What is a key characteristic of the installation of fireblocking materials?

The essential characteristic of fireblocking materials is that they should partition concealed spaces. Fireblocking materials are installed to create barriers that prevent the spread of fire and smoke through concealed areas within a building, such as walls, floors, and ceilings. By effectively blocking these concealed spaces, fireblocking materials help contain a fire to its area of origin, allowing more time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to respond. This function is crucial in enhancing the overall fire safety of a structure.

While aspects such as being visible, decorative, or lightweight may have certain advantages or applications in construction, they do not define the fundamental purpose of fireblocking materials. The primary objective remains safety, achieved through partitioning concealed spaces to limit fire propagation.