Fire code on concrete Garage walls

[The Colin]

Morning all.

So i've learned on this board that 5/8 x type drywall is required for an attached garage for walls on the house side (in order to get a 1 hour fire rating).

Im looking to redo my garage, and all of the walls (two touch the house, one is outside) are concrete. Im in the Garden State of New Jersey by the by.

anyhow, does this already satisfy the fire code requirements, thus allowing me to put up plywood and avoid paying someone or losing my sanity doing a poor job of taping and finishing drywall?

The ceiling of the garage is under the family room, it's drywalled but my guess is that it is not 2 sheets of 5/8 x category drywall, so it's pre existing non conforming. not sure if that changes what i can do to my walls.

Thanks Much!

 

[GMCGarage]

Yes, but check with you local building official to be sure so no surprises.

 

[kj_mustang]

They also make X and other rated sheetrock that have longer fire ratings in 1/2" thickness.

 

[The Colin]

hey, thanks for the response GMC/KJ.

good point on checking w officials, i've put a question out but a response may take some time. would like to know if anyone else on the board has concrete walls for the garage and just put up a frame and some plywood rather than go with the excitement of drywall

 

[nadogail]

Is the OP implying that existing Concrete Walls wont meet Fire Code?

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Double 5/8” (staggered joints) on the ceiling and "IF" the walls are concrete (non combustible) you can go with 1/2” or leave them bare.
NJ uses the International RESIDENTIAL Building Code (NJ Edition) and the codes are to be uniform from Cape May to High Point NJ....... But I suggest talking to the local Construction Official in your town because some of these guys are "wacky" and enforce their own "standards".

 

[The Colin]

Is the OP implying that existing Concrete Walls wont meet Fire Code?

on the contrary, im thinking i can just put up plywood and not violate fire codes because i have the concrete walls.

im looking to do a french cleat system, along w some peg board (wall control, stout stuff) that i already have.


Thanks Chuckster, i will look that up. so i can leave them bare, but do i violate some code by putting up plywood to your knowledge?

thanks.

 

[Bobthetractor]

Can you fill the block with fire rated foam? rated board is relatively cheap. I don't think you can just tack plywood to the wall but they do make fire rated OSB/ply. remember to also seal penetrations. Since you're attaching to a house you should be extra cautious because if you have an insurance claim down the road I'd expect they will look at what was (or wasn't done).

 

[NUTTSGT]

Double 5/8” (staggered joints) on the ceiling and "IF" the walls are concrete (non combustible) you can go with 1/2” or leave them bare.
NJ uses the International RESIDENTIAL Building Code (NJ Edition) and the codes are to be uniform from Cape May to High Point NJ....... But I suggest talking to the local Construction Official in your town because some of these guys are "wacky" and enforce their own "standards".

Probably a good answer and accurate too, right down to the recommendation of still checking with the AHJ.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I see NO problem with placing plywood on the concrete wall because it is NOT considered a "finish"....... I consider the plywood to be the same as a wall cabinet or shelf.
Do keep in mind that you should have a 1/2” air "gap" space between the concrete wall and plywood to keep the wood free from insects and rot.

 

[The Colin]

thanks all. yes, i am thinking i
1) put up a frame (replacing the useless half finished stuff that's there) and plywood over it and french cleat on that

2) cleats directly on the concrete (i like this less, and i have enough poorly laid out wiring and conduit that it makes me worry that without a frame i'd be missing out on a lot of space

when my post count gets up i'll throw up some pics

 

[TRWham]

The only place the IRC (specifically Table R302.6) calls for anything greater than 1/2" drywall is a garage ceiling that separates a garage and living space and that only calls out a single layer of 5/8" Type X. Local codes may go further or you may choose to, but, despite persistent myths, there is no "firewall" requirement for separation of a garage and residence in the IRC.