What is a Fire Tape on Drywall?
Fire tape on drywall is, essentially, a combination of joint compound and paper tape applied to drywall joints and corners.
Fire tape – it’s a term that gets thrown around frequently, whether in commercial or residential construction.
Fire tape, a buzzword in the drywall industry, rolls off the tongue effortlessly, but its true meaning often eludes many.
Some assume that applying fire tape to drywall joints renders the wall “fireproof.” However, that’s not the case.
Fire tape represents just one component of a fire-rated wall assembly. Let’s delve deeper into the world of fire tape drywall.
What exactly is it, and why is it necessary? How do you apply it? And what product options are available for fire tape?
Understanding Fire Tape on Drywall
In construction, straightforward questions don’t always have straightforward answers.
Fire tape is, essentially, a combination of joint compound and paper tape applied to drywall joints and corners.
Professionals might refer to this as “bedding the tape in the mud,” flattening it with a taping knife.
It’s also known as the “tape and bed” phase of drywall taping, and some even call it a “level 1 finish.”
The construction industry has a penchant for creating numerous nicknames for a single process, causing confusion among newcomers and bystanders.
Now, let’s dive into the technical details and explore what manufacturers have to say about fire tape.
Technical Aspects
USG, a prominent manufacturer of building materials and drywall products, plays a crucial role in the realm of fire tape.
They are experts in drywall mud, producing both joint compound drywall mud and joint paper tape – the components of the “fire tape” process.
It’s important to note that USG joint compound is not inherently fire-rated, and USG joint paper tape is essentially paper, which can ignite when exposed to flames.
Both USG joint compound mud and joint paper tape meet ASTM C475 standards, which pertain to joint tape and joint compound.
However, it’s crucial to understand that using joint tape and joint compound that meet these standards is just the initial step in achieving a fire-rated wall.
Fire-rated walls depend on the entire assembly, requiring all components to be installed correctly to achieve the desired fire rating.
The Components of a Fire-Rated Wall
Simply applying “fire tape” to joints won’t make a wall fire-rated. To understand fire-rated drywalls, we need to examine the entire wall assembly and its design.
Several standards must be understood to grasp fire-rated walls:
- ASTM E119: Fire Resistance Standards for Wall Assemblies
- ASTM E84: Standard Test Methods for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- NFPA 5000 & NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
- UL 263: Fire Tests of Building Construction Material
- UL 419: Underwriters Laboratories’ standards for 1, 2, 3, and 4-hour fire-rated wall assemblies.
Note that there are various “UL” standards for rated walls, ceilings, and floor assemblies, and the applicable UL depends on the project’s specifics determined by architects, engineers, local building codes, and usage requirements.
This section serves to emphasize how fire tape (a combination of mud and paper tape) is an integral part of the fire-rated wall assembly.
For example, a 1-hour wall assembly following UL-419 requirements necessitates specific framing members and drywall. The UL assembly specifies not only the products but also their installation procedures.
Ultimately, joint compound is only mentioned on page 13 of these 14 pages of requirements, illustrating that creating a fire-rated wall involves far more than covering joints with mud and tape.
The fire rating is achieved through the precise assembly and adherence to these requirements.
Fire tape is merely one of the steps in creating a fire-rated wall assembly when done correctly.
The Necessity of Fire Tape
Fire tape is a vital fire protection measure for drywall walls and partition assemblies.
For buildings, especially those with specific designs and uses, fire-resistant rated partitions are necessary to prevent the spread of smoke and fire within the structure.
The “fire-tape” component, in this context, is crucial for preventing the spread of smoke and flames by ensuring a reasonably airtight seal during a fire.
Additionally, rated partitions must endure direct fire for specified durations, measured in hours.
For example, a one-hour wall has a single layer of 5/8″ type X drywall on each side, while a two-hour wall has two layers on each side.
Both assemblies undergo rigorous testing to ensure occupants have sufficient time to evacuate in case of a fire. These rated partitions also contain the fire’s spread and safeguard the building’s structural integrity until fire crews arrive.
Fire tape plays a crucial role in constructing one, two, three, or four-hour fire-resistant walls.
Drywall Application
To apply fire tape to drywall, spread joint compound mud over the seams and joints, then apply paper tape into the mud.
Ensure that the mud thoroughly fills beneath the tape to prevent air bubbles.
Using a taping knife, embed the tape into the mud by running the knife over it.
Cover the flattened tape with another coat of joint compound, smoothing it with the taping knife, and wiping away any excess mud.
Using Mudless Drywall Joint Tape
An alternative solution for fire taping is mudless adhesive fire tape, which offers an easy application for creating firestop joints.
It features high-tack adhesive, eliminating the need for additional materials like joint compound and mesh tape.
However, traditional taping is still required for the remaining joints and screw holes.
Simply cut the tape to the desired length and press it over the joint; the high-tack adhesive ensures a firm hold and a fire-resistant seal.
Its user-friendly design doesn’t require special tools and involves no cleanup.
If needed, E-Z tape can be easily removed for repairs.
Applying in Drywall Corners
For inside corners, drywall paper tape is essential to achieve a smooth finish that complies with rated firewalls’ requirements.
Properly applying drywall tape in an inside corner involves cutting a piece of tape long enough to cover the entire corner, with a few extra inches extending beyond the corner bead at each end.
The tape should be centered to cover half of each side of the drywall area, with any air bubbles or creases smoothed out.
Use a drywall knife to embed the tape into the corner bead and drywall, apply additional coats of joint compound mud, and allow it to dry. Finally, finish with sanding and painting, with minimal cleanup required.
These insights into drywall fire tape should clarify its importance and dispel common misconceptions.
Remember, it’s not a standalone solution for fireproofing walls; it’s part of a comprehensive fire-rated wall assembly.
Additional Resources:
All Purpose USG Joint Compound – Home Depot
250′ Drywall Paper Joint Tape – Home Depot
E-Z Tape Mudless Flame Fighter Taping System – Home Depot
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