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Penetrations
Penetrations are holes through walls or ceilings for pipes, wires, ducts, and vents.
Why it matters
Penetrations are where air, smoke, and fumes like to sneak through.
Where people get this wrong
A small hole can matter a lot, especially between garage and house. Not all sealants are fire-rated. Use the right product for fire separation details.
Real-world example
A plumber drills a hole for a pipe and leaves a gap around it. Months later you feel a cold draft near the baseboard. That draft is air traveling through penetrations.
Where this hits your build
This affects how your home handles water. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix, and it often starts with details that seem small.
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