Code for drywall in garage

[Edward Bobinchak]

In a new subdivision of single-family homes with attached garages and no second-floor or attic, the drywall on the wall adjacent to the house is fire-code and fire-taped. However, drywall on the non-adjoining walls was hung with scraps and is not taped--just but-edges. An inspector cited the the non-taped drywall as a violation saying "You are not required by code to drywall those walls, but onece you have hung it, you must tape it."

When this citation was challenged by the builder, he was asked to show the code that says that taping is not needed. I know that code does not usually tell you what you don't need to do, but does anyone know of any source that says that taping is not necessary in this case?

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[A.D. Miller]

In a new subdivision of single-family homes with attached garages and no second-floor or attic, the drywall on the wall adjacent to the house is fire-code and fire-taped. However, drywall on the non-adjoining walls was hung with scraps and is not taped--just but-edges. An inspector cited the the non-taped drywall as a violation saying "You are not required by code to drywall those walls, but onece you have hung it, you must tape it."

When this citation was challenged by the builder, he was asked to show the code that says that taping is not needed. I know that code does not usually tell you what you don't need to do, but does anyone know of any source that says that taping is not necessary in this case?

Edward: The garage walls that are not contiguous with the main house are not required by code to be covered with drywall. If they are covered with drywall the drywall is required to be taped if the AHJ says that it is. There is no code requirement that I am aware of, but the AHJ is well within his authority to require measures which exceed the adopted code.

It is likely that JP is, even as we speak here, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g code citations to the limit to justify taping the drywall. We'll see where it snaps . . .

[Jerry Peck]

In a new subdivision of single-family homes with attached garages and no second-floor or attic, the drywall on the wall adjacent to the house is fire-code and fire-taped. However, drywall on the non-adjoining walls was hung with scraps and is not taped--just but-edges. An inspector cited the the non-taped drywall as a violation saying "You are not required by code to drywall those walls, but onece you have hung it, you must tape it."

When this citation was challenged by the builder, he was asked to show the code that says that taping is not needed. I know that code does not usually tell you what you don't need to do, but does anyone know of any source that says that taping is not necessary in this case?

It is likely that JP is, even as we speak here, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g code citations to the limit to justify taping the drywall. We'll see where it snaps . . .

Aaron,

Oh ye of little faith ...

Stop and think about what you just said for a minute or two, then follow this:

No drywall installed equals open stud spaces equals no concealed spaces.

Install drywall and the stud space are now concealed spaces.

What needs to be done to concealed spaces?

[A.D. Miller]

Aaron,

Oh ye of little faith ...

Stop and think about what you just said for a minute or two, then follow this:

No drywall installed equals open stud spaces equals no concealed spaces.

Install drywall and the stud space are now concealed spaces.

What needs to be done to concealed spaces?

JP: Au contraire, I was merely patiently awaiting the bad news, never doubting it was underway.

[A.D. Miller]

JP: I assume you mean:

FIREBLOCKING.

Building materials installed to resist the
free passage of flame to other areas of the building through
concealed spaces.

Fireblocking materials include lumber; wood structural
panels, particleboard, gypsum board, cement-based
millboard, batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber,
or any other approved material that will resist the
passage of flame from one concealed area to another.
Regulated by Section R602.8 for wood-frame construction,
fireblocking is often used to isolate vertical cavities
such as stud spaces from horizontal concealed areas
such as attics or floor-ceiling assemblies.

R602.8 Fireblocking required.

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 inwood-frame construction in the following locations.
1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including
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, ducts, cables and wires
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 Section
R1003.19.
6. Fireblocking of cornices of a two-family dwelling is
required at the line of dwelling unit separation.

To restrict the movement of flame and gasses to other
areas of a building through concealed passages in
building components such as floors, walls and stairs,
fireblocking of these concealed combustible spaces is
required to form a barrier between stories and between
a top story and the roof space. For example, the
following locations must be firestopped in wood-frame
construction:



In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions,
including spaces at the ceiling and floor levels.
See Commentary Figures R602.8(1) and
R602.8(2).



At all interconnections between concealed vertical
and horizontal spaces such as soffits [Commentary
Figure R602.8(3)], dropped ceilings
[Commentary Figure R602.8(4)], and cove ceilings
[Commentary Figure R602.8(5)]. Interconnections
shown in Commentary Figure
R602.8(6) for a bathtub installation must also be
firestopped.



In concealed spaces between stair stringers at
the top and bottom of the run; see Commentary
Figure R602.8(7).



At openings around vent pipes, ducts, chimneys,
and fireplaces at ceiling and floor levels
with noncombustible materials; see Commentary
Figures R602.8(8) and R602.8(9). Commentary
Figure R602.8(9) illustrates fireblocking
at chimneys and fireplaces. The fireblocking at
ductwork would be similar

[Edward Bobinchak]

Thanks, A.D.

I used your reference with the inspector that didn't like the drywall and he was satisfied that the drywall in question had adequate fire blocking and did not require taping. I am not sure this would have worked with the code inspector but the report was written by the lender's agent and he bought the argument.