Opinion: Sheathing at garage firewall

Inquiry:

00-05

Subject:

Sheathing at garage firewall

Code:

UBC Sec. 2320.11.3, subpart 5, Bracing

Submitted by:

MN B.O. Uniformity Committee

Approved by:

Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official

Issue Date:

January 12, 2000

Question:

Is a structurally rated wood or fiberboard wall sheathing required as a backer to fire-rated gypsum board on the house/garage common wall?

Answer:

No. Gypsum wallboard may be used as a braced wall panel as per the referenced section.

Comments:

The interior face of this wall may not require any gypsum board depending upon the length of the braced wall panels.