Fireproofing a gunsafe

[Kramerica]

So I can’t afford a higher quality gunsafe any time soon, like a sturdy or something similar. I was thinking about getting a liberty or field and stream for around $1k. It would go in the basement and I was thinking about building it into a corner with double sided sheet rock walls and some fire resistant insulation, plus the concrete walls that are already there. My thinking was hopefully that would really protect 3 sides plus the top so the most exposed part would be the door. Is there anything I’m missing? Also open to suggestions...

 

[joshb]

You’re on the right path. Use 2 layers of 5/8 on the outsides and it’s good. You could get 2 fire rated doors and install them French style to protect the front and finish the enclosure. A couple good slide bolts for one door and a good dead bolt for the other would give you some added security.

 

[DirtySteve]

I would just frame it up and use two layers of sheet rock. You could also build a solid door for the front and line it with sheet rock as well.

 

[JFrank]

I would just frame it up and use two layers of sheet rock. You could also build a solid door for the front and line it with sheet rock as well.

Yes 2 layers of 5/8 type x is 1 hour fire so build a closet around your safe
J

 

[Kramerica]

Two layers, that’s good to know. I was thinking maybe add a thin steel plate on top to protect from falling debris

 

[BenPerfected]

You might compare the cost of a reasonably good safe to the cost of insurance on your guns.
Ben

 

[hoz53]

Two layers, that’s good to know. I was thinking maybe add a thin steel plate on top to protect from falling debris

I should have put some sheet rock behind my safe. I also like the idea of a sprinkler head though we don’t want any accidental discharges

 

[JFrank]

Two layers, that’s good to know. I was thinking maybe add a thin steel plate on top to protect from falling debris

Nah" just make sure you and the family get out the house.
Most safes have 2 layers of 5/8 built in already

 

[akajun]

Sheet rock next to the safe then some thin sheet metal outside of the sheet rock to act as a heat shield

 

[chuckshooter]

the good quality safe builders are using ceramic wool, glass blankets and compressed ceramic insulators now, but I suppose two layers of 5/8 rock would help slow it down. I know that after the fire went thru Santa Rosa, it made me rethink how good are my fire safes. that would be the worst thing that could happen. your house burns to the ground and everything in your safes are destroyed as well. the ratings on most safes are quite questionable. I have one that says 4 hours and I have one that says 30 minutes. guess where I keep my best stuff?

 

[JFrank]

Just to stay in perspective the order is
1- Life Safety
2- Health
3- properties
You can replace firearms
jim

 

[Intheshop]

1/2" Concrete "wonder board" used for tile substrate.Tape the joints with thinset just like prepping for tile.Same thing gets used around woodstoves as heat shields.Good luck with your project.

 

[JRS]

Located in the basement, you should probably be more concerned with moisture and potential water damage. My basement is the most secure area in our house and has a Halon system in place that I have had for many years.

 

[dkhunt14]

I built my room to help fireproof. Put complete firebrake from floor joists to roof rafters. Built the room with triple 5/8 fire resistant drywall and used fireproof doors. It is also built off the back of garage where the fire and heat Shouldn't be as bad as in the house. Not much to burn. Matt

 

[PDS]

If you are going to put a safe in the basement you might want to mount it a foot or two above the floor. Flooding can happen from heavy rain,sewer back up or the fire dept. putting out a fire.

 

[MarkInFolsom]

The above is probably fine in a residential house fire experience. In the recent wildland fires in Nor. Cal., the temperatures reached 2,700 F due to the Firenado effect. One of the members on a Cal centric forum posted the results of his loss:

http://calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1466624

 

[Bbear]

One other thing to think about is to find a way to seal off the safe should a fire occur. My safe wasn't in a fire I had recently, but, all of the firearms (except the one's with cerakote) had surface rust caused by the steam getting inside the safe. Ammo boxes on the top shelf suffered nothing more than getting suet on them. The firearms ranged from my Grandfather's Model 94 in 30 WCF on up to much more modern firearms. The safe is fire-resistant to 1500 for 30 minutes. The fire never got hot enough to set off the sealant in the door. Something I'll be looking to change when I finally get back in the house.

 

[Downhill]

I built my first safe 26 years ago. Used Kaowool to insulate. 2 1/2" thick. Kaowool is a ceramic wool blanket used to line combustion chambers of boilers. Years later had to look at the fireproofing on a commercial safe and found 1 3/4" of fire resistant sheetrock. Might have went overboard on mine.

 

[#40Fan]

I'm thinking you could probably build a room better and cheaper than buying a safe and fireproofing it.

 

[moondog]

If your going the inexpensive route, Raise it of the ground with cinder blocks. On the off chance you have
a water leak or worse, the fire department has to hose your house down.