Do I need fire blocking in my basement?
Fire blocking is required by most local building code departments when a home owner finishes their basement. Whether you hire a contractor, do it yourself, get a permit, choose not to get a permit, the truth is that installing the fire blocking is just a good idea.
Can OSB be used for fire blocking?
Fire Blocking may be: 2X lumber, Plywood, OSB, or Gypboard Fire blocking will need to be at any soffits if they exist. Vertical blocking may be located at windows, comers etc.
What material can be used for fire blocking?
Fireblocks can be constructed of materials such as 2 inch nominal lumber, structural wood panels, gypsum board, cement fiber board for larger fireblock, and batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber, loose fill insulation, and caulks, sealants, and putties for smaller fireblocks.
What is fire blocking in framing?
Fireblocking is used to subdivide or block off the stud cavity inside a wall, in a soffit over cabinets, between stair stringers at the top and bottom of a run, in an exterior cornice, or in the space between the combustible finish materials and the wall itself.
What is code for fire blocking?
In combustible construction, fireblocking shall be installed to cut off concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal) and shall form an effective barrier between floors, between a top story and a roof or attic space.
What type of insulation is used for fire blocking?
1.1 Batts or Blankets of Mineral Wool or Mineral Fiber. Batts or blankets of mineral wool or mineral fiber or other approved nonrigid materials shall be permitted for compliance with the 10-foot (3048 mm) horizontal fireblocking in walls constructed using parallel rows of studs or staggered studs.
Where do you put a block in framing?
Install fire-blocking in any areas where fire could spread between floors or between vertical and horizontal framing sections. Cut and install blocks to fit tightly between vertical framing, with minimal gaps. Any gaps will have to be filled later with foam.
Is horizontal blocking required?
Wood studs used in light-frame wall construction may require horizontally-oriented blocking for a number of reasons—including blocking at shear panel edges, fire blocking, and buckling restraint when subject to axial loads.
Can I use fiberglass insulation for fire blocking?
Fiberglass batts may also be used and are the most common way to fireblock soffits at exterior walls. Fireblocking is typically inspected at the time of the insulation inspection and should be complete at that time.
How far should joist blocking be?
4 to 6 feet
Always make sure your joist, blocking and any added framing are even and in plane with each other across the tops. Blocking: should be installed edge to edge to allow for fastening of the interior blocking. Blocking required every 4′ – 6′. Blocking must be equally spaced in rows, maximum of 4 to 6 feet apart.