Abstract: An improved fire-retarded insert for forming a fire and thermal barrier between the bottom of a fluted deck structure and the top-of-walls is disclosed. The fire-retardant insert comprises an elongated fire-retardant member and at least one intumescent member in contact with the top, bottom, side, or end surfaces of the fire-retardant member, or positioned within the interior of the fire-retardant member. The fire-retardant member and the intumescent member are circumscribed preferably by a thin flexible film, such as shrink-wrap, to fully encase the fire-retardant insert making the installation easier and safer.

Abstract: An improved prefabricated pad for supporting an air-conditioning compressor outdoors and the method of fabricating same is disclosed. The supporting pad comprises a shell defining an interior cavity in which is located a core member. The core member is affixed within the cavity and may include a protective layer with various insecticides and related products. The combined shell and core member creates an integral unit having the strength and rigidity to support an air-conditioning compressor or similar unit. The method of manufacturing same using steam injection and expanded polystyrene beads is also disclosed, as well as other types of foam source material.