Firewall Options In Crawspace Instead Of Concrete Footer/stemwall?

kdub1777

We are looking at putting a firewall in an old duplex for some customers. It would be very difficult to set forms and pour in the crawlspace. I would like to frame it in. I know there are some other options out there to get your burn rating. Has anyone done anything else for a firewall in the crawlspace besides concrete?

What are some options?

Jason Whipple

In big box stores with acoustical ceilings we had to put in fire breaks above the ceilings. This is a similar product. Very easy to hang and no framing needed.

__________________
Jason E Whipple, General Manager
Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
Facebook | Twitter

72chevy4x4

does two layers of 5/8" firecode equal 2 hrs fire rating?

back to your question, Is the floor shared between them or is there an non-wood break between the units? If there is no break in the wood, a firewall would only slow the progress and not stop it. On the otherhand, you 'can' treat lumber to make it fire resistance (has sort of a reddish tint)-I'm not sure how it is applied or if it's even possible to do onsite, but this would be helpful if the wood flooring extends between units.

Forry

Try www.frtw.com

__________________
now i am scared for my future
i've got all ten
smashed a lot of them stupidly before
-john5mt

kdub1777

Yes the floor is shared between the units. It looks like we will not have to deal with this though. The inspector in only requiring a firewall where we can without tearing anything out or cause damage. For the crawlspace, I think we will go with a treated beam acting as a footer, then build a 2x8 wall with insulation and 5/8 drywall on each side. This will give us our burn rating. The one question I now have is: What size of beam do we need to use? I cannot find any info online about getting that 2hr fire rating for beams. I have tried contacting the bldg. inspector to see what he will require, but no response yet. He might be trying to look it up too.

Anyone know the fire ratings of certain beams or have used a certain size to give that 2hr fire rating?