Can multi-section fire/smoke dampers be joined with regular drywall screws?
No - multi-section damper assemblies must be joined exactly per the manufacturer/listed installation. Remove wrong fasteners and use the approved splice/hardware detail.
['A multi-section FSD is a listed life-safety assembly. The splice between sections is not a random sheet-metal connection; it is part of the tested installation.', 'If the wrong screws or missing splice parts were used, stop cover and correct it using the manufacturer's approved splice plates, fasteners, gaskets, and orientation. Keep the installation sheet/submittal with the corrected assembly for inspection.']
Stop if
- Use this as training guidance. The foreman, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer installation instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.
Check
- Wrong damper splice hardware can void the listed assembly, jam blades, and fail life-safety inspection.
Steps
- Confirm damper model, size, number of sections, sleeve, wall rating, and installation sheet.
- Identify any wrong fasteners or missing factory splice components.
- Check blade operation after the sections are joined.
- Verify retaining angles, sleeve position, actuator access, and firestop sequence.
- Photo correction for inspector/closeout.
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