QA

Question: How To Build A Non Combustible Wall

What is considered a non-combustible wall?

Non-combustible materials are building materials that do not burn or ignite when subjected to expected levels of fire or heat. Examples of non-combustible materials include brick masonry, concrete blocks, hardy backer board, calcium silicate board, cement board, metal, and certain types of glass.

How close can you put a wood stove to a non-combustible wall?

The standard clearance recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency is 36 inches. This means that the back of the stove should be 36 inches away from any combustible material, such as woodwork, unprotected walls, furniture and even firewood.

Is there non-combustible drywall?

Fireproof drywall is the common term; its industry name is Type X drywall. The thickness of this drywall is 5/8-inch, including all layers. Glass fibers are added to the board to help it retard fire. Also, because it is denser than normal gypsum-and-paper drywall, it takes longer for the fire to degrade it.

How do you fireproof a wall behind a wood stove?

Common fireproof wall ideas for behind a stove include stone, brick and tiles. The look of a wood burning stove can be enhanced by using a faux panel (such as a stone veneer look) or using a fireback.

What is a non-combustible building material?

Non-combustible means: Applied to a material – not deemed combustible as determined by AS 1530.1 – Combustibility Tests for Materials; and. Applied to construction or part of a building – constructed wholly of materials that are not deemed to be combustible.

Is a brick wall non-combustible?

You are safe with brick, stone and plaster as these are NON-combustible materials.

What is considered a non-combustible surface?

when exposed to fire or heat. Examples of non-combustible materials include steel, masonry, ceramics and certain insulating materials (such as fiberglass or mineral wool insulation). Gypsum wallboard is considered by the codes to be non-combustible although it does have a thick paper backing that is combustible.

What do you put on the wall behind a wood stove?

The fireback is a traditional heat shield for a stove The solution of replacing the back wall with a heat-resistant material, such as heat-resistant stones or a wood stove heat shield, is often cumbersome and not always beautiful.

Is cement board considered non-combustible?

Yes, HardieBacker® 1/4″ Cement Board is deemed noncombustible when tested to ASTM E 136 and can be used in conjunction with other noncombustible materials around a fireplace.

At what temperature will drywall ignite?

Fire resistant drywall is used to prevent the spread of fire from one part of a building into an adjoining area, giving firefighters a chance to contain the fire. Originally Answered: What temperature does a drywall burn? Drywall is gypsum sandwiched between paper. Paper ignites at 451 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can cement board be used as a heat shield?

Hardi cement board is an inexpensive solution that will form the foundation of an effective heat shield for any application. Hardi cement board is also designed to have ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles installed over it to cover and beautify the heat shield after it is installed.

How close can a wood stove be to cement wall?

Stovepipes, like stoves, radiate heat. If they are installed close to combustible materials, a fire can result. The NFPA recommends that a stovepipe be at least 18 inches from the nearest combustible material.

Does a wood stove pipe have to go straight up?

The pipe should be as straight and short as possible, with sections properly secured. If it must have angles, limit them to one or, at the most, two sweeping 90-degree elbows or the equivalent. The horizontal portion of the pipe should rise not less than one-quarter inch to the linear foot, to insure a good draft.

Is sheetrock a fire barrier?

The gypsum used to make drywall is a naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium sulfate dehydrate and water. The presence of water in gypsum contributes greatly to drywall’s natural fire resistance. Once all the water has escaped the panel, the drywall continues to act as a fire barrier.

Is sheet rock considered a combustible?

Gypsum board, because of its combustible facing, will not pass ASTM E136. Therefore remember, under the Mechanical Subcode, gypsum wallboard is classified as a combustible material.

How far does a fireplace need to be from the wall?

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), a fireplace must be 36 inches away from bare walls. If the walls around the fireplace are protected by a heat-resistant material or some form of insulation, the fireplace can be less than 36 inches from the wall.

How do you make a heat shield for a wood stove?

The easiest way to make air-cooled heat shields for stovepipe is to cut up a piece of single-wall stovepipe. Then, screw the shield to the pipe using 1-1/4″ heat-proof screws and 1″ ceramic or metal heat shield spacers.

Can galvanized steel be used as a heat shield?

galvanized is fine. be sure to use standoffs (or a couple layers of durock strips) to create at least a 1″ air space behind the metal and keep it open at the top and bottom for good air circulation.

Do I need a heat shield behind a wood stove?

Wood stoves require heat shields both under and behind them to protect your home from heat damage. While many wood stoves include heat shields in their design, some do not. Refer to your wood stove to determine if external heat shields are necessary.