jar546
Forum Coordinator
Yep, this qualifies as requiring attic access. I was asked the "Why?" question and other than because it is required, I really did not know the true reason, only my thoughts.
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Attic access?
- Thread starter jar546
- Start date
RJJ
Co-Founder
Are you referring to behind the wall with outlets?
How did you get up there?
The attic space behind the wall is greater then 30"!
How did you get up there?
The attic space behind the wall is greater then 30"!
Yankee
Registered User
S'not an attic, no access req'd
fatboy
Administrator
again......sigh..........
permitguy
Gold Member
George, furring strips are not roof framing members. I'd literally laugh you out of my office with that one.
I can see Yankee's point given the definition of attic. The picture doesn't show a space between the ceiling assembly and the roof framing members of the top story. If its not an attic, it at least directly communicates with one.
I don't know the specifics on the "why" in terms of history, but here's some food for thought. Last Friday afternoon, a couple was at home when they thought they smelled smoke. The searched the entire house, starting with the basement. They couldn't find anything after several minutes, and the smoke detectors weren't going off. The owner finally thought to check the attic (via the access) and found it completely smoke-filled. They got out and called 911. Had there not been an attic access, they would have continued to wonder about the smell, would have remained inside, and would have continued to delay in calling us. BTW, the attic flashed on our crew and put them straight on their a$$es (nobody hurt). It became a defensive operation within a few minutes, and we lost the roof. In other words, had the occupants remained inside long enough to go to bed, it could have been a tragic ending for them.
I can see Yankee's point given the definition of attic. The picture doesn't show a space between the ceiling assembly and the roof framing members of the top story. If its not an attic, it at least directly communicates with one.
I don't know the specifics on the "why" in terms of history, but here's some food for thought. Last Friday afternoon, a couple was at home when they thought they smelled smoke. The searched the entire house, starting with the basement. They couldn't find anything after several minutes, and the smoke detectors weren't going off. The owner finally thought to check the attic (via the access) and found it completely smoke-filled. They got out and called 911. Had there not been an attic access, they would have continued to wonder about the smell, would have remained inside, and would have continued to delay in calling us. BTW, the attic flashed on our crew and put them straight on their a$$es (nobody hurt). It became a defensive operation within a few minutes, and we lost the roof. In other words, had the occupants remained inside long enough to go to bed, it could have been a tragic ending for them.
jar546
Forum Coordinator
Once again George, you are getting personal with me and I find your comment unacceptable. Last warning.GHRoberts said:
FredK
Gold Member
Simply divide the space to less than 30 sq ft since to be and attic it requires both height and space.Pcinspector1 said:
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Simply provide an attic accessFredK said:
High Desert
Gold Member
Being the devil's advocate, once you require an attic access in these types of spaces you just open the door for storage. Let's pack the otherwise empty space with an increased fuel load.
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Would not be a problem with spinklers.......High Desert said:
permitguy
Gold Member
How did I know that would come up? 
Even if mandated, attics wouldn't require them.
Even if mandated, attics wouldn't require them.
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Just don't block the spinklersmark handler said:
globe trekker
Registered User
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
- Messages
- 1,739
jar,
As it stands right now, IMO, this area WOULD require an approved attic
access. They COULD divide the space by a faux wall, or install the compliant
attic access. I do not believe that we can control how they "might" use
the space, only that it be compliant at the time we inspect it.
Ya'lls results may be different!
.
As it stands right now, IMO, this area WOULD require an approved attic
access. They COULD divide the space by a faux wall, or install the compliant
attic access. I do not believe that we can control how they "might" use
the space, only that it be compliant at the time we inspect it.
Ya'lls results may be different!
.
steveray
SAWHORSE
Mark....you always have a great picture for every subject....where do you find them?
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
It is his housesteveray said:
mark handler
SAWHORSE
mtlogcabinmtlogcabin said:It is his house
Ouch, You spying on me?
Steve, The internet
steveray
SAWHORSE
Just like Google......or some photo site?
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Yes........
jar546
Forum Coordinator
This is a real simple one. The IRC requires access to this area as it is currently built. I wanted to know why & how they come up with these minimum requirements. My opinion as to whether or not it should be provided access is not relevant as the code is the law, not my opinion. This again is the issue with our industry when the black and white code is manipulated due to an officials opinion. There is no exception for this situation.
High Desert
Gold Member
That's always been a hard call, but you're right, there is no exception to the provision.
