I am installing a new Lowes steel 20 min fire door between my attatched garage and house as the final part of my carport/garage conversion. Tempe, AZ uses the International Building codes. Instructions that came with the door say do not shim or fasten top jamb to header...then after having you secure the hinge jamb and latch jamb with screws/nails thru shims (I've gotten that far)....., the Instructions then tell you that for fire doors, the gap between the wood framing and jambs must be 1/8" or less, or it must be solidly shimmed. OK, does this mean the entire gap must be filled with solid shims and not the nifty can of non-expanding foam I got"? Also are wood shims ok here? That's what I used so far.The rough opening was snug at bottom and a little wide at the top (gaps 1/2 to 3/4") so I was thinking of using scrap ply or osb, maybe even some old tapered cedar shakes to fill the remaining gaps...Or do I need fireproof material here?

Thanks,

 

It means what it says, NO GAPS, but there is are foams/caulks used for firewalls that may quality. Check lumberyards, and check local code for approval.

 

Thanks Bill,

Yeah, I figured that it include closing the gaps. I will try to make contact with the inspector's office or plans desk tomorrow as to material choices. Would also like to hear form others who have been there.

Grommet

 

I just use 90 minute foam or insulation.

 

Not sure, but he may require the red fire guard stuff we use when closing up holes between floors when running wiring. Hopefully the foam will suffice. BUT, whatever the inspector says.

 

Thanks for all the input!

I am waiting for a call back from the Building Inspectors/Plans Review office to see what they suggest. I have the aforementioned can of non expapnding Great Stuff, and a can of the orange DAP Fireblock Foam (tech sheets say this expands to 2-3 times its size, possibly a no no here). Actually packing it with fiberglass insulation wouldn't be too bad of an idea. I'd just rather not have to make up tapered pieces of wood to fill the spaces.

Thanks again,

Grommet

 

Got the word from the City of Tempe chief building inspector today. He recommended against foam, preferred loose fiberglass insulation. In areasnot already shimmed with wood shims.

Ciao,

Grommet