firewalls

**Bruce King** · 02-22-2010, 06:49 PM

How many of you inspect for proper spacing of sheetrock fasteners on visible portions of firewalls?

**Darren Miller** · 02-23-2010, 04:45 AM

Bruce,

Unless this is new construction with building plans still on site, I don't think you can (unless of course there's only 8 screws holding a 4x8 sheet).
Each firewall assembly has it's own specs that was (UL) approved. For example, one assembly requires 8 inch spacing at perimeter and 12 inches in field. Another MAY require 10 inch at perimeter and 16 in field. So unless you have the approved design in hand...

A.D. Miller · 02-23-2010, 04:56 AM

BK: It depends on how cooperative the builder has been up to this point. If he has given me grief at the pre-pour and pre-drywall inspections and every point in between, then I will not only address fastener spacing, but also any place where the paper has been torn at the fasteners. And not just at the firewalls.

**Markus Keller** · 02-23-2010, 07:34 AM

I'm inline with AD on this. If there is 'sufficient' screws overall I don't get picky about it. If the guy is a PITA or there are few screws, well then it's another story.
A great resource to consider, check out your local drywall supplier. NOT HD but an actual drywall supplier. Our big one has a rack full of USG/UL listed wall spec brochures. Real nice full color detailed pages. I stop in about once a year and pick up new ones. They are a great resource when reading prints and wondering what the Arch meant when he listed a UL blah blah firewall assembly.
Also makes 'Joe knows everything builder' look like the lazy BS'er he really is.

Michael Garrity · 02-23-2010, 07:52 AM

Looks like it's sufficient is not good enough when dealing with fire rated applications.There are specs for every type of rock installation.Residential is usually straight forward.Commercial is very different.

gypsum.org

**brian schmitt** · 02-23-2010, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce King

How many of you inspect for proper spacing of sheetrock fasteners on visible portions of firewalls?

how many of you know what the code maximum spacing for screws/nails on a residential house /garage seperation is? don't call it out if you aren't sure. any other firewall is per a listed/tested assembly that is ul,gypsum association etc.. approved with a # or per chapter 7 of the ibc.