Multi family Fire resistance separation

[Davinder Hans]

I’m looking to purchase my first multi family property. It’s a 2 story 6 unit building.

There is currently an inspection order on the building that states the drop ceiling tiles should be replaced so that there is a fire separation with a fire resistance rating of not less then 30 minutes.

Is this achievable by just replacing the dropped ceiling tiles with newer higher rated tiles? Or does it have to all come down and be dry walled?

[Kenneth Garrett]

@Davinder Hans

Fire separations are assemblies not just one of the components.  As an example, a fire rated door does no good if the frame that holds the door in place is not rated as well, it’s an assembly that is awarded the approval.  Fire rated tiles without the grid being rated is pointless.  If the grid fails what’s the point of the rated tiles. This is why organizations like underwriters lavatory does extensive testing to approve a product.