basement framing?

Question

My exterior basement walls do not sit directly against the poured foundation walls due to a floating slab basement. Are firestops required at the top of the walls and also behinde the walls to prevent fires from spreading? The framing was done up to 8' with 9' actual basement height then the 8' walls were nailed with brackets to the 9' floor joists.

Answer 1

You best check with your local building inspector to find out if it's a regulated thing. If it were me, i'd make sure all fire stops were in place just as a added safety item.

Not having fire stops could result in very little time to get out of the house if a fire should occur. A few extra dollars spent now might save a whole lot of grief an money in the event of an actual fire.

Answer 2

In my neck of the woods, the building code requires fire stop (insulation) between floors in exactly where you describe but done during initial construction of the house or contracted reno construction. An older house isn't the same as the code constantly evolves and improves. It obviously isn't in your house but is a proven advantage in a fire scenario. As a homeowner doing the job yourself, you can do as you like and not bound to the code unless you have a permit... then the inspector comes around to check on you. Most owners doing the job themselves; do not get a permit. It's not like a future owner of your house can sue you if you finished the basement without a fire stop. They have the option of an inspection prior to purchase and can add clauses and conditions and, and... but if they end up buying the house; done. As earlier stated, to do it now while you can (prior to finishing the exterior of the wall) is a great opportunity. Once you're done, take a couple of photos around the area and put them with your deed / house files. When it comes time to sell, you have the proof it was done right and can be a safety selling feature. As we all know, there are lots of "handymen" doing some pretty scary work on their own houses and we end up buying them... only to rip it out and fix it right.
I would put it in and be comfortable in knowing I did.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

With out knowing your local Building codes, I couldn't say for sure. But in my area it is required to have Fire stopping every 8' "vertically. So just cut some strips of OSB {ply-wood} and nail them along the top plate making sure to butt up against the Poured foundation wall. Then caulk along the seam between the wall and the OSB strips leaving no voids. That should do it.
Don't forget the "Smoke detectors"