Table of Contents
What is code for fire blocking?
2, state that fire blocking is required vertically at the ceiling and floor levels and horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet. Additionally, IBC Section 718.2. However, in situations such as balloon-frame walls or dropped soffit ceilings, additional fire blocking in the wall may be necessary.
Where are fire blocks required?
Fireblocks are required between floors, between a top story and a roof or attic space, in furred spaces or the cavities between studs in wall assemblies, at connections between horizontal and vertical spaces created in floor joists or trusses, soffits, drop or cove ceilings, combustible exterior wall finishes and …
Do interior walls need fire blocks?
Although interior walls must be fireblocked, there is no 4′ requirement in the IRC code. They must be fireblocked at the platelines and any spaces that exceed 10′ heights. 4′ blocks are typically for blocking edges of exterior sheathing laid horizontally, and aren’t intended to serve as fireblocks.
Can you use insulation for fire blocking?
Unfaced fiberglass batts may be used as fireblocking provided that the batt is at least 16 inches in height measured vertically and fills the full width of the stud space. Insulation should be packed around the penetrating opening including the opening in the top or bottom plate.
What can I use for fire blocking?
Materials for Fire Blocking:
- 2-by (1-1/2 in. thick) lumber.
- Two layers of 1-by lumber.
- One layer of 3/4-in. plywood with 3/4-in.
- One layer of 3/4-in.
- 1/2-in.
- 1/4-in.
- Batts or blankets of mineral wool or fiberglass insulation secured in place.
- Cellulose insulation installed as tested for the specific application.
Do all walls have fire blocks?
No not all interior walls have fire blocks.
When should fire blocking be installed?
Fire blocking is needed when wood and steel stud walls only have drywall on one side because the fire is now able to go around the top plate and up into the framing above. Sometimes it is hard to see where you need fire blocking.
Do walls need blocking?
So any sheathing edges that don’t land on standard framing (studs, plates, windows/doors) need to be supported by blocking. All edges of wall sheathing must be supported by and nailed to framing. This edge didn’t land on plates, so install blocking to support it.
What materials can be used for fire blocking?
Do all houses have fire blocks?
Is stud blocking necessary?
In some situations, blocking is required as a fire-stop where a stud bay extends between floors. Without fire-stops, a fire could quickly spread from floor to floor. Blocking and extra studs also are used to catch the edge of the drywall at corners and in places where the stud spacing doesn’t work out perfectly.