Mecklenburg County
Common Code Defects
Residential Building
Code Defects

Attic area is open to floor system and to upper level wall stud cavities.
Code Description
Section R602.8 Fire blocking required Fire blocking shall be provided to cut
off all concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal) and to form an
effective fire barrier between stories and between a top story and the roof
space. Fire blocking shall be provided in the following locations:
1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred spaces and
parallel rows of studs or staggered studs; as follows:
. Vertically at ceiling and floor levels
. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet.
2. At all intersections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as
soffits, drop ceilings and cove ceilings.
3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run.
Enclosed spaces under stairs shall comply with section R311.2.2
4. At openings around vents, pipes and ducts at ceiling and floor level, with an
approved material to resist the free passage of flame and products of combustion.
5. For fire blocking of chimneys and fireplaces, see section R1001.16.
6. Fire blocking of cornices of a two-family dwelling is required at the line of dwelling
unit separation.
Possible Options:
1. Block area with 2”nominal lumber or 2 layers of 1”nominal lumber with broken laps
2. Block area with min. ½” gypsum board or ¼” cement-based mill board.
3. See sec. R602.8.1 Materials for other options.
Disclaimer: There may be other ways to comply with the Code. If so, you are not
required to use this method to comply with the Code. You may want to investigate
other options, or consult with a design professional identifying an equally code
compliant solution.