Fire Tape® FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Trim-Tex’s Fire Tape® promises to help its users finish fire-rated wall joints faster than ever, with no mud required. But how do you use it? Has it been tested to meet safety standards? Can you paint over it? We’ve received all these questions and many more since introducing this innovative drywall finishing tape. Read on for answers to all your burning Fire Tape questions — and probably a few you haven’t even thought of yet — in our comprehensive Fire Tape FAQ.

Why is it red?

The red color identifies products in Trim-Tex’s fire-rated product family and helps inspectors recognize them. It’s primarily intended for areas with a Level 1 finish that would be out of view for visitors (e.g., above ceiling grids, shaft walls).

Where can I use Fire Tape?

On gypsum-board joints in applicable fire-rated wall, floor and ceiling assemblies. Typical locations include above ceiling grids, mechanical rooms, attics and garages — especially concealed or unfinished areas where a Level 1 finish is appropriate. Use must follow the applicable design listing (see next question).

Which fire-rated assemblies can Fire Tape be used in?

Fire Tape has been tested and approved for 40 certified fire-rated assemblies — 14 one-hour design listings, 11 one-and-a-half-hour listings and 15 two-hour listings — across walls, floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies. Full design-listing reports can be found on Fire Tape's online product page, but you may view a consolidated table of all these listings here:

How has Fire Tape worked for other contractors?

We recently spoke to Mitch Stafiej, General Superintendent at Pepper Construction, who described to us how his crews use it: “After attending a Trim-Tex plant tour last year, we were introduced to a new product, self-sticking Fire Tape. Since that time, our company has used this product on all our jobs where pre-tops are a requirement. The carpenters apply the fire tape while hanging the drywall, eliminating the need for a taper to double-back and use traditional mud and tape. This saves a great amount of time and money. Thank you, Trim-Tex, for another amazing product!”

What standards has Fire Tape been tested to?

• Fire-resistance evaluation: ASTM E119, UL 263 and CAN/ULC S101.
• Joint-tape testing: ASTM C474, with compliance to ASTM C475.
• Acoustics: ASTM E90-23: Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission of Building Partitions and Elements; ASTM E413-16: Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
• Adhesion and durability testing: ASTM D3330, Method A.
• Additional listing criteria: NFPA 251; the legacy technical manual also references UBC 7-1-94.

Can Fire Tape be used in sound-rated wall assemblies?

Yes. Wall assemblies using Fire Tape were tested for airborne sound transmission under ASTM E90-23, achieving STC ratings of 52 for the one-hour assembly and 62 for the two-hour assembly.

Can Fire Tape replace drywall joint compound?

Yes. Fire Tape can replace joint compound in specific fire-rated assemblies where it has been tested and listed. 

Do drywall joints need prefilling before applying Fire Tape?

For tightly abutted gypsum-board joints covered by the listing, Fire Tape is applied directly without a bed of joint compound. 

Does Fire Tape make any wall fire rated?

To claim a fire-resistance rating, it must be used within an assembly covered by the applicable listing. Applying Fire Tape does not make an otherwise unrated wall fire rated.

How is Fire Tape installed?

Consult your wall assembly listing for specifications. Butt joints and angles must be free of dust or powder and completely dry before application. Center the tape over the joint, covering the joint and its fasteners, then firmly press it into place with the supplied 3-inch plastic knife. Use a corner roller at inside and outside corners. Do not overlap the tape or embed it in wet joint compound. Full instructions viewable online here and included in every box. 

Can you paint over Fire Tape?

Yes, an oil-based primer is required before joint compound or latex paint can be applied.

Can Fire Tape overlap itself?

No. Its silicone-treated outer surface prevents self-adhesion. At intersecting joints, butt the tape ends against the edge of the intersecting strip.

Does Fire Tape need drying time?

The standard tape-only application requires no joint-compound drying time. If primer or additional finishes are applied, their drying requirements still apply.

What size Fire Tape is available?

Fire Tape comes in 250-foot rolls.

Is this for residential or commercial construction?

Fire Tape may be applied in both residential and commercial applications, subject to the applicable assembly requirements, and used on wood, steel or masonry construction. You may view photos of one commercial, steel-stud application below.

Can I use this in combination with other Trim-Tex products?

Yes, some commercial crews have used this to finish fire-rated drywall accessories, like Trim-Tex Fire Bead, in place of joint compound.

I’ve seen a similar product, Flame Fighter from E-Z Tape, before — is this similar?

Yes, E-Z Tape has been acquired by Trim-Tex, and this is functionally the same product you’re used to.

Where can I buy Fire Tape?

You can purchase Fire Tape from your local building materials supplier — find your nearest shop here. Additionally, Fire Tape is now available for purchase online. To get your hands on this trailblazing fire-rated drywall finishing tape now, shop for Fire Tape on Amazon by hitting the button below.