I own a balloon-framed house and I need to install firestop between the first and second floor and second floor and the attic.I understand I can use 2 X material,or 3/4 with blocking attached underneath to support it.I was also told I can use firesafing insulation.My questions are 1) is this a special kind of insulation,or just regular fiberglass insulation with the backing removed? 2) Can I use this instead of blocking,or along with blocking? Putting some fiberglass batts in place seems to be less time consuming than tediously installing solid blocking throughout the house.But it seems almost too good to be true.Am I correct in assuming I can use fiberglass instead of blocking? Thanks
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Replies
All I can tell you is, the fire safe we use is more of a Rock wool product. Cost about $130 for a package that is 2'wide by 4'long with 8 pc. about 2" thick each. We use it in areas where we need to draft stop by b-vents or flues.
The building dept where we our let us use unfaced fiberglass in other areas. We also fire block & draft stop other areas with 2by or 3/4" Osb.
I would say your best bet would be to call the local building dept & get their input on it.
Thermafiber is one brand name, much different than regular insulation. It can be friction fit by "overstuffing". Nasty stuff to work with.
http://www.thermafiber.com under commercial products
If your walls are open, I would just block it. It goes fast once your rolling. To make it easier use some Simpson clips and a palm nailer if you have pnumatic
If you are going to use fire safing, make sure your building inspector is ok with it, as it is usually a commercial aplication. Have paperwork to back up your installation.
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
I would definitely check with the building dept on what they require. I did a basement in NJ & the local building office said I should use "rotten cotton" and he showed me a sample. Stuff is made in Canada I think from slag. Saw it off in pieces with a drywall saw. Later the building inspector tells me iI could have used fg without the paper! Used it on several other basements in other locales (impressing the building inspectors) trying to use it up!
Bill
fiberglass is not usually considered firesafe insulation - mineral or rock wool is - best thing would probably be to do the fireblocking - check with the AHJ who's signing off and see what he requires
How bout dense packing it with cells?
Joe H