You've got to admit, the whole idea of "fire rated" cauking in wood frame construction is pretty silly... especially in view of all the other combustible materials like insulation, carpeting, drapes, furniture, etc.
Using fire stopping on wood frame construction is kind of like putting a steering wheel lock on Rolls Royce and parking in the South Bronx... a lot of good it'll do.
If we're truly serious about fire safety and protection, we'd stop using wood framing and construction altoghether. If I were to build a new home for myself from scratch, I'd go steel and concrete.
At minimum, the newer fire resistant paint and wood treatments should be applied with all new construction. By the way, anybody have any opinions on these treatments?
Joe
