Drywall in Attic Space above Garage

[kbuhagiar]

Hello folks,

In the attic space above my garage there is a drywall 'wall' which goes all the way up to, and conforms with, the roof pitch, and essentially seals off the area above the garage from the rest of the house. I assume that this is some sort of fire code requirement.

Recently while in the attic I noticed that there are two holes in that drywall 'wall' spaced about ten feet apart which seem to have been created for the sole purpose of running additional NM cable to feed circuits that were needed after initial construction of the house. One is approximately 4" x 4", with four NM cables, and the other is 4" x 10" high with seven NM cables and all of the hard wired circuits feeding into our alarm panel. Should I be concerned, and if so do these holes need to be re-sealed, and if so how?

I'm hesitant to close them off because I expect I will need additional electrical circuits quite soon and both holes offer a convenient pathway.

FWIW The house was constructed in 2000 and also has a fire sprinkler system installed throughout, and the garage itself is completely finished, with drywall walls and ceiling and fully insulated.

Thoughts?

 

[manwithtools]

Technically that drywall is there as a firebreak and should be continuous with no holes or breaks. After you run your new circuits, I'd use a scrap of drywall to close as much of the openings as possible and then fill any voids between the cables and drywall with fireproof foam spray.

Fireblock Foam Spray

 

[75gmck25]

It is considered a fire break, so it should be closed off.

I would just cut a piece of 3/8" drywall for each opening, and notch it on one side for the current wiring. Screw them into place to cover the openings, and shoot a small amount of fire caulking around the wires to get a good seal. You can always unscrew the drywall later, add new wiring, and then add a little more caulk to reseal.

 

[WillyBoy]

When my house was built in 1982, I was offered two options. The first was what you have, drywall all the way to the underside of the roof as a fire stop between the house and the attached garage. The second option was drywall the underside of the garage roof trusses, essentially a garage ceiling, and leave the area above the ceiling open to the rest of the house. I chose the latter. It's been a little more convenient for me over the years.

 

[kbuhagiar]

When my house was built in 1982, I was offered two options. The first was what you have, drywall all the way to the underside of the roof as a fire stop between the house and the attached garage. The second option was drywall the underside of the garage roof trusses, essentially a garage ceiling, and leave the area above the ceiling open to the rest of the house. I chose the latter. It's been a little more convenient for me over the years.

Fortunately I have both.

 

[larry4406]

My 1987 built house does not have this.

Error, lax code enforcement, I don’t know.

 

[billconner]

Unfortunately the ICC website is not working this weekend but iirc, fire sprinklers are an alternate to the drywall separation. I'd still patch the drywall, maybe put in conduit sleeve for future.

The commonality of electricians and data and av contractors punching holes in fire rated partitions has in commercial codes resulted in code requirements for signage noting it's a fire rated partition, typically found above hung ceilings.

 

[PCustoms]

I'd still patch the drywall, maybe put in conduit sleeve for future.

Pretty sure even a sleeve needs fire block....

@kbuhagiar next time you're around a home improvement store grab a can of the orange fire block foam and go to town. Won't be pretty, but will be done

Tip: you can mist poly foam with a squirt bottle to "set" the skin if you need to firm it up to apply more.

 

[billconner]

Well, looking to see if fire sprinklers gets you a pass on the drywall separation and I don't find it. Did find these new requirements in the 2024 IRC however. Changes underlined -basically all except first par of first one.

R317.4 Automatic garage door openers.
Automatic garage door openers, if provided, shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 325 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

R317.6 Electric vehicle charging systems.
Where provided, electric vehicle charging systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594.

R317.7 Automotive Lifts.
Where provided, automotive lifts shall be listed and labeled in accordance with ANSI/ALI ALCTV.

R317.7.1 Installation.
Automotive lifts shall be installed in accordance with ANSI/ALI ALCTV, the listing and the lift manufacturer's installation instructions. Automotive lifts shall not be installed within the habitable space of a dwelling unit.

 

[Skooterj]

My 1987 built house does not have this.

Error, lax code enforcement, I don’t know.

They probably didn't install a fire door between the garage and the house either then. But then again, most builders don't and most inspectors don't check.

 

[larry4406]

They probably didn't install a fire door between the garage and the house either then. But then again, most builders don't and most inspectors don't check.

Not sure.

I replaced that door as I felt it had the wrong swing. New door is fire rated with spring closure hinges.