At Build 25: AWCI’s Convention + Expo, March 31 – April 3, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Steve Farkas, director of business development at CEMCO, an SFIA member, caught up with Jill Bloom, group publisher of Walls & Ceilings, for an interview on the industry podcast, “If Walls Could Talk.”
In the interview, Farkas highlighted CEMCO’s recently launched firestop products — featuring the HOTROD BW Compressible Firestop and the Smoke & Sound Stop BLUE compressible foam — and introduced CEMCO’s new Customer Portal, designed to ensure effective project management and informed decision-making.
Firestop Products
During the interview, Farkas discussed CEMCO’s innovation beyond steel framing into firestopping and fireproofing.
“We are not only innovators in steel framing, but we are also innovators in firestopping and fireproofing,” says Farkas.
Farkas highlights CEMCO’s new product HOTROD BW Compressible Firestop, a compressible foam tested to UL 2079. It provides one and two-hour bottom of wall joint firestop solutions for standard wall assemblies.
CEMCO’s HOTROD BW Compressible Firestop is a compressible foam that provides a one and two-hour bottom of wall joint firestop solution for standard wall assemblies.
This pre-formed firestop is installed flush against the gypsum wall panel at the bottom track where it meets the floor. Fully cured and unaffected by water, moisture or temperature, it remains flexible throughout its lifespan, notes Farkas.
It is available in both one- and two-hour fire-rated assemblies. It also helps walls achieve up to an STC rating of 56.
“We recently passed the ASTM G21 mold proliferation test with a zero rating — the highest possible score,” says Farkas. “No mold will grow on this product after installation.”
Farkas discussed CEMCO’s new smoke and sound abatement product, Smoke & Sound Stop BLUE, a compressible foam for both dynamic and static joints. It is for use at interior building joints in non-fire-rated partitions requiring a STC rating.
CEMCO’s smoke and sound abatement product, Smoke & Sound Stop BLUE, is a compressible foam used at interior building joints in non-fire-rated partitions requiring a STC rating.
“The reason we made this blue was that it is specifically used for sound abatement, not fire,” says Farkas. “It can go in both the top and bottom of the wall cavities.”
It can be used at both top and bottom of walls as well as wall-to-wall joints. Unaffected by water, moisture, or temperature, the product remains flexible during its life, notes Farkas.
“Inspectors appreciate these products because they can immediately identify the type,” says Farkas. “If it’s red, it’s for fire. If it’s blue, it’s for sound.”
CEMCO Customer Portal
Farkas explains that CEMCO’s new Customer Portal offers a centralized, easy-to-use interface designed to streamline project management and decision-making for construction professionals. Once logged in, the portal provides access to a comprehensive suite of tools, including:
- Dashboard
- Purchase Orders
- Job Pricing and Quotes
- Shipments
- Invoice History
- Inventory/Price Lookup
- Account Manager
Each application is designed to enhance efficiency and ensure you have the information needed to make informed decisions.
“Our platform is secure for all our customers,” says Farkas. “Each company can only see its own data.”
With its new firestopping products and secure customer portal, CEMCO continues to demonstrate its dedication to raising safety and productivity standards across the construction industry.
About CEMCO
CEMCO is recognized as one of the largest manufacturers of steel framing and metal lath systems in the United States. CEMCO has built its reputation on the finest in quality material, using mill certified hot-dipped galvanized steel. Equipped with state-of-the-art roll formers and four strategically located manufacturing facilities, CEMCO is able to handle both small and large construction projects throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Rim.
Additional Resources
- Eric Larson Takes the Helm as SFIA President, Eyes Growth, Innovation and Industry Education
- CEMCO Announces Exclusive Deal for Distribution of TSN Products in Thirteen Western U.S. States
- CEMCO Wins SFIA Award for the Steel Framing at Denver’s Wynkoop Street High-Rise