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  1. M

    Above Ground Pool Deck Gate

    I prefer the top of the stair direction by building a 3' deep landing leading to the deck to allow the gate to swing in the correct direction. If you put the 4' high gate at the bottom, the 4' barrier would have to wrap the first step or two at each side of the bottom of the stair so that you...
  2. M

    AITA? Fire stops

    On bigger projects, I have asked for the GC to put together a binder of various firestop system, organized by trade that is performing the firestopping (i.e. M, E P, etc.) They would get the info from their subs and send it my way. As the project progresses and additional unanticipated...
  3. M

    elevator connecting 1st floor w/ mezzanine

    IMO no fire rated shaft necessary. The reason for rated shafts is to prevent spread of fire/smoke between stories. Mezzanine and the main space are part of the same story. If there is a fire on the main floor, it affects the mezzanine, and vice versa. Enclosing the elevator in a shaft does...
  4. M

    Stringer Support Slab - Rhode Island Code

    AWC DCA6, states that stringers must sit on a foundation. I interpret that to mean, if frost protection is not required, then 12" foundation, and if frost protection is required (typically when the deck is attached to the building), frost protected foundation to support the stringers is...
  5. M

    What "affects" an area of primary function?

    I have looked into this in the past a number of times. With a donut shop, the primary function is likely limited to the sales area, and the dining room. Work that is occurring in the back of house, I would not include. I would also not include any fire protection work, mechanical work, or...
  6. M

    Drinking Fountain Substitution

    The code is 2018 IBC w/ the associated ANSI A117.1 and 2010 ADA (and Illinois Accessibility Code), but there are no technical modifications to the scoping of drinking fountains within IL accessibility code. As there are no technical mods in the IL from the ADA, if the access board guidelines...
  7. M

    Drinking Fountain Substitution

    I've read the other threads on this exact topic in this forum, but wanted to approach this from a different angle then previously discussed. State plumbing code permits substitution of drinking fountain with "bottled drinking water or a water dispensing faucet (water station)." Plumbing code...
  8. M

    Is there any definition of door "maneuvering clearance" in ADA

    My interpretation is that there can be obstructions within this space such as grab bars, if the distance from the face of the grab bar to the face of the door leaf does not exceed 8". I would consider this a "recessed door" and follow 404.2.4.3. See chapter-4-entrances-doors-and-gates of the...
  9. M

    Arc Flash and Coordination studies - are they code required?

    I've been getting this comment within the last year or two on my plans as well. There are electrical engineering companies that can help out with this calculation, ECM web has a great article about how to calculate this...
  10. M

    Exterior Wall Coverings - Combustible???

    I got an NFPA 285 report that allows for the exterior veneer to be "fiber cement siding or fiber cement panels (noncombustible). Minimum 1/4" - any standard installation technique can be used." Checked out the ESR report for the specific fiber cement panel and they do allow for installation over...
  11. M

    Single Exit from A2 Occupied Roof via Exterior Exit Stair Discharging at Grade

    I am not sure if I am missing something obvious, or maybe misunderstanding some of the definitions. The stairway that was described, sounds to me like it would be considered an exit access stairway (1019) with an exit/exit discharge located at the bottom of the stair. Since the exit access...
  12. M

    Curious if you seen....

    Have not seen it - but a pretty strong bracing method.
  13. M

    Mall Tenant Fresh Air Intake

    Ventilation and cooling are two different concepts. New construction generally requires ventilation air be provided. Existing building code also requires ventilation air be provided, although the requirements for ventilation air can be less than for a new building. In new buildings this will...
  14. M

    Exterior Wall Coverings - Combustible???

    Thank you for brining my attention to 1403.5 / NFPA 285. I will have to find out if this assembly was tested. This was originally designed with metal furring, but now the plan is to substitute it with FRTW which was the reason for my question. Having said that, I am still not clear about which...
  15. M

    Exterior Wall Coverings - Combustible???

    Given: 2015 IBC Type III building, 80' high. Definition of Exterior Wall Coverings: A material or assembly of materials applied on the exterior side of exterior walls for the purpose of providing a weather-resisting barrier, insulation or for aesthetics, including but not limited to, veneers...
  16. M

    2018 Energy Code

    ResCheck is free software - web based - so no need to download it. It allows for more flexibility than prescriptive. I have done houses with 2x4 R-15 batt insulation that met 2018 IECC by raising insulation values in other components of the building 2x6 walls can give you R-20. There is high...
  17. M

    Plenum Mechanical closets in R2 units.

    I have seen this set up many times and I don't believe it is the intent of the code to consider this a plenum in the same category as a plenum ceiling that can extend over several spaces/business, etc.
  18. M

    Minimum window size - NOT egress issue, but based on "room size" - is this an IRC requirement?

    As long as egress window is present in the bedroom, then the rest can be satisfied with artificial light and mech. ventilation. Easiest way to do whole house mech vent is to have one of the bath exhausts run 24/7 or a specific ratio - to provide the minimum required air volume per unit of time.
  19. M

    Demo of vestibule in vacant space

    You are making a currently code compliant construction not code compliant by removing the vestibule. I can see how this could be a gray area - however If i was a plan reviewer I would make the same comment and would ask that either the vestibule is kept or an air curtain installed in its place.
  20. M

    Accessibility of two-story townhouses

    If you have access to IRC commentary, they do give a nice explanation of how this specific section applies to a typical townhouse. It sounds like you are on the right track. Also, to my knowledge, certain versions of the IBC are considered a safe harbor for FHA.
  21. M

    Do showers require toilets?

    My vote goes for no toilets required - shower only. The intent is to provide a place for someone to clean up a bit after a long trip.
  22. M

    Ducts on roof

    1601.4.6 (2) Exterior duct systems shall be protected against the elements. 1103.3.1 Has insulation values - but only speaks to ducts in attics, ducts in other portion of the building and ducts completely within thermal envelope. If the IRC doesn't cover a topic, reference IBC and its relevant...
  23. M

    Local Governments Lose Right To Vote.

    ICC not addressing these items in the building code does not prevent local jurisdiction from addressing them at the local level. It would be nice to have consistent rules throughout, but what works for one region does not necessarily work for another - regardless of where this would end up some...
  24. M

    vapor barrier and slim LED recessed fixture

    2018 IECC Table 402.4.1.1 Where a recessed fixture penetrates the air barrier it shall be sealed or gasketed to the finish. Fixture shall be air thight and IC rated. Vapor barrier is usually not continuous - the kraft paper used on insulation is never taped together nor does it have to be - at...
  25. M

    Makeup Air Temperature

    Not an ME but do have some mech experience. This could turn into a lot of work. I would perform a complete heat loss and heat gain calcs for the building, that would include the additional ventilation loads to see if the new system will be able to provide the neccessary heating & cooling. If...
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