Fire safety in Public Access Buildings (ERP) and Commercial Buildings (BUP) has reached a new milestone. The Decree of February 19, 2026 has tightened France’s construction codes, putting a strict focus on controlling the spread of toxic gases in medium and high-rise buildings.
At the heart of this regulatory update is the critical 8-meter threshold. Above this height, simple fire resistance is no longer enough. A true battle against smoke propagation has begun, making firestop slab penetration caulking and expansion joint sealing absolutely systematic.
As a French manufacturer of passive fire protection solutions, Passitex breaks down these new obligations to help you maintain compliance on your construction sites.
Why the 8-Meter Threshold Redefines Fire Safety
In multi-story buildings or structures with high ceilings, the chimney effect drastically accelerates how fast smoke spreads. Yet, during a fire, over 75% of casualties are not caused by flames, but by inhaling toxic gases.
To counter this phenomenon, the February 2026 fire safety decree updates the provisions of Article CO 31 and following. As soon as a public building’s structure or floor slab exceeds a height of 8 meters, regulatory requirements become much stricter:
- Zero tolerance for unsealed voids: Every empty space, gap, or junction must be tightly sealed.
- Reinforced compartmentation mandate: The passage of fire, and more importantly, cold and hot smoke, must be blocked from one floor to another or between zones for a specific minimum duration (typically EI 90 to EI 120).
Systematic Caulking: Walls, Floors, and Service Shafts
Where previous regulations left some ambiguity regarding small gaps, the 2026 text is unequivocal. Penetration sealing is now mandatory and systematic in two strategic areas:
1. Junctions Between Vertical Walls and Floor Slabs
Expansion joints and linear control joints are the primary pathways for smoke. Securing the smoke-tightness of the expansion joint must be guaranteed, even during structural movements (thermal expansion, settling).
2. Slab Penetrations and Service Ducts
Whether dealing with ventilation ducts, pipes, or electrical cables, every penetration breaks the building’s compartmentation. Firestop slab penetration caulking must be carried out using resilient solutions capable of molding around the conduits while withstanding the pressure of hot gases.
💡 The Passitex Expert’s Take: “E” and “I” Ratings, the Inseparable Duo
Too often, contractors focus solely on thermal insulation (the “I” rating). However, the new regulation highlights the critical importance of integrity against gases and flames (the “E” rating). If you want to dive deeper into how old national standards transition to the European system, check out our comprehensive guide to understanding the Euroclass system and the EI rating.
The Passitex Solution: 100% Smoke-Tight Firestop Ropes
To meet the exact requirements of the February 2026 decree, Passitex designs and manufactures high-tech sealing solutions, rigorously tested in accredited official laboratories (CSTB, CERIB, CREPIM).
The CORDOFEU® Range: The Market Benchmark
Our range of CORDOFEU® firestop ropes (available in various diameters from 10 to 120 mm) has been specifically developed to provide a double barrier:
- Outstanding thermal resistance: Classifications reaching up to EI 120 / EI 240.
- Total airtightness: Thanks to their material composition and optimal compressibility, they perfectly match irregularities in concrete or mixed structures.
Furthermore, if your projects incorporate eco-friendly materials, feel free to read our recommendations on treating firestop joints for timber and bio-based constructions, an essential challenge for modern public buildings.
Quick and easy to install by simple friction-fitting (without the need for complex mechanical fasteners in most linear joint configurations), they guarantee flawless compliance during safety commission inspections.
❓ FAQ: Your Questions About the 2026 Fire Regulations
Is firestop caulking mandatory for building renovations above 8 meters?
Yes. As soon as renovation work affects load-bearing structures, floor slabs, or the routing of new utility ducts, compliance with the decree of February 19, 2026, becomes mandatory.
How do I prove the smoke-tightness of an expansion joint during a safety inspection?
You must provide the manufacturer’s official test report (PV). At Passitex, all our products come with test certificates from official laboratories, explicitly stating the “E” (Integrity against gas/smoke) and “I” (Thermal Insulation) ratings.
Can I pair a firestop joint rope with a standard sealant for an aesthetic finish?
The firestop rope provides the actual passive fire protection. If you wish to apply a cosmetic joint sealant over it, the sealant must either be non-combustible or officially validated within the rope’s test report configuration so it does not alter performance at high temperatures.