How the Firebreather® Eaves Vent Protects Against Direct Fire Impact (AD-HOC test)

This is our AD-HOC test showcasing how the Firebreather® Eaves Vent operates under direct exposure to fire.

When it comes to fire safety, every second counts.

That’s why we created the Firebreather® Eaves Vent—a simple yet highly effective passive fire-stopping solution designed to protect buildings during direct fire exposure.

TL;DR: watch the video demonstration.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a recent test we conducted to showcase the vent’s capabilities.

Using an AD-HOC rig simulating an eave, we put our technology to the test in a controlled fire scenario.

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.35.02
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.34.32

The Setup

For the demonstration, we built a small rig out of wood, windproof fiber cloth, and drywall boards.

On one side, we installed the Firebreather® Eaves Vent, while the other side featured a standard stainless steel mesh for comparison.

To simulate fire exposure, we used dry leaves and a cotton swab on the unprotected side to highlight the differences. Then we ignited a mixture of gasoline and diesel on the underside/exposed side of the eave.

Fire resistant sealant ↓

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.55.23

Closing the rig with a windproof fiber cloth and a drywall board ↓

Ad hoc rig of an eave
Mounting drywall board on an AD-HOC rig

Exposed side without fire protection

Traditional opening to cold loft attic

Exposed side before installing fire protection (Firebreather® Eaves Vent)

Cut out for the Firebreather® Eaves Vent

Installing the Firebreather® Eaves Vent on one side of the eave.

Placing the Firebreather® Eaves Vent in the opening
Attaching the Firebreather® Eaves Vent with screws
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 10.59.27

Dry leaves and a cotton swab on the unexposed/unprotected side (placed on top of the stainless steel mesh)

Unprotected side of the eave with cotton swab and dry leaves

Dry leaves and a cotton swab on the unexposed/protected side (placed on top of the Firebreather® Eaves Vent)

Protected side (with Firebreather® Eaves Vent) of the eave with cotton swab and dry leaves

Mixing gasoline and diesel

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.56.25

Placing the trough with diesel and gasoline under the exposed side

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.57.02

The Test

The flames were immediately blocked on the side equipped with the Firebreather® Eaves Vent, thanks to its stainless steel mesh and intumescent technology.

This combination prevents flames and hot gases from entering the structure without requiring electrical or moving parts—fire resistance begins instantly.

The intumescent releases cold smoke, which, as its name suggests, remains cool and safe, incapable of igniting nearby materials.

The Firebreather® Eaves Vent can resist flames for up to 30 minutes or more, since it has an EI30 rating.

The AD-HOC setup seconds after the fuel mixture is ignited

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.57.49

Flames are starting to peak through after approximately 30 seconds on the unprotected side

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.58.43

Cold smoke escapes where the Firebreather® Eaves Vent is installed

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.59.02

Progression of the fire (next four photos)

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 11.59.20
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.00.40
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.01.41
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.02.21

The Results

The unprotected side showed significant damage, with flames fully penetrating the construction.

In contrast, the protected side remained intact. The intumescent fully expanded inside the Firebreather® Eaves Vent, sealing it off and allowing it to withstand fire for up to 30 minutes (EI30).

Result unprotected side after the fire is put out:

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.02.46
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.02.58
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.03.51

Results protected side after the fire is put out:

Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.35.39
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.03.18
Screenshot 2025-01-27 at 12.04.21

Why It Matters

The Firebreather® Eaves Vent saves precious time for evacuation and firefighter response, offering unmatched building protection.

In a real fire scenario, those extra minutes can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe.

Want to see the test in action? Watch our demonstration video below and discover how the Firebreather® Eaves Vent can make a life-saving difference.

See the product page for more information about the Firebreather® Eaves Vent.