[Greenbuilding] PEX (sealing openings)

[Chris Green]

yabberline at opusnet.com wrote:
> Hello,
> We are now in the process of creating our air barrier and I'm caulking & 
> foaming holes/gaps/etc. like a mad woman. <g>
> We went with PEX water pipes & I'm wondering if the expanding 'spray 
> foam in a can' can come in contact with the PEX pipe or is there some 
> other way to plug around the gap?
> Thanks,
> Lynn
You might be better advised to use firestopping latex caulk to plug 
those holes.
Quote:
 >Intumescant caulks expand in volume when exposed to high  
temperatures, closing off openings left by melting or burning materials, 
and do not promote the corrosion of steel, copper, or aluminum. 
Endothermic caulks release a water or chemical vapor when exposed to 
extreme heat to retard the spread of fire...<
The article goes on to say that latex caulks can be painted.
( Reference: Fine Homebuilding, pg 124, Issue #152, January 2003. )
A photo accompanying the article shows a tube of 3M Fire Barrier caulk, 
but it is  highly likely there are other brands available as well.
All openings through the sill and header plates-- plumbing, wiring, 
etc., should be sealed this way.

Cheers,
Chris Green.