Fire prevention is a real concern when it comes to many structures and buildings. However, while nothing can be truly fireproof -- which means impervious to fire -- there are ways to make walls and structures a great deal more resistant to fire. This can be particularly helpful in states where wildfires rage, such as California, or in locations where fire could easily spread, such as in tightly grouped, inner-city dwellings.
Instructions
1. Build an outer wall from insulating concrete forms (ICFs) by snapping the pieces together to form the wall. These hollow, polystyrene blocks fit together like bricks of Lego. Once they're put together, fill the form wall up with concrete, one of the most fire resistant materials there is. According to "This Old House," walls built from ICFs can withstand fire for up to four hours.
2. Attach a layer of plasterboard to the interior of the ICF wall. Use concrete screws to attach the plasterboard to the ICF wall. Plasterboard is rated for roughly half an hour of fire resistance on its own, and combined with the ICF wall, it will only make the total wall more fire resistant.
3. Install metal wall studs butted up against the plasterboard. These studs should be installed vertically, roughly every foot or so. On the other side of the studs, install a second layer of plasterboard with more screws that go into pre-drilled holes in the studs. Once this wall is complete, you should have a layer of ICFs as the outer wall, a layer of plasterboard, metal wall studs and another layer of plasterboard. While not truly fire proof, this should give you roughly five hours of solid fire resistance.
Related posts
Arch wall niches have been around for ages. Historically speaking, wall niches have been integrated into architecture since Greek and Roman times. Look around today and you can find niches in chur...
Whether you are trying to block out noise from the neighbors or from your own family, there are many reasons to soundproof your walls. Soundproofing gives you peace and quiet by blocking others' n...
With some time and patience, you can transform your wood paneling so it looks like drywall.At one time, wood paneling was the norm in home construction. At least the den would receive a treatment...
A wall quote is one way you can showcase your own style and personality. It is also an alternative to painting. Wall quotes are inexpensive and easy to make. Your wall quote can have a matte finis...
Concrete block walls are hollow inside.Hanging a curtain rod on a concrete block wall requires masonry anchors designed for concrete. Regular screws will not penetrate the concrete. The masonry an...
