draftblocking

[Anonymous]

I am trying to resolve draftblocking needs before drywalling my basement. I have already framed my stud walls, but I have just discovered that draftblocking needs to be done along my foundation walls. In an attempt to solve this I have taked down 1/2" drywall boards to cut off the path ways between the floor joists, foundation and the stud walls. Will this pass inspection? If not, what else do I need to do and where can I find the materials?

Thanks,

Luke

[Wgoodrich]

The following IRC rule should not apply to you because you most likely do not have more than 1000 square feet between the floor and ceiling area concealed, but here is a copied section of that rule anyway.

R502.12 Draftstopping required.When there is usable space
both above and below the concealed space of a floor/ceiling as-
sembly, draftstops shall be installed so that the area of the con-
cealed space does not exceed 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2).
Draftstopping shall divide the concealed space into approxi-
mately equal areas.Where the assembly is enclosed by a floor
membrane above and a ceilingmembrane below draftstopping
shall be provided in floor/ceiling assemblies under the follow-
ing circumstances:
1. Ceiling is suspended under the floor framing.
2. Floor framing is constructed of truss-type open-web or
perforated members.

R502.12.1 Materials. Draftstopping materials shall not be
less than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board, 3/8-inch (9.5
mm)wood structural panels, 3/8-inch (9.5mm)Type 2-M-W
particleboard or other approved materials adequately sup-
ported. Draftstopping shall be installed parallel to the floor
framing membersunless otherwise approved by the building
official. The integrity of all draftstops shall be maintained.

R502.13 Fireblocking required. Fireblocking shall be pro-
vided in wood-frame floor construction and floor-ceiling as-
semblies in accordance with Section R602.8.

R602.8 Fireblocking required. Fireblocking shall be pro-
vided 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 loca-
tions.
1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, includ-
ing furred spaces and parallel rows of studs or staggered
studs; as follows:
1.1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor levels.
1.2. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet
(3048 mm).
2. At all interconnections between concealed vertical and
horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings
and cove ceilings.
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.
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.
5. For the fireblocking of chimneys and fireplaces, see Sec-
tion R1001.16.
6. Fireblocking of cornices of a two-family dwelling is re-
quired at the line of dwelling unit separation.
R602.8.1Materials. 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 thick-
ness of 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard with joints backed
by 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard, 1/2-inch (12.7 mm)
gypsum board, or 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) cement-based mill-
board.Batts or blankets of mineralwool or glass fiber or oth-
er approved materials installed in such a manner as to be se-
curely 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 com-
pliance with the 10 foot horizontal fireblocking in walls
constructed using parallel rows of studs or staggered studs.
Loose-fill insulationmaterial shall not be used as a fire block
unless specifically tested in the form and manner intended
for use to demonstrate its ability to remain in place and to re-
tard the spread of fire and hot gases.
R602.8.1.1 Unfaced fiberglass. Unfaced fiberglass batt
insulation used as fireblocking shall fill the entire cross
section of the wall cavity to aminimumheight of 16 inch-
es (406mm)measured vertically.When piping, conduit or
similar obstructions are encountered, the insulation shall
be packed tightly around the obstruction.
R602.8.1.2 Fireblocking integrity. The integrity of all
fireblocks shall be maintained.

COMMENTARY;

As you should now understand that fire blocking and draft stopping are two different things. I am suspecting your were really talking about fire blocking that can be fullfilled as read above between floors by use of normal fiberglass insulation.

Hope this helps clear the subject for you.

Good Luck

Wg