# Townhouse fire barrier?

**URL:** <https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950>\
**Category:** Interior Inspections\
**Created:** [October 30, 2014, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950 "2014-10-30T01:40:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![tewald](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tewald/32/59623_2.png) [@tewald](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tewald)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/1 "2014-10-30T01:40:35Z")

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Anyone have a good narrative for this? I noticed the joint compound/tape peeling off the drywall between units.

 ![P1160784.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/e/c/ecee4311a172bc6e36e206e37d394a4aed78b466.jpeg)

 ![P1160785.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/8/9899b599df3536be61f7bab49d0808037af80f53.jpeg)

 ![P1160782.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/6/e/6e54b46f6e78704c91322891af05db3978b7f9e9.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![growden](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/growden/32/58544_2.png) [@growden](https://forum.nachi.org/u/growden)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 2:14am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/2 "2014-10-30T02:14:35Z")

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May be something like this

“The firewall taping along seams in attic are damaged and/or incomplete. Drywall joints shall be taped or sealed. Joints shall be fitted so that the gap is no more than 1/20-inch with joints backed by either solid wood or another layer of drywall such that the joints are staggered. Refer to a qualified contractor for corrective repair.”

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**Author:** ![irobertson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/irobertson/32/171974_2.png) [@irobertson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/irobertson)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 2:48am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/3 "2014-10-30T02:48:49Z")

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Not trying to be smart here, but can’t you just say " noted the joint compound/tape peeling off the drywall between units"?.

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**Author:** ![wwilson3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/wwilson3/32/58197_2.png) [@wwilson3](https://forum.nachi.org/u/wwilson3)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 11:42am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/4 "2014-10-30T11:42:58Z")

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Fire barrier has been compromised, exposed joints with a gap. Recommend correction by a qualified contractor to maintain fire barrier .

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**Author:** ![jbuckley](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jbuckley/32/172460_2.png) [@jbuckley](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbuckley)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 11:45am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/5 "2014-10-30T11:45:07Z")

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I like the narrative but I try to stay away from telling people how to fix stuff. I use the same narrative as I would for peeling tape or gaps in a garage firewall. On a side note. Looks like you got a roof leak too.

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**Author:** ![clawrenson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/clawrenson/32/121308_2.png) [@clawrenson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/clawrenson)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 12:00pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/6 "2014-10-30T12:00:27Z")

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“Duty of care” requires the inspector to not just specify the deficiency, but also report the impact on the client.

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**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 12:23pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/7 "2014-10-30T12:23:03Z")

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Water stains on the roof decking, water stains on the wall board, deteriorated tape joints.

Evidence of past or present leaking. Repair as needed.

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**Author:** ![irobertson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/irobertson/32/171974_2.png) [@irobertson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/irobertson)\
**Post date:** [October 30, 2014, 6:09pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/townhouse-fire-barrier/90950/8 "2014-10-30T18:09:06Z")

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> [@mlarson](#):
>
> Water stains on the roof decking, water stains on the wall board, deteriorated tape joints.
> 
> Evidence of past or present leaking. Repair as needed.

Nice