Need some fire wall info

[smashingchuck]

I am planning on constructing a 24x40 garage on my property. It will be pole construction. It is 2 feet from my property line, and 4 feet from my neighbors garage. My inspector tells me I need to have a firewall, protected on both sides. I know i need 5/8 rock on the inside, and 5/8 on the outside. what about the rest?

 

[readhead]

Needs to be 5/8" type-x with proper fastener call out and spaceing. Fire tape both sides and install whatever finish on the outside. No penetrations unless fire rated. All locations not taped need to be fire caulked, ie bottom and top edges. You might have to wrap around the ends a little. Ask your inspector.

 

[smashingchuck]

Thanks!

My inspector refereed me to an engineer.... so he's not much help.

What about fire breaks? And how much wrap around the corner?

I'm in Michigan...

 

[smashingchuck]

My inspector will not answer my questions.

 

[sophijo]

You may need to rock the soffit and use fire retardant sheathing, four feet up from eve on that side of garage roof too. Better find an inspector who can be helpful or get this guy to tell you what he wants.

 

[smashingchuck]

I guess I need to have a sit down with my inspector............. i cant just guess.

He did say that an overhang is not allowed.

 

[woodrail]

You are being put in a position that just about requires you to hire a professional, probably an architect, to provide you with a construction drawing describing what you need to build.

There are several ways you can build a "fire wall". First you need the actual requirement of what you need to do. Is it a 20 minute wall or a 2-hour wall? HUGE difference.

What is your governing code? Is it a local requirement or a state one? Maybe talk to your Fire Chief?

 

[readhead]

Woodrail is right. I gave you a typical condition for a place to start but it sounds like your building department isn't going to be much help. Talk to an architect to provide plans to identify setbacks, wall types, roof type, occupancy etc. I have delt with this type of building department before and they probably have been instructed not to provide info for liability reasons. Hopefully once you have a design professional on board they will be more helpfull.