Firecut

Definition

A Firecut is a sloping end cut on a wood beam or joist where it enters a masonry wall. The purpose of the firecut is to allow the wood member to rotate out of the wall without prying the wall apart if the floor or roof structure should burn through in a fire.

Purpose

The purpose of a Firecut is to prevent structural damage to masonry walls during a fire by allowing wooden beams or joists to fall away without causing the wall to collapse.

Examples of Use

• Floor Joists: Cutting the ends of floor joists that enter masonry walls to prevent wall damage in case of fire.
• Roof Beams: Applying firecuts to roof beams where they meet masonry walls to protect the structural integrity of the wall.
• Historic Buildings: Retrofitting older buildings with firecuts to enhance fire safety without altering their appearance.

Related Terms

• Beam: A structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam's axis.
• Joist: A horizontal structural member used to support floors or ceilings.
• Masonry Wall: A wall constructed from individual units of stone, brick, or concrete block, often bound together by mortar.

Notes

• Firecuts are a simple yet effective measure to enhance the fire safety of buildings with wooden structural elements.
• Proper implementation of firecuts should be done according to building codes and fire safety standards.