Fuel Gas Fireplace Bumpout

[Keystone]

i am definitely the only one who is making this call, every contractor, framer and builder tells me so and if it's said enough times we believe it but really I think I am the only person making this call. I'm in zone 5, 90% of the bldr's use 2" by 6" exterior wall framing with R21 insulation, EXCEPT!!!! When it comes to the fireplace bump outs then for some unknown reason everyone thinks it's okay to use 2" by 4" with R13 or R15. This area is still part of the thermal envelope and is required to meet the energy code.

I've been told;
-that makes no sense.
-you sure you want me to do that.
-but I use that thermal ply stuff so that helps.
-but I insulate the house walls to R21.
-it's on my plans as 2" by 4". No no no it's not.
-no other inspector even looks at that.

Please tell me I'm not the only inspector looking at this or if I am then pass me a pink slip for being wrong or an award for being right!!!!

 

[mtlogcabin]

I've been told;
-that makes no sense. Yes it does when you read the code
-you sure you want me to do that. Yes I surly do
-but I use that thermal ply stuff so that helps. No it does not equal the minimum R- value required
-but I insulate the house walls to R21. Not the walls around the fireplace bump out
-it's on my plans as 2" by 4". No no no it's not.
-no other inspector even looks at that. Really, well I will talk to them about what they have missed.

 

[north star]

# ~ #

O.K., ...you get an award for actually checking
and knowing the applicable Codes........Also,
for trying to obtain compliance to what has been
adopted in your jurisdiction.

Keep up the GREAT work !

# ~ #

 

[Keystone]

Hey all, I got an atta boy from North Star. Blessed be the season.

 

[jar546]

i am definitely the only one who is making this call, every contractor, framer and builder tells me so and if it's said enough times we believe it but really I think I am the only person making this call. I'm in zone 5, 90% of the bldr's use 2" by 6" exterior wall framing with R21 insulation, EXCEPT!!!! When it comes to the fireplace bump outs then for some unknown reason everyone thinks it's okay to use 2" by 4" with R13 or R15. This area is still part of the thermal envelope and is required to meet the energy code.

I've been told;
-that makes no sense.
-you sure you want me to do that.
-but I use that thermal ply stuff so that helps.
-but I insulate the house walls to R21.
-it's on my plans as 2" by 4". No no no it's not.
-no other inspector even looks at that.

Please tell me I'm not the only inspector looking at this or if I am then pass me a pink slip for being wrong or an award for being right!!!!

You are correct in your enforcement

 

[steveray]

Suggest that they Rescheck it and if it passes they can keep doing it that way?

 

[Keystone]

Suggest that they Rescheck it and if it passes they can keep doing it that way?

Yes I point that out for the ones that use ResCheck's but Pennsyltucky provides energy path options which are still clear cut but somehow I end up consistently writing this up.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I had this too for a whole development of cookie cutter houses and failed a framing inspection. Boss said to leave it alone if I want to keep my job.

 

[SCBO1]

Keystone, do you get 2x6 framing for other bump-outs, like a kitchen window or bay wall?

I agree with you it should meet the required R-value for your area.

 

[Keystone]

I had this too for a whole development of cookie cutter houses and failed a framing inspection. Boss said to leave it alone if I want to keep my job.

I can go along to get along for a "transition period", allow time for existing houses underway but moving forward ground up homes properly built.

 

[Keystone]

Keystone, do you get 2x6 framing for other bump-outs, like a kitchen window or bay wall?

I agree with you it should meet the required R-value for your area.

That is the fun part, yes all other areas are 2 by 6 even dormer walls.