Replies

1. 
   FCOH | Jul 09, 2008 02:52am | #1

   no

1. 
   blownonfuel | Jul 09, 2008 03:56am | #4

   Thanks FCOH.

2. 
   DanH | Jul 09, 2008 04:24am | #5

   In most jurisdictions.
   It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

2. 
   Jim_Allen | Jul 09, 2008 02:56am | #2

   Sometimes.

   If a horizontal abutment attaches to the wall, you might need fireblocking (draftstopping). The idea is that if a fire starts in one of the stud bays, it should not be able to draw air from an adjoining stud bay, or the ceiling or floor.

   Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

1. 
   blownonfuel | Jul 09, 2008 03:56am | #3

   So Jim on a wall with double top plates that are not open to anything above or to the sides this would not require fire blocking? Correct?

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Jul 09, 2008 07:19am | #6

   Under any code I have worked under that is correct. 10'+ stud bays require fireblocking/draft stops as well any soffited area as Jim said.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

1. 
   frammer52 | Jul 09, 2008 06:19pm | #10

   We are required on any 9' walls.

1. 
   Piffin | Jul 09, 2008 07:15pm | #11

   Anytime I have worked under a code, it was anytime the wall was taller than 8'Don't know if that was total or nominal - stud length 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   frammer52 | Jul 09, 2008 07:51pm | #12

   you might be right for us, also.  I know that when we went to anything more than 92 5/8 studs, we fireblock.

3. 
   dovetail97128 | Jul 10, 2008 05:23am | #17

   You guys got me curious so I went and dug out my old CABO code book.
   I have no copy of the newer code to reference. Here is a scan of the pertinent page from CABO.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

   
4. 
   dovetail97128 | Jul 10, 2008 03:34am | #16

   Well regional differences strike again. I didn't elaborate but here you can actually measure the cavity and if from plate to plate Inside the cavity it is less the 120" then no fireblock required. Also If there is no source of ignition (electrical wires or holes drilled into adjoining cavities that contain them) present I have had inspectors allow up to 12' of cavity. Common sense sometimes does prevail.
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

2. 
   Jim_Allen | Jul 09, 2008 02:28pm | #8

   The plate at the top seals the draft from the attic. Dovetail mentioned needing blocks on 10' walls. That wasn't the case in our localities. Technically, the cubic footage of the stud bay determines the need for blocking or not. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

1. 
   blownonfuel | Jul 09, 2008 04:26pm | #9

   Thanks again for the help.

3. 
   Zano | Jul 09, 2008 01:49pm | #7

   If your renovating a basement exterior wall, it's required or if the house is too close to the next house.

4. 
   woodway | Jul 09, 2008 10:26pm | #13

   What everyone else here has said, for the most part.

   Note: Fiberglass batt insulation counts as a fire block if it, 1- fills the space or is situated within the cavity and fills the space so that there is not more then 10 feet of vertical chimney 2- secured from slipping and or collapsing/settling to a point where and open gap exists that connects the lower wall cavity to the upper wall cavity.

   Use your common sense here when installing to prevent fire spread within the wall.

5. 
   k1c | Jul 10, 2008 02:45am | #14

   Inspector for my house asked me to put fireblocks over bathtub wall that holds all the pipes.

6. 
   CapnMac | Jul 10, 2008 03:28am | #15

   Is it required for a "conventional" 8' stick framed residential wall?

   In San Marcos, exterior walls, no, if cavity filled with insulation.  I cannot find a reference requiring a stop in interior walls (though one 48 5/8" down from the top plate can be handy forthe drywallers--but that could be blocking, not a stop).

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
1. 
   blownonfuel | Jul 10, 2008 05:21pm | #18

   Thanks CapnMac.