When inspecting an attached garage, and there is no gas appliances in this garage, does a firewall need to be in place?
Yes, on the surfaces that join the home, including in the attic space. The attic separation is not needed however if the entire garage ceiling has the firewall.
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Is this a building code? Or just a general rule that there needs to be a firewall.
It is code. R302.6
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A car is a “gas appliance”. So is a lawn mower, gas can, etc. and don’t forget issues with electric cars.
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Ok, thank you
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Ok, thank you Stephen, point taken.
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Are you an inspector? Do you have a specific situation with some pictures? Not everything is ever black and white, lol. There are requirements for the house-to-garage door as well as any duct penetrations, etc.
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Ryan,
I am studying right now to take my test and very much looking forward to getting going. No exact situation with the fire
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Thank you Jeffrey
Spot on.
The code refers to dwelling. So the best way to look at it is if there is living space on the other side of the wall, fire separation is required all the way to the roof sheathing. -OR- If the entire garage ceiling has type X sheetrock, then the attic portion can be open. There could be variances in local code, so be sure to check with the local AHJ to CYA.
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This requirement goes all the way back to the 1st edition of the Uniform Building Code in 1927.
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" Garage firewall seperation when is it needed"
When there is a fire!
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Your funny Robert! LOL
Garage v. shop is a good thing to keep in the back of your mind. It’s all about whether or not you can pull a car in. Solid fuel heating (woodstoves, etc.) are NOT allowed in garages but are in shops in most areas. So, if it has a door large enough for a vehicle to fit through it’s a garage and separation should be in place if it’s attached to living space. Just a man door? It’s a shop. I assume this lines up with most building codes but have never really researched it. I heard this from an AHJ inspector putting on a class years ago.
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Not trying to be humorous. You asked a specific question, “WHEN is fire separation needed.” It is only needed when there is a fire. Now if you meant something else?