What is the maximum area for a Draft Stop?

The maximum area for a draft stop is established to effectively control the flow of air between spaces in a building, particularly in attics and ceiling areas. Draft stops are critical for preventing the spread of fire and smoke through large voids in the structure. This measure helps to compartmentalize areas and reduce the movement of heat, which is essential for fire safety.

The correct answer indicates that 1,000 square feet is the maximum area that can be served by a draft stop before additional measures must be implemented to ensure adequate ventilation and maintain safety standards. This limitation is part of building codes that evolve from the need to manage airflow within the structure and mitigate fire hazards effectively.

Understanding the maximum area for a draft stop is essential for inspectors when evaluating a building's compliance with safety regulations. It ensures that if the draft stop is functioning correctly, it can contain fires or reduce the spread of smoke effectively within the specified boundaries of the space it covers.