WHAT IS FIREBLOCKING AND DRAFTSTOPPING | MINIMUM CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR DIY

As an inspector I frequently get asked what fireblocking and draftstopping is and where it goes. Here we look over the minimum code requirements, what materials can be used and common areas where a DIY'er should be aware of draftstopping and fireblocking requirements.
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I hope this was helpful!

[@Trainman0401]

Great video! Question… I have a concrete foundation wall that I will be covering with 2 inch foam board. Then I am building a 2x4 stud wall that will be 7 inches in front of the foam board. I will fill up the entire 3-1/2 inch deep cavity between the 16 inch on center studs with Rockwool. Will that pass inspection even if there is a space between the foam board and the Rockwool? After watching your video I believe I am ok. Thanks in advance for all the helpful videos!!!!

[@buildingcodetips]

If I understand your question correctly there will be a 4 to 5” space between the foam and studs/insulation. If so you will want to install some thicker insulation the carries back and touches the foam board every 10ft for draft stopping. I assume you will be insulating the joist bay above and it will carry over the top of the foam and 2x4 walls/insulation for a continuous thermal envelope? Why pull the wall so far out from the foam board? Just curious!!

[@Trainman0401]

@@buildingcodetipsHello and thanks for the detailed response to my question. The concrete foundation is 8 feet tall and has a 5 inch setback half way up the wall. The setback has a fiberglass insulated 2x6 inch stud wall. I intend to foam board only the lower half of the concrete wall and butt my new 2x4 stud wall against the foam board. That will leave an air space on the upper half of the wall of about 7 inches between the back of the new stud wall and the existing setback 2x6 stud wall. I will fill every new 16 inch cavity of the new wall “completely” with 3-1/2 inch rock wool. So…. Assuming that I provide vertical fire draft blocking every 8-10 feet and also provide horizontal fire blocking at the top of the wall then can I leave the 7 inch air space on the upper half of the wall?

[@buildingcodetips]

@@Trainman0401 Hello, Yes! Based on your explanation the insulation/thermal side is taken care of and adding draft stopping to keep the cavity spaces under 100sf, you should be good!

[@Trainman0401]

Thank you so much. I have learned a great deal from watching your videos. Have a great holiday. 😊

[@jasonreed7608]

Great informative video. Question for you, how do you horizontal draft stop with xps??

[@jasonreed7608]

Just saw your comment below 😅

[@alfredovargas616]

My local building inspector is asking for a "A "formal plan check submittal". My project is a detached workshop/storage. I have no idea what that is.

[@buildingcodetips]

It sounds like they want plan review to look at and approve your work shop. We don’t use that term where I am from but plan check would be submitting plans, details or other documentation to your local building department for review.

[@alfredovargas616]

@@buildingcodetips Gosh, this is very confusing, just my drawings took 6 months. I submitted them to my inspector and now he wants that more. Im just the homeowner, this is very confusing, and most people around my area have told me they did no such thing. My thought is that he just does not like me and would make this project nearly impossible to complete. Im in Kingsburg, California. You can go to their site and see the documents, but i though they pertained to a house. Not a workshop

[@buildingcodetips]

@@alfredovargas616 Hey Alfredo, Sorry for the troubles that you are having. In a perfect world your inspector would help you through the process. This may not be the ideal suggestion but if it was me, I would take whatever plans you do have down to the city building department and ask to talk to a plans examiner. Ask them to explain what additional information is required and ask them to help you through it. Maybe they can help you out right there and get you moving. Looking at the Kingsburg website any sheds over 120sf and/or that have electrical, plumbing or heating/cooling require permits. My guess is that if this is a work shop that you are heating/cooling then some additional requirements kicked in making your permitting more extensive than your neighbors.

[@alfredovargas616]

@@buildingcodetips Thank you for the advice! Your videos are very educational, I watch with my pen and pad taking notes. Please continue making content. As for my project, I might just give up.

[@tonkihonks3430]

So the insulation pad between the stud shud do the job? I was afraid I had to cut thin pieces of insulation and put behind the stud in between the wall

[@buildingcodetips]

That sounds correct. You can stuff batt insulation in the gap, mineral wool, cellulose insulation, drywall, osb, 2x material, etc. I have seen foam spray used as well in narrow gaps. Also search IRC R302.11.1 for the list of approved materials in the code book.