Anyone,
Have any of you heard about a change to the code (new IBC) which requires two layers of 5/8 sheetrock in a basement garage which has been framed with TJI’s?
My inspector was gabbing with me the other day and said that is now the code. His explanation was that TJIs are more susceptible to the heat of a fire than dimensional lumber, and thus required the additional thermal protection.
Sounds like BS to me.
Anyone know better. We don’t have the IBC documents yet, but this project was permitted on the 1992 UBC, so I don’t think this is applicable. Am I wrong about that?
Stef
Replies
A lot of jurisdictions, while following a specific code (IBC, UBC, CABO, etc.) lag behind awhile with enforcement of new requirements.
Some issues become front and center and urgent, such as fire codes in night clubs, or porch/deck structures, but others are enforced at the descretion of local authorities.
That being said, if the inspector you usually deal with is announcing a new req, he's either freshly enthused (and maybe confused) from a recent inspectors seminar, or he's giving you a heads up.
I would want to see it in writing and verified by the building codes division in your area, however, before I started doubling up sheetrock.
Good call Notchman. It took New York State over 9 months to adapt the IBC into a NYS version. One nice feature is the NYS version highlights what has been modified from the basic IBC....that's not a mistake, it's rustic
"We don't have the IBC documents yet, but this project was permitted on the 1992 UBC, so I don't think this is applicable. Am I wrong about that?"
You wouldn't be here. I have an electric panel in our bathroom that became prohibited before I got my CO, no problem. On the other hand, the inspector said he couldn't force me to use anti-scald faucets, but would strongly recommend it. Seemed as though I got a smooth ride when I did. Sometimes a little give and take works wonders.
Your mileage may vary.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
joe carola, AKA "Framer" may have some discreet knowledge about this. I think he rebuilt one that went up in smoke right after he built it. I remember a thread about TJIs in fires, either here or at JLC.
If you have extra rock, the extra weight could impact slkightly on dead loads and truss design.
Excellence is its own reward!
I'm about to buy Boise Cascade BCI truss joists. The spec booklet my supplier gave me says that a one hour fire rating requires two layers of 1/2 inch rock. Of course, that's the manufacturer, not the code.
Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.