My "Around the House" Tip of the Day for Friday February 9, 2024:
We looked at an older home this week and when we got in the garage we realized there was a significant safety hazard. As there was a bedroom above, and living space on one side of the garage we had to warn the buyer about Fire safety. The building code requires 5/8 Fire rated sheetrock and one coat of drywall tape and joint compound over the screws and seams. Most homes have that, but this one did not. Many homes may have some damaged sheetrock where there was a previous leak or upgrading wiring caused someone to cut the material open. We recommend plastering those holes up to prevent issues. The idea is if a car catches fire, the 5/8 sheetrock is rated for a one hour burn through. In theory this gives you time to escape the fire and smoke . Holes that are fully sealed will help to keep fumes, smoke and Carbon Monoxide out of the home. If your garage has holes or gaps, or no sheetrock against the living space, and you park a car or any combustion device in there, you could be putting your family at risk. Fixing this is not very expensive but it is important.
Have a great Weekend from "Around the House w/ Steve Gladstone" &
Stonehollow Home Inspections & Environmental Testing.
