Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

The company I used to work for, used Diversigum. Which is non hardening.

--

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Robert Macy" wrote in message
...
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

On Jan 13, 10:44*am, Robert Macy wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

@Robert Macy:

Your "guess" is wrong...

That reddish gunk is called fire caulking... It doesn't hold the
cabling,
and it's primary purpose is not critter prevention -- insulation is
close
to what it is doing but not for building energy efficiency, it is to
stop
fire penetration into our out of the wall cavity that the electrical
cable
is passing through...

You would need to use the same fire caulking if you did any work
to or on the cable -- it will come out of the hole your comments
about wanting a more pliant sealant show that perhaps you should
not be the one doing the work if it has to be touched...

~~ Evan

On Jan 13, 11:25*am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that *Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

On 1/13/2012 10:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Company that makes such stuff.

http://www.stifirestop.com/

On 1/13/2012 7:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

it is the equivalent of great stuff, only the fireproof version. Some
jurisdictions require it, otherwise you could just use the blue can
great stuff, which is for windows and stays somewhat pliant.

http://greatstuff.dow.com/products/fireblock/


--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?



*It is a firestop caulk. The color denotes the rating. I think red is
rated for 3 hours. They sell them in tubes at Home Depot where the caulk
is.

On Jan 13, 11:41*am, Evan wrote:
On Jan 13, 10:44*am, Robert Macy wrote:

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

@Robert Macy:

Your "guess" is wrong...

That reddish gunk is called fire caulking... *It doesn't hold the
cabling,
and it's primary purpose is not critter prevention -- insulation is
close
to what it is doing but not for building energy efficiency, it is to
stop
fire penetration into our out of the wall cavity that the electrical
cable
is passing through...

You would need to use the same fire caulking if you did any work
to or on the cable -- it will come out of the hole your comments
about wanting a more pliant sealant show that perhaps you should
not be the one doing the work if it has to be touched...

~~ Evan

Huh?

Just because someone asked about something means that they shouldn't
do it?

The fact that OP *asked* about the sealant gives him a leg up on those
that would have just pulled the cable without caring enough to learn
about the task before attempting it..

Were you born with all of the knowledge that you have now - whatever
amount that might be - ?

Do you ever have to ask about or investigate a situation before you
work on a project or does it all just come naturally to you through
some cosmic infusion?

On Jan 13, 1:17*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:42 -0800 (PST), Evan



wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:25*am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that *Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

This sounds like a SFR and there is no "fire stop" requirement between
the living space and the attic. This is draft stopping.

I don't know about in your state/area but ANY penetration into a
wall cavity or through a floor/ceiling MUST be fire stopped in my
jurisdiction...

There are no exceptions... Every line voltage wire, low voltage wire
or
pipe must be fire stopped where it enters and exits a wall cavity...
A wire penetrating the top plate of a wall to enter the attic is
exiting
that wall cavity and therefore must be fire stopped, the fact that it
is
going into unfinished space makes no difference...

~~ Evan

On Jan 13, 10:56*am, Steve Barker wrote:
On 1/13/2012 7:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

it is the equivalent of great stuff, only the fireproof version. *Some
jurisdictions require it, otherwise you could just use the blue can
great stuff, which is for windows and stays somewhat pliant.

http://greatstuff.dow.com/products/fireblock/

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

Thank you for the URL!
Their label says 'Fireblock' the can does look like that expand until
it breaks stuff.

On Jan 13, 9:25*am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that *Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Thanks for the 'heads up' on using that expanding stuff.

On Jan 13, 9:41*am, Evan wrote:
On Jan 13, 10:44*am, Robert Macy wrote:

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

@Robert Macy:

Your "guess" is wrong...

That reddish gunk is called fire caulking... *It doesn't hold the
cabling,
and it's primary purpose is not critter prevention -- insulation is
close
to what it is doing but not for building energy efficiency, it is to
stop
fire penetration into our out of the wall cavity that the electrical
cable
is passing through...

You would need to use the same fire caulking if you did any work
to or on the cable -- it will come out of the hole your comments
about wanting a more pliant sealant show that perhaps you should
not be the one doing the work if it has to be touched...

~~ Evan

Since I was shocked to NOT find any fireblocks between the 10 foot
stud heights, the thought that this compound would be to block fire
NEVER occurred to me.

On Jan 13, 10:47*am, Frank wrote:
On 1/13/2012 10:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Company that makes such stuff.

http://www.stifirestop.com/

Thank you for the URL.

It looks like they have a 'non-messy' system wth solid little plugs.

On Jan 13, 1:49*pm, "John Grabowski" wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

*It is a firestop caulk. *The color denotes the rating. *I think red is
rated for 3 hours. *They sell them in tubes at Home Depot where the caulk
is.

Thank you for identifying Home Depot. IBut it would be nice to have
the copound a bit more flexible. That red stuff is like a rock set in
there.

I knew a fellow who foamed around his storm door. The expanding foam pushed
the frame so much, the storm door would not close. Didn't help, much.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Robert Macy" wrote in message
...

whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Thanks for the 'heads up' on using that expanding stuff.

On 1/13/2012 5:32 PM, Robert Macy wrote:
On Jan 13, 10:47 am, wrote:
On 1/13/2012 10:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Company that makes such stuff.

http://www.stifirestop.com/

Thank you for the URL.

It looks like they have a 'non-messy' system wth solid little plugs.

Over the years I've done some regulatory chemical consulting with them.
They have some good products. Nice people to work with. Have no idea
about the retail end.

On 1/13/2012 9:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

It is very common to use expanding foam to plug those holes. Red putty
sounds like fire caulk. You don't need fire grade caulk in a wood stud
wall, but fellas probably had some if they did much commercial work.
You could use any type of caulk - there is no requirement for anything,
it is only performed to help prevent drafts and help the HVAC. If the
holes are very large with a large annular space, it may be much easier
to stuff them with rock wool.


--


___________________________________

Keep the whole world singing . . .
Dan G

On Jan 13, 6:49*pm, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
I knew a fellow who foamed around his storm door. The expanding foam pushed
the frame so much, the storm door would not close. Didn't help, much.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
*www.lds.org
.

"Robert Macy" wrote in message

...

whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Thanks for the 'heads up' on using that expanding stuff.

Your friend used the wrong foam.

Dow Window and Door is made to be minimally expanding so as not to bow
window or door frames.

I've used it on all my windows and doors and never had a frame
problems. The only problem is when you use too much and it keeps
expanding out for hours.

http://building.dow.com/na/en/produc...windowdoor.htm

Dow also makes a minimal expanding foam for gaps and cracks. I haven't
tried this one:

http://building.dow.com/na/en/produc...gapscracks.htm

On 1/13/2012 1:18 PM, Evan wrote:
On Jan 13, 1:17 pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:42 -0800 (PST), Evan



wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:25 am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

This sounds like a SFR and there is no "fire stop" requirement between
the living space and the attic. This is draft stopping.

I don't know about in your state/area but ANY penetration into a
wall cavity or through a floor/ceiling MUST be fire stopped in my
jurisdiction...

There are no exceptions... Every line voltage wire, low voltage wire
or
pipe must be fire stopped where it enters and exits a wall cavity...
A wire penetrating the top plate of a wall to enter the attic is
exiting
that wall cavity and therefore must be fire stopped, the fact that it
is
going into unfinished space makes no difference...

~~ Evan


Same in my area and they are going by the 2008 IBC

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

On 1/13/2012 3:49 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
I knew a fellow who foamed around his storm door. The expanding foam pushed
the frame so much, the storm door would not close. Didn't help, much.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"Robert wrote in message
...

whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Thanks for the 'heads up' on using that expanding stuff.



Yep, that's why you gotta use the blue can stuff. And not over fill the
cavity.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

*It is a firestop caulk. The color denotes the rating. I think red is
rated for 3 hours. They sell them in tubes at Home Depot where the caulk
is.

Thank you for identifying Home Depot. IBut it would be nice to have
the copound a bit more flexible. That red stuff is like a rock set in
there.


*Duct seal (Also available at Home Depot in the electrical department) is
more pliable and remains that way. However I don't know if it is fire
rated. Duct seal is usually used to prevent infiltration of air or water.
Maybe if you packed the hole with mineral wool and then used duct seal it
would give you a decent fire stop.

I've never heard of that. I guess my friend hadn't, either. Thanks for a,
uh, GREAT idea.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...

Your friend used the wrong foam.

Dow Window and Door is made to be minimally expanding so as not to bow
window or door frames.

I've used it on all my windows and doors and never had a frame
problems. The only problem is when you use too much and it keeps
expanding out for hours.

http://building.dow.com/na/en/produc...windowdoor.htm

Dow also makes a minimal expanding foam for gaps and cracks. I haven't
tried this one:

http://building.dow.com/na/en/produc...gapscracks.htm

On Jan 13, 11:33*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:18:44 -0800 (PST), Evan



wrote:
On Jan 13, 1:17*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:42 -0800 (PST), Evan

wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:25*am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that *Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product.. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

This sounds like a SFR and there is no "fire stop" requirement between
the living space and the attic. This is draft stopping.

I don't know about in your state/area but ANY penetration into a
wall cavity or through a floor/ceiling MUST be fire stopped in my
jurisdiction...

There are no exceptions... *Every line voltage wire, low voltage wire
or
pipe must be fire stopped where it enters and exits a wall cavity...
A wire penetrating the top plate of a wall to enter the attic is
exiting
that wall cavity and therefore must be fire stopped, the fact that it
is
going into unfinished space makes no difference...

~~ Evan

Perhaps you should learn the difference between fire stop, fire block
and draft stop,

Perhaps you should learn more about the building codes in
use in other areas of North America before you type out bull****
in a Usenet posting...

It is not "draft stop" because that is entirely for energy codes,
Fire Block ? Never heard that term used before as the proper
way to refer to the passive fire protection method being discussed
here is fire stop...

Your diatribe does not mitigate the fact that "great stuff" foam is
not now, has never been NOR will ever be rated as a material
allowable for use for fire stop purposes...

~~ Evan

On Jan 13, 8:47*pm, DanG wrote:
On 1/13/2012 9:44 AM, Robert Macy wrote:

Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

It is very common to use expanding foam to plug those holes. *Red putty
sounds like fire caulk. *You don't need fire grade caulk in a wood stud
wall, but fellas probably had some if they did much commercial work.
You could use any type of caulk - there is no requirement for anything,
it is only performed to help prevent drafts and help the HVAC. *If the
holes are very large with a large annular space, it may be much easier
to stuff them with rock wool.

--

___________________________________

Keep the whole world singing . . .
Dan G


Agreed, it was common to use expanding foam for this purpose up until
the building code changed a couple of years ago, now it is required to
use the rated and approved means of fire stopping in all of those
situations...
Unless your jurisdiction is still using and applying an older version
of the
code in their area...

~~ Evan

On Jan 13, 1:17*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:42 -0800 (PST), Evan



wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:25*am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that *Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

This sounds like a SFR and there is no "fire stop" requirement between
the living space and the attic. This is draft stopping.

Sorry, but your jurisdiction is apparently using an older version of
code -- it is a requirement in most places which have adopted the
latest building codes and could potentially be a requirement in your
area soon as the code is disseminated from the source and trickles
down and gets adopted by each enforcement jurisdiction...

On Jan 14, 3:29*pm, Evan wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:33*pm, wrote:









On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:18:44 -0800 (PST), Evan

wrote:
On Jan 13, 1:17*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:42 -0800 (PST), Evan

wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:25*am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that *Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

This sounds like a SFR and there is no "fire stop" requirement between
the living space and the attic. This is draft stopping.

I don't know about in your state/area but ANY penetration into a
wall cavity or through a floor/ceiling MUST be fire stopped in my
jurisdiction...

There are no exceptions... *Every line voltage wire, low voltage wire
or
pipe must be fire stopped where it enters and exits a wall cavity...
A wire penetrating the top plate of a wall to enter the attic is
exiting
that wall cavity and therefore must be fire stopped, the fact that it
is
going into unfinished space makes no difference...

~~ Evan

Perhaps you should learn the difference between fire stop, fire block
and draft stop,

Perhaps you should learn more about the building codes in
use in other areas of North America before you type out bull****
in a Usenet posting...

It is not "draft stop" because that is entirely for energy codes,
Fire Block ? *Never heard that term used before as the proper
way to refer to the passive fire protection method being discussed
here is fire stop...

Your diatribe does not mitigate the fact that "great stuff" foam is
not now, has never been NOR will ever be rated as a material
allowable for use for fire stop purposes...

~~ Evan

Fire Block ? *Never heard that term used before..."

The copyright on the page link below is 2010, but the source they
footnote is dated 2001, which is pretty old.

Source: V.J. Lovell, "An Overview of Firestopping and Fireblocking:
What's the Difference?", 2001.

I'm not voicing any opinion, just simply pointing out that the term
Fireblock does (did?) exist and appears to mean the same thing as
"draftstop", where, as far as I understand the article, they mean
draft as in "chimney draft".

http://www.fomo.com/building-technol...-firestop.aspx

On 1/14/2012 12:29 PM, Evan wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:33 pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:18:44 -0800 (PST), Evan



wrote:
On Jan 13, 1:17 pm, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:46:42 -0800 (PST), Evan

wrote:
On Jan 13, 11:25 am, wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:44:41 -0800 (PST), Robert Macy

wrote:
Where the AC mains romex goes through the hole in the 2x4 across the
top of the studs and on up into the attic, there is some type of
hardened reddish gunk placed around the cabling to plug the hole in
the 2x4 and hold the cable rigidly in place.

My guess is that the purpose of the 'gunk' is to hold the cable,
prevent critter intrusions, and provide insulation between hollow of
interior wall and attic.

What is that compound?

Also, is there a similar, but more pliant, sealant? Just in case the
cabling needs to be replaced and the pliant sealant will allow
everything to be pulled out?

Like Steve says, it sounds like they used fire stop compound but I
can't imagine why. It was probably just what he had on the truck. The
duct seal that Stormin talks about is a more appropriate product. The
cable should be secured by other means to keep it from being pulled
out, This "gunk" is only to seal the hole.
The Great stuff is OK but you pretty much better have a plan for the
whole can. Once you start squirting it through the tube, you have to
keep going because once it sets up the tube is plugged forever. If
there are a lot of little holes you want to seal, go for it. Just
don't go nuts, this "stuff" keeps expanding for a while and will warp
window frames and bubble out all over if you use too much. A little
dab will do you.

Except that "great stuff" doesn't meet the fire code requirement in
most places where sealing all penetrations through a floor/ceiling
or wall cavity are required...

The expanding foam "great stuff" used to be used BEFORE the
building code required fire stopping all penetrations by builders
who were trying to make a more energy efficient building but the
great stuff did little to prevent fire infiltration...

This especially comes into play in commercial buildings where
fire compartment walls in a structure must have a minimum
fire rating of 2 hours...

~~ Evan

This sounds like a SFR and there is no "fire stop" requirement between
the living space and the attic. This is draft stopping.

I don't know about in your state/area but ANY penetration into a
wall cavity or through a floor/ceiling MUST be fire stopped in my
jurisdiction...

There are no exceptions... Every line voltage wire, low voltage wire
or
pipe must be fire stopped where it enters and exits a wall cavity...
A wire penetrating the top plate of a wall to enter the attic is
exiting
that wall cavity and therefore must be fire stopped, the fact that it
is
going into unfinished space makes no difference...

~~ Evan

Perhaps you should learn the difference between fire stop, fire block
and draft stop,

Perhaps you should learn more about the building codes in
use in other areas of North America before you type out bull****
in a Usenet posting...

It is not "draft stop" because that is entirely for energy codes,
Fire Block ? Never heard that term used before as the proper
way to refer to the passive fire protection method being discussed
here is fire stop...

Your diatribe does not mitigate the fact that "great stuff" foam is
not now, has never been NOR will ever be rated as a material
allowable for use for fire stop purposes...

~~ Evan


the orange can great stuff is.

--
Steve Barker
remove the "not" from my address to email