RyanBuilder
REGISTERED
Hello All,
I'm hoping an expert can chime in with definitive proof of what is correct on a disagreement I’m having with a local building inspector. I’m building a home in a NH city and the inspector is requiring R49 for the flat 2nd floor ceiling with an unconditioned attic above. The code reads that R38 is allowed wherever the full height of uncompressed R38 extends over the wall top plate at the eaves, which it does (R402.2.1). I’ve pointed this out to the inspector and he said that is an exception that he must approve first. He also mentioned that there is a local city ordinance that changed the city’s climate zone to zone 6 instead of zone 5 where it is listed in the code book. I can’t see how this has any bearing since the zone 5 and 6 insulation requirements are the same(R402.1.2). Can anyone clarify?
The other issue we are having is that our heating ductwork is in the 2nd floor ceiling joists with R8 insulation. The inspector said we must move the ductwork above the attic subfloor or insulate the roof line and make the attic a conditioned space. He will not let us have any ductwork in the insulated ceiling. We have done this many times in other towns and cities with no issue. I’ve talked with other inspectors and they say it is allowed although I don’t know where in the code. Does anyone know for sure?
Thanks,
Ryan
I'm hoping an expert can chime in with definitive proof of what is correct on a disagreement I’m having with a local building inspector. I’m building a home in a NH city and the inspector is requiring R49 for the flat 2nd floor ceiling with an unconditioned attic above. The code reads that R38 is allowed wherever the full height of uncompressed R38 extends over the wall top plate at the eaves, which it does (R402.2.1). I’ve pointed this out to the inspector and he said that is an exception that he must approve first. He also mentioned that there is a local city ordinance that changed the city’s climate zone to zone 6 instead of zone 5 where it is listed in the code book. I can’t see how this has any bearing since the zone 5 and 6 insulation requirements are the same(R402.1.2). Can anyone clarify?
The other issue we are having is that our heating ductwork is in the 2nd floor ceiling joists with R8 insulation. The inspector said we must move the ductwork above the attic subfloor or insulate the roof line and make the attic a conditioned space. He will not let us have any ductwork in the insulated ceiling. We have done this many times in other towns and cities with no issue. I’ve talked with other inspectors and they say it is allowed although I don’t know where in the code. Does anyone know for sure?
Thanks,
Ryan
