On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:39:29 GMT, Robert Allison
wrote:
Oren wrote:
On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:03:25 GMT, Robert Allison
wrote:
wrote:
International Residential Code 2006 (2003 version has similar
language) says:
R309.2: The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic
area by not less than 1/2 inch gypsum board applied to the garage
side.
R309.1.1 duct penetrations. Ducts in the garage and ducts penetrating
the walls or ceilings separating the dwelling from the garage shall be
constructed of a minimum 26 gage sheet steel or other approved
material and shall have no openings into the garage.
R309.1.2 Other Penetrations. Penetrations through the separation
required in 309.2 shall be protected by filling the openings around
the penetrating item with approved material to resist the free passage
of flame and products of combustion.
I think the intent is to separate the garage from the residence.
Therefore, if you put a hatch in the ceiling of the garage, a
partition continuous from slab to roof has to be placed between garage
and dwelling and any penetrations need to be treated in accordance
with the code.
T
Not exactly. A scuttle hole in the garage will not require a fire rated
wall between the garage and the house. Use a piece of drywall for the
scuttle hole cover and you are fine. I have never had a problem even
with pull down stairs (which are not fire rated). The attic access is
usually in the garage, and is usually a pull down stair. Provides
access to the entire attic. This is true for all of central Texas.
YMMV.
I was in my attic recently troubleshooting the furnace, before I
called the service guy and had it fixed. (found original furnace
documents in plastic sleeve 
)
Looked towards the garage area; where I want the next scuttle, I
observed two things:
- there was what I considered a fire block extending from the ceiling
top plate to the roof. Not certain of full extent and how it was/is
built.
- through this apparent fire block, there was a hole large enough for
any person. In fact an electrician had mentioned this to me a few
years ago.
That hole through the ply (3/4"?) would seem it would allow fire into
the rest of the attic. It *appears* to be centered over the hallway
and not a bedroom.
I will put in the scuttle in. My garage is finished with 5/8"
sheetrock on both ceiling and walls. Off to misplace the honey doo
list...
Thanks!!
Oren
--
If the "firewall" is plywood, then it is not a fire wall. Sounds more
like a shear wall or shear truss. Although a fire wall may have plywood
on it, it must be a non combustible material (drywall) on the surface to
qualify as a firewall. According to code, a fire wall must be two
layers of 5/8" drywall, firetaped and firecaulked. A draft stop must be
one layer of drywall, firetaped and caulked.
Thanks.
Given my observations: it is not really a fire wall. I will look
further when I cut the second scuttle in the garage.
Oren
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