I’m in the process of putting in gas piping and venting for a gas water heater and natural gas in-wall space heaters with direct thru-wall venting in a structure that I’ve been working on for three years now. This addition employs a LOT of #’s 1 thr 4 shear walls due to its height to width ratio. So I’m now wondering how limited I am in penetrating those shear walls with small — 3″ to 4″ max. — holes for some of the venting. I would only be wanting to penetrate one or two shear walls max. And from what I know so far I believe that the diameter of the vent holes would actually be 3″. Is this doable with some sort of extra reinforcement around the hole? Or is it OK to place a hole in a shear wall without any extra measures taken? (I’ve lost contact with my engineer/architect!)
Thank you –
n
Replies
I usually block around penetrations in shearwalls i'm installing, but i'm not sure it's necessary. if the hole is away from the edges and smaller than the tightest spec'd nail spacing, i'd imagine you're ok.
bump to the engineers?
k
If you're worried about it and don't want to get an engineer you could always over build it. Block around it and add another layer of sheeting. You probably have lots of scraps unless you threw them out.
Over building is a technique builders have used for a long time. On a small scale it works. You have the labor and the scraps.
Edited 12/7/2008 10:15 pm ET by popawheelie
Both excellent replies .. thanks very much!
n
I mean, they often want me to put 1 1/2" diam. louvered vents in each stud bay- could a 3" or 4" hole be that different? I wouldn't worry too much about it.
k