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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Here is the section from the 2004 Res.
code</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>See my comments at the end.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>R602.8 Fireblocking required.<BR>Fireblocking shall be
provided to cut off all concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal)
and to form an effective fire barrier between stories, and between a top story
and the roof space. Fireblocking shall be provided in wood-frame construction in
the following locations.<BR>1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and
partitions, including furred spaces and parallel rows of studs or staggered
studs; as follows: <BR>1.1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor
levels.<BR>1.2. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048
mm).<BR>2. At all interconnections between concealed vertical and
horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings and cove
ceilings.<BR>3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and
bottom of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairs shall comply with Section
R311.2.2.<BR>4. At openings around vents, pipes, and ducts at ceiling and
floor level, with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and
products of combustion.<BR>5. For the fireblocking of chimneys and
fireplaces, see Section R1001.16. <BR>6. Fireblocking of cornices of a
two-family dwelling is required at the line of dwelling unit
separation.<BR>R602.8.1 Materials.<BR>Except as provided in Section R602.8, Item
4, fireblocking shall consist of 2-inch (51 mm) nominal lumber, or two
thicknesses of 1-inch (25.4 mm) nominal lumber with broken lap joints, or one
thickness of 23/32-inch (19.8 mm) wood structural panels with joints backed by
23/32-inch (19.8 mm) wood structural panels or one thickness of ¾-inch (19.1 mm)
particleboard with joints backed by ¾-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard, ½-inch (12.7
mm) gypsum board, or ¼-inch (6.4 mm) cement-based millboard. Batts or blankets
of mineral wool or glass fiber or other approved materials installed in such a
manner as to be securely retained in place shall be permitted as an acceptable
fire block. Batts or blankets of mineral or glass fiber or other approved
non-rigid materials shall be permitted for compliance with the 10 foot
horizontal fireblocking in walls constructed using parallel rows of studs or
staggered studs. Loose-fill insulation material shall not be used as a fireblock
unless specifically tested in the form and manner intended for use to
demonstrate its ability to remain in place and to retard the spread of fire and
hot gases.<BR>R602.8.1.1 Unfaced fiberglass.<BR>Unfaced fiberglass batt
insulation used as fireblocking shall fill the entire cross section of the wall
cavity to a minimum height of 16 inches (406 mm) measured vertically. When
piping, conduit or similar obstructions are encountered, the insulation shall be
packed tightly around the obstruction.<BR>R602.8.1.2 Fireblocking
integrity.<BR>The integrity of all fireblocks shall be maintained.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>The code is really for draft stopping (not fire
stopping which is a totally different matter)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>The draft that they are worried about is from a
small fire that would be contained in the cavity between the studs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>If the product of combustion (CO2 mostly) can be
kept inside of the cavity the fire will self extinguish in a relatively short
period of time (most likely no one would even know it had been there except for
the short that caused it).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>The problem you are experiencing is from no-one
knowing exactly how much heat to expect from this intra-cavity
fire.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>While the foam is an excellent draft stop at low
temperatures it <U><EM>might</EM> </U>melt at higher temperatures.
The counties that are asking for fire caulking know that it will handle the
worst case scenario. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Since this is a national issue the manufacturers of
one of the foams might want to apply to ICC or NFPA for a ruling if they feel
their foam is up to the challenge.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Might make a good science fair
project.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>glen</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT> </DIV></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=woodyrebel@gmail.com href="mailto:woodyrebel@gmail.com">Dave
Forrest</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=CodeTalk@myfloridacode.com
href="mailto:CodeTalk@myfloridacode.com">CodeTalk@myfloridacode.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, July 21, 2009 9:39
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [Florida Code Talk] Penetrations
through interior frame top plates,one story single fm</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>If anyone can refer me to the code-book-page on this subject I
would appreciate it. The purpose for filling these top plate penetrations is
for fire stop. Different counties are stating different types of foam and or
caulk for this. One county says the yellow foam from Home Depot in the
can is acceptable. While another county wants foam or caulk to have a
fire rating label on the label. Question is does the caulking have to be fire
rated and if so where is that in the code?(the penetrations are from electric
wiring and vent stacks) Thanks in advance for your help.
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