more gun safe stuff
Ok, finally picked up a safe this weekend (Sentry 14 - gun, 328 lbs.). Unfortunately I couldn't get the large, fire resistant type because I don't have enough room in my house. The future father-in-law suggests building around this one with some fire-resistant drywall. He said the type that is required by code to be used when building garages that attach to a house. Is this worth the effort or not? Would it do any good to help protect my guns in a fire?
Then, I'm not sure where the best place in my basement to put the safe is. I'd like to go in the furnace room since that has the most space and I could build some drywall around it if necessary. But then again, that's where the furnace, gas fireplace, and hot water heater are. What jumps to my mind is that there might be higher probability for a fire starting in this room since there's 3 source of a flame.
Guess I'm looking for some opinions on what the best course of action should be.
GL
Edited by - GreenLantern on 11/18/2002 14:31:28
Then, I'm not sure where the best place in my basement to put the safe is. I'd like to go in the furnace room since that has the most space and I could build some drywall around it if necessary. But then again, that's where the furnace, gas fireplace, and hot water heater are. What jumps to my mind is that there might be higher probability for a fire starting in this room since there's 3 source of a flame.
Guess I'm looking for some opinions on what the best course of action should be.
GL
Edited by - GreenLantern on 11/18/2002 14:31:28
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My gun safe isn't fire rated, and I never really worried about that. Of course, my guns aren't THAT valuable; I was more worried about 1) burglars and 2) kids. I live in a metropolitan area (fire hydrants, paid firefighters within 5 minutes), so I just don't think that it's likely that a fire will burn hot enough and long enough to damage the contents of my safe, especially since it's in the basement. You will have to evaluate the level of risk you are willing to live with.
In my area, the #1 cause of house fires is combustibles stored too close to a flame source. You need to consider that in selecting a location for your safe. Because of the great number of variables, no one will be able to give you a science-based determination of whether or not a "fire room" will be effective in your situation. Personally, if I were that concerned about fire, I'd have a residential sprinkler system installed in my house.
As far as the safe goes, you need to keep the interior dry with either a dessicant or electric safe warmer. And, don't put it directly on the floor; moisture always comes up through concrete, and will rust the bottom of the safe.
Neal0 -
When I bought my safe, the manual mentioned not placing the safe near sources of fire/heat so if possible I would not put it near those gas appliances.
I put mine in the opposite end of my basement, away from my gas furnace and hot water heater. I put it against an underground cement wall, set on a carpeted pedestal placed on a sheet of plywood slightly larger than the pedestal.0 -
If I can remember right, I think the fire liner in most safes are gymsum board(spelling?). Check it out. You can probably maker your own fireliner. 0 -
Yes, it is gymsum (or is it gypsum?). And ideally I'd like to line the inside of the safe but it may really cut down on the amount of space I have. This isn't a big safe to begin with, that's why I was exploring the idea of building around the outside. At some point I'll have to make a decision of what to do! 0 -
Type X (5/8" thick) is the fire rated drywall. The 1/2" thick stuff is not fire rated.
I couldn't hurt to put drywall around the safe. At least the back and two sides will have some fire protection.
"If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."0 -
Yes you can build the wallboard barrier around your safe. Leave a dead air space between the safe wall and the wallboard for more prorection.
The subject of placement is always a trade off between moisture and fire sources. An outside wall gives great protection from fire but moisture can be a problem, easily solved by a goldenrod.
Some heat sources produce ozone during combustion also electro-static filters produce ozone. Ozone will eat your guns.
My house burnt to the ground and the only damage to the guns was caused by the fumes from the burning plastics. CLEAN YOUR GUNS IMMEDIATELY after a fire, not the next day.
I hope this was of some help.
Smoky
Respect for self Respect for others Responsible for all actions0 -
Smoky,
Where did you get the ozone information???
"LIFE IS NOT A JOURNEY TO THE GRAVE WITH THE INTENTION OF ARIVING SAFELY IN ONE PRETTY AND WELL PRESERVED PIECE, BUT, TO SKID ACROSS THE LINE BROADSIDE, THOUGHRLY USED UP, WORN OUT, LEAKING OIL, SHOUTING GERONIMO!!"0 -
When I got my safe, was told by the rep... Get a pad like that goes under the A/C compreser out side of your home, it's some type of a plastic. The one I got is about 3'x3'x2" but you can get different size. Got it for about 20.00. It will cut back on the moisture and cold going to your safe.
It will hurt you, More than it will hurt me..
Life Member... N R A
Thanks for all the help!0
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