What Is A Fire Block In Framing

Cable Fire at Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant Fire Journal Vol.
What is a fire block in framing. The purpose of fire blocking is to prevent fire from spreading through the concealed spaces of a building. I am finishing my basement using standard wall framing 24 16 OC. Blocking for wall framing are short pieces of 2 by 4 that you install between two joists of the basement ceiling.
Fire blocks objective is to -as the name states- block the flame and gas to easily move through the cavities of the house construction. During a fire that means flames harmful gasses and toxic smoke cannot spread as quickly. However there is no restriction on the material used.
Blocks are spacers between studs such as where an interior wall attaches an exterior wall and for framing corners such as a three-stud corner with blocking. Being a handy homeowner doing the framing. During a remodel of this type of house it is wise to install fire blocking at the top and bottom of the stud walls.
If a fire starts within the wall the top block stops the fire from getting into the attic. By sealing the pipe cable and duct penetrations you minimize airflow. Fireplace framing with a prefab firebox has to be right so take care of the details.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulatory Guide 1120 and 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 50. In an unblocked balloon-framed building for example a fire that starts in the basement can rapidly travel up the stud. Fire-blocking is a firestop.
Its not a building code thing and its not optional youll more than likely have to install some blocking to complete your wall framing. Basement walls that are framed up against the concrete foundation walls need to be fire blocked because there is a gap between the framing and the concrete wall. Sealing these gaps slows or may even stop the spread of flames smoke and gases.