Fireproofing RSJ in ceiling

[iwanttodiy]

Hi guys

We have an RSJ installed into a ceiling. We had some builders quote for a new ceiling and some that said the ceiling doesn’t need to be replaced and the RSJ can be just wrapped in plasterboard.

We went through with an installation quote where they didn’t need to replace the whole ceiling. The beams will be finished soon however looking at it now, I don’t see how it is possible to wrap the beam in fireproof plasterboard when there are joists in it for example.

So that I dont have any surprises, is the builder incorrect when originally stating that the ceiling doesn’t need to be replaced?

I’m half expecting him to bring in the BCO and the BCO inspector stating he needs to replace the entire ceiling to fireproof and him turning around saying he needs to change the contract and charge me for a new ceiling.

 

[bobasd]

put a photo up, its to important to guess.

 

[iwanttodiy]

Hi, I don’t have a photo just yet, as the builders are still working on it. I guess I’m just looking for general advice in advance of d-day, to manage my own expectations.

Most posts and research I have done, shows the RSJ under ceiling level, which makes sense to wrap, however I haven’t found any posts/info about what to do about RSJs above/in ceiling.

 

[bobasd]

typical that wood ledgers are bolted into the webs . hangers are fixed to the ledgers.
the fireproofin details should have been sorted in any drwings or first BCO instructions.

to many things could be goin on for me anyway to give advice.

 

[iwanttodiy]

The steel is finally in, here is the picture. It’s slightly above ceiling level, and protrudes into the first floor slightly.

BCO will arrive on Tuesday, and I’ll be suggesting that i will board it out with double layer of plasterboard fixed to noggings between the joists.

The columns, I’ll be fireboarding.

I’ll let you know what mr BCO says

 

[pilsbury]

I was under the impression that if a beam is below the ceiling it has to be double boarded or fire boarded.

If it is contained within a ceiling then single plasterboard can be used as normal.

Is the ceiling planned to be level in the new bit of the extension or will it be higher leaving the corner of the beam exposed?

 

[iwanttodiy]

All the beams will be above ceiling, nothing is exposed other than columns, which will be fireboarded

If it is contained within a ceiling then single plasterboard can be used as normal.

I see, let me check with mr BCO tomorrow/today...

 

[iwanttodiy]

Had BCO visit,

Options he is happy with are

1) double boarded and boxed between the joists.

2) no need to box if double boarded in ceiling with a 600mm of fireproofing either side of the RSJ. Rest of the ceiling can remain

3) replace all ceiling with double board

4) replace all ceiling with fireline board

I’ll be taking options 1) double board boxing. And another layer of plasterboard under it to make the ceiling.

Only the beams that are supporting a floor level needs double boarding fireproofing.

Beams that are not supporting a floor, I.e a flat roof doesn’t need that level of fireproofing and a single board across the ceiling is sufficient

 

[pilsbury]

Not what my BCO said. Hence why he was fine with single regular plasterboard over the beam contained in the ceiling. Hey ho, you’d think it would be regularised. Either way in a fire, that beam would still be standing long after the rest of the house is demolished.