Firewall Behind Drywall?


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Old 07-07-06, 03:19 PM
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Firewall Behind Drywall?

I started to remove some drywall in order to reroute the drain piping for a sink and encountered about a 1/2 inch thick wooden board behind the wall. I think it goes all the way up and down the wall and may be a firewall. Does anyone know if it is a firewall or not and if so, can I remove a piece to reroute the piping and then reinstall? Any tips for how to do so without damaging the studs and entire wall?
 
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Old 07-07-06, 05:27 PM
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Firewall Behind Drywall?

I doubt if it is a firewall. Modern code allow wood in a firewall-rated wall if it is protected by a required amount of gysim board.

I doubt if it could be considered a fire stop (fire retarder), unless it was required by an old code.

Maybe someone may have some unique ideas whether it has a specific purpose.

Dick
 
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Old 07-07-06, 05:39 PM
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Maybe it's not a wooden board?

What is gysim? I suppose it could be that. I'm not sure that the board is made of wood, it just looks like a wooden material. How could I check on that?
 
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Old 07-07-06, 05:58 PM
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Firewall Behind Drywall?

Forgive my spelling.

I was referring to gypsum board, sheet rock or dry wall. It is a gypsum based plater material sandwiched with paper. Usually a 5/8" layer is required in garages instead of the traditional 1/2" that is used elsewhere.

It does not stop a fire, but just slows it up a bit. - Part of the U.S. concept of life safety in building codes instaed of the "build it so it lasts forever" concept used in some other countries.

Dick
 
 

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