Is loose-fill insulation permitted to be used as fire blocking?

Loose-fill insulation is not permitted to be used as fire blocking because it does not provide the necessary structural integrity and continuity required for effective fire blocking. Fire blocking is typically required to resist the passage of fire and smoke through concealed spaces, such as wall cavities and ceilings.

Effective fire blocking materials are often rigid, such as wood or gypsum board, as they can maintain their position and effectively seal off spaces. Loose-fill insulation, being lightweight and loose, may easily shift or settle over time, compromising its ability to act as a barrier to fire and smoke.

Thus, the use of loose-fill insulation fails to meet the criteria needed for fire blocking. Proper fire blocking materials must be capable of remaining in place and maintaining their integrity during a fire event, which loose-fill insulation cannot guarantee. This is why the answer is false.