How To Fire Block Metal Framing

Starting Your Next Cold-Formed Steel Framed Project 4.

How to fire block metal framing. The FTB is thoroughly engineered for 12 16 and 24 stud layouts and has pre-punched guide holes and precut flanges to fit the stud cavity for quick installation. The main thing is the be sure that the blocking is flush with the bottom of the joist and straight and flat. Fire blocking isnt something youll see at the Home Depot labeled fire stopping stuff or fire block.

Two layers of 1-by lumber. If you do attempt to use foam be sure it is approved for fire stopping. Start by having a conversation with officials in your local building department.

Firestopping sprays are particularly beneficial in cases where aesthetics are not a priority. Firestopping sprays can range between 10mm and 70mm in thickness and are applied to steel using a spraying machine. So youre going to cut a strip of drywall or other material the width of the gap from the block wall to the framed wall probably 4 to 5 inches.

I measured the length of each piece cause Im a bit of a perfectionist and didnt want a gap. Plywood covering any seams. Particleboard covering any seams.

In an unblocked balloon-framed building for example a fire that starts in the basement can rapidly travel up the stud bays and spread into the joist bays and attic. The block is nothing more than a 2 x 6 or fire-rated drywall turned flat and attached to the bottom of the first floor joists. One layer of 34-in.

To install blocking take your framing gun and toenail nail at an angle a nail on each side of each end of the 2x4. Horizontal Basement Wall Fire Blocking Fire blocking must also be installed every 10 horizontally along the wall IRC 3021112. Standard construction specifies the vertical studs be installed 16 inches apart.