I remember reading this article when it was first published and thought of it today while we were working on our drywalling project. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Some materials that are acceptable are 3/8-inch wood structural panel, -inch drywall, insulation and other adequately supported approved materials. Local building code may require this as practice. WoodWorks tracks mass timber projects across the U.S. as a resource for developers and design teams who want insights into market trends. The building is being constructed in an area where high winds are possible. Fireblocking spray foam, for example, is not listed in the code, but may be used to fireblock around vents, pipes, wires, and cables with the inspectors sign-off, but it must be installed according to the instructions or in the manner in which it was tested according to the ICC ES report. Fuel-fired-appliance vents and chimneys that penetrate floors and ceilings typically require more robust fireblocking methods. Blocks for safety But many of todays codes do require fire blocks in walls that are more than 10 ft. high, like rake walls. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. If I remember right, any stud section that is over 10' tall needs blocking. in. ), You can use: 1) 2x solid wood, 2) 2 layers of 1x solid wood, 3) 23/32 (3/4) plywood with joints backed up with 23/32 plywood, 4) 3/4 particleboard with joints backed up with 3/4 particleboard, 5) 1/2 gypsum board, 6) 1/4 cement based board, 7) batts or blankets of rock wool or fiberglass insulation secured in place in approved manner, and 8) cellulose insulation when installed in an approved manner. The limitation of temperature rise through a fire door is not normally a measure of acceptance, although it is a measure of acceptance for a fire resistancerated assembly such as a wall. For example, a 2-hour fire barrier enclosing an exit stair is permitted to have fire doors protected by 1-hour fire protection-rated door assemblies. For example, if you have a drop down tray ceiling that has been furred down to 8 off the floor, then the fire blocking can either go flush with the bottom of the 2 x 4, or it can set below the 2 x 4. WebFire blocking is a requirement when walls exceed 8', and is typically placed somewhere in the middle of the wall. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. It only takes a minute to sign up. 716.1.1Alternative methods for determining fire protection ratings. In basements, theres often a problematic gap behind furred-out walls. This is typically done with strips of sheathing or drywall attached to the sides of the studs and extending back tight to the foundation wall, or with unfaced batt insulation stuffed into the gap. Nominations are currently closed, mark your calendar and check back in July 2023. This section goes on to list a handful of locations that must be fireblocked, but its important to understand that the list is not exhaustive; its just a rundown of common features that must be fireblocked to meet code. In what role have you worked with applying code requirements for opening protectives? The annular space around the penetrating object needs to be filled with an approved material (see sidebar, left). or thicker gypsum board (drywall), 14-in. What is Fireblocking and where would it be in a house? Framing Project Guide. Often times with the OK from the building inspector I've been able to avoid all together, the time-consuming task of installing fire blocking, on an outside wall which is insulated, which can also act as a draft stop. or thicker cement-based millboard, Batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber or other approved materials installed in such a manner as to be securely retained in place (if using unfaced fiberglass batts as a vertical fireblock, the batts must be min. Common Firestop Code Violations The following steps should be followed when determining the appropriate fire protection rating of an opening protective: Step 1: Determine the required fire resistance rating of the component under evaluation. In other words, these cavities can act like the flue on a fireplace and actually promote the rate in which a fire could grow. required for walls, floors or ceilings. There are three common issues in finished basements: First, if theres a space between the back of the studs and the foundation wall, that gap needs to be fireblocked from the floor to the top of the wall at 10-ft. horizontal intervals. If a fire did get started in one of these places, blocks would help contain it. Detached garages located less than 3 feet from a dwelling unit on the same lot require one-half-inch gypsum board on interior side of garage walls facing These spaces can create drafts that will allow fire to spread readily if not dealt with. Fire-Blocking Basics Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048 mm). Notice IBC Section 718.1 states Fireblocking and draftstopping shall be installed in combustible concealed spaces in accordance with this section. This statement excludes buildings entirely built of noncombustible materials, such as a metal framed building using steel framing and block walls. Im working on a house built in 1889, remolding a bathroom under a flight of stairs and the inspector wants a fire block installed in the walls. Such a scenario suggests that, if a door is not to be used and combustible storage is to be placed at the door opening, the door should be removed and the opening replaced with solid construction to restore the wall to its required fire resistance rating. Cellulose insulation installed as tested for the specific application. Let me explain the what, where, and how of applying these safety features to your plan designs. You should reach out to your local building inspector to find out where to get a copy of the codes enforced in your area. In these conditions, wood blocking may be necessary for taller walls. Wood studs used in light-frame wall construction may require horizontally-oriented blocking for a number of reasonsincluding blocking at shear panel edges, fire blocking, and buckling restraint when subject to axial loads. Fireblocking foams and caulks are frequently used to fireblock around penetrating wires and pipes, but theyre typically meant to block only small gapsusually 12 in. If so, what are the requirements for that? ), My version of the IRC codebook (2012) says. or 716-in. 1 Do you need to fire block interior walls? WebWhether its in the kitchen for hanging wall cabinets or a built-in microwave, in the bathroom for attaching grab bars, or in the living room for fireplace surrounds and wainscoting, the right blocking can make a big difference. "True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and only that which is.".