Need opinions on garage ceiling

[benchracer]

Ok, first let me say I did a search already and did not come up with an answer yet. So, need some opinions. I have a 2 story garage with the upper level being a hangout with TV, stereo and such. I started to drywall the lower level ceiling with 5/8 drywall, but have now started to look at sheet metal or siding as an alternative. I don't want to do the finish work to complete the drywall.

The big question here is: Do I need the fire barrier of the 5/8 drywall for a detached garage? Does does the 2nd floor hangout constitute a living space? I'm halfway there with the drywall already, so I could just go on top of the drywall with the siding and keep the fire barrier. Thoughts?

 

[JimRB]

You can hire a taper to finish the drywall probably for less than the cost of sheet metal to go on top of the drywall. I don't think the drywall is a fire barrier unless it is properly taped. At least I have never seen untaped firewalls at any commercial building I have been in that has a fire rating sticker on it. Unpainted, yes. Untaped, no.

 

[housedad]

Here in Jersey, if it has a floor and you can walk on it and put in furniture, it is a living space so 5/8 firecode sheetrock and taping would be a requirement.

When I asked my construction official about steel on the ceiling, he was adamant that there shall be no covering but 5/8" firecode drywall. Your mileage may vary. Mine is an attached garage with a 5/8" firecode drywall all the way to the roof between the house and garage. No living space above it, just roof trusses, and yet he still required 5/8" drywall for the ceiling. Go figure. I'm in process to ask for a variance about this.

Best thing is to talk to your constuction official.