We are doing a 2nd story addition consisting of a deck over an existing 1st story with a 2nd story work studio behind the deck over the rest of the existing 1st story. The existing structure has a flat roof, that is balloon framed with about 18" from the ceiling joists to the roof joists; there is no ventilation on this part. The new 2nd story will have a flat roof (1/4:12 pitch) behind a parapet, with the ceiling applied directly to the roof framing members.
I checked in the 2007 CBC (California's version of the IBC), article 1203.2, and it appears that ventilation will be required. We have done these previously without any ventilation and have them inspected with no problems coming up so I checked in the 1997 UBC and in 1505.3 it says words to the effect that the building official may require ventilation on flat roofs if he/she thinks the environmental conditions warrant it. I have looked in the 2007 CBC and don't see this exception.
I asked the contractor who is building the addition his opinion as he's had a lot of experience and he said he always thought that ventilation is only required if there is an attic access.
As it stands now it appears to me that attic ventilation is going to be required for both parts of this addition. Any insight on this would be appreciated.
I checked in the 2007 CBC (California's version of the IBC), article 1203.2, and it appears that ventilation will be required. We have done these previously without any ventilation and have them inspected with no problems coming up so I checked in the 1997 UBC and in 1505.3 it says words to the effect that the building official may require ventilation on flat roofs if he/she thinks the environmental conditions warrant it. I have looked in the 2007 CBC and don't see this exception.
I asked the contractor who is building the addition his opinion as he's had a lot of experience and he said he always thought that ventilation is only required if there is an attic access.
As it stands now it appears to me that attic ventilation is going to be required for both parts of this addition. Any insight on this would be appreciated.