Construction Of An Interior Partition Wall That Is Fire Rated?

Fire-rated wall assemblies are vertical and horizontal constructions in a building that form a boundary to stop fire propagation and allow occupants to escape safely. They are designed to be constructed from one side while providing fire resistance. Asymmetric, unbalanced or one-sided wall assemblies are fire-rated partitions with unequal layers of gypsum board on each side. These partitions are primarily utilized for fire protection.

In wood-framed residential work, the requirements for fire-resistance-rated walls are fairly simple, but some code rules apply. Two-family or multifamily buildings require fire-resistant wall assemblies. To achieve the required fire separation, a typical two-hour firewall (burn wall) is built between the two structures as they frame the new building.

Type X drywall, typically 5/8″ thick and containing fiberglass within the gypsum, is typically used for fire protection. Concrete cinderblock is the most common material to construct a fire wall, as it can stop the spread of fire between areas of a structure. Wall assembly files are used for planning and estimation purposes for many UL wall types, such as fire-rated wall assemblies.

In summary, fire-rated wall assemblies are essential for preventing fire propagation and ensuring safety in wood-framed residential buildings. They include fire-rated partitions, fire barriers, and fire partitions, and are designed to provide exceptional strength, durability, and consistency.

What is the difference between a fire wall and a fire partition?

Fire barriers and fire partitions are essential fire protection measures for buildings. Fire barriers are designed to contain flames in the area of origin, ensuring they do not spread. Fire partitions are walls inside a building that divide specific rooms and floors. They are installed to prevent the rapid spread of fire in case of equipment failure, such as a transformer explosion. The International Building Code (IBC) differentiates between the two by determining the number of fire-resistance ratings assigned to each.

Both terms are used to describe fire management systems and passive smoke, but the IBC differentiates them based on the number of fire-resistance ratings assigned to each. Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial for better understanding the topic.

Does a fire-rated wall need to be taped?

Fire-resistant drywall is commonly used in garages, utility rooms, and furnace rooms. To achieve the desired fire rating, one coat of joint tape and compound is applied, also known as fire taping. This process applies to all seams and inside corners, with the exception of outside corners requiring a metal corner bead. Gaps wider than 1/16 in. around pipes, overhead door brackets, and other protrusions should also be taped.

Self-adhesive fire-rated tape is available that doesn’t require a joint compound coat to maintain its fire rating, making it an excellent choice for fire-taping gable ends and attics. Sign up for e-letters to receive the latest tips and special offers from Fine Homebuilding.

How many layers of drywall for 1 hour fire rating?

The UL design I504 is a 1-hour horizontal assembly consisting of 3 ⅝″ steel studs 16″ o. c. with three layers of 5/8″ Type X gypsum board on the underside of the framing. It can span 8′0″ from wall to wall or indefinitely with the hanger assembly. The design also allows for the use of a premanufactured suspended grid system instead of the steel-stud framing. The design I512 is a 2-hour horizontal assembly with four layers of Type X gypsum board fastened to a premanufactured suspended grid system.

The design I516 is a 2-hour horizontal shaft wall assembly with 4″ shaftwall studs with shaft-liner panels between each stud and three layers of ⅝″ Type C gypsum board applied to the underside of the framing. Technical resources are available from National Gypsum Company, including The PURPLE Book® for commercial construction details and The Wood Book™ for fire-rated assemblies in wood-frame construction.

How to build a 1 hour fire-rated wall?

National Gypsum Company’s 1-800-NATIONAL Construction Services team has developed two UL fire-rated assembly designs for retrofits and renovations, addressing the challenge of designing fire-rated assemblies in accessible walls. The first design involves applying two layers of ⅝” Type X gypsum secured with a setting-type joint compound, saving space but being more labor-intensive. The second design involves applying three layers of ⅝” Type X gypsum board on one side. These versatile solutions can be used in various situations, such as upfitting a shopping center dentist office into a restaurant or renovating an old mill building into a live/work/play destination.

Do interior walls need to be fire rated?

Fire-rated products are primarily used in commercial construction, such as high rises, office buildings, industrial, and institutional buildings, and spaces requiring area separation walls, such as hotels or multi-family homes. They delay the spread of fires and extend the time a person has to leave the building. In single-family homes, getting out is easier due to fewer floors and multiple exits, focusing more on prevention. Fire-rated materials are required only if the garage shares a wall or ceiling with the home.

If repairs are made in the garage, it is best to replace with like materials, as the wall system is fire-rated, not the product itself. If repairs are more than a patch job or in an area that overlaps with the main living space, it is best to contact a professional.

What is the difference between a fire rated wall and a fire rated partition?

Fire partitions, fire walls, and fire barriers are essential elements in enhancing fire safety in a building. Fire partitions are designed to contain fire within a specific area, while fire walls prevent lateral spread between sections. Fire barriers control the vertical and horizontal movement of fire and smoke, ensuring overall safety. Understanding the differences between these elements is crucial for architects, builders, and fire safety professionals to implement effective measures. Fire partitions are localized to specific sections or rooms, providing a protected means of egress for occupants.

How thick is a fire rated partition wall?

The minimum thickness for a fire-rated partition wall is 100–300 mm, with the exact measurement dependent on the specific material supplier. Notwithstanding the design drawings prepared by the project consultants, it is incumbent upon the builder to conduct an inspection of the installation sequence. Subsequent to completion, the wall must be inspected by the manufacturer’s inspector and the DOC (Declaration of Conformity) to substantiate the RI inspection or TOP.

Do partition walls need to be fire rated?

In commercial buildings, fire-rated partitions are of paramount importance in ensuring compliance with safety codes and the protection of people and property. Such partitions are typically employed in offices, retail outlets, and industrial facilities with the objective of containing fires and maintaining a safe environment. The requisite fire rating is contingent upon the prevailing building codes and local regulations. It is therefore advisable to seek the guidance of a fire safety expert in order to ensure compliance.

What is the most commonly used fire-resistant material for interior walls?

Gypsum is a common fire-resistant interior finish used in structural materials, with its exterior paper burning slowly and noncombustible core containing water that turns to steam when heated. Multiple layers of gypsum board are often used to increase fire resistance. Other fire-resistant insulation methods include fiberglass, mineral wool, and foam. Fiberglass is affordable and available in options like “blown in”, “batt”, and “board”, with R-values of R-2.

9 to R-3. 8 per inch. Mineral wool, including glass wool, rock wool, and slag wool, can withstand up to 1, 220°C and R-values of R-2. 8 to R-3. 5. Foam, made from cellulose from recycled newspaper and low-density plastics with a flame retardant, resists up to 300°C but remains combustible at higher temperatures. Cast iron is rarely used in construction due to its tendency to shatter when exposed to heat and cooled, and is often covered with brick or concrete for stability.

How many layers of drywall do I need for 1 hour fire rating?

National Gypsum Company’s 1-800-NATIONAL Construction Services team has developed two UL fire-rated assembly designs for retrofits and renovations, offering a versatile solution for any situation. The three-layer 1-hour fire-rated wall involves applying three layers of ⅝” Type X gypsum board on one side, while the 2-hour fire-rated wall requires four layers of ⅝” Type X gypsum board on one side. These designs are suitable for a variety of situations, including upfitting a shopping center dentist office into a restaurant or renovating an old mill building.

How to make a stud wall fireproof?

Most partitions are fire-rated for 30 minutes of integrity and insulation, but some have a fire rating up to 4 hours. Plasterboard panels, insulation boards, or other materials can improve insulation ratings. Surface spread of flame ratings should be considered as these partitions may be part of an escape route.

Structures using standard plasterboard or proprietary materials should include windows and doors rated to the same level as the wall. Any penetrations through the wall require sealing to the same fire rating. Many system manufacturers provide materials for penetration seals, which should be used wherever possible to ensure the structure’s fire rating is not compromised.

System performance can be compromised following installation, as boards are removed or holes cut for services or light fittings. A risk assessment should be conducted to determine if there is any visual damage to the system. Upgrading fire performance is difficult once installed, so it is crucial to ensure the specification is correct at the outset.