ductwork, must be reliable, tested, and adaptable to complex architectural layouts. Morgan FireMaster FastWrap XL provides an effective, space-efficient solution for protecting critical duct systems under fire conditions.
For consultants, contractors, and developers in the UAE, choosing a compliant and field-proven wrap like this enables better coordination with mechanical design, faster project construction in the region, as such material solutions are not optional but are essential to meeting both performance and code expectations.
