Ceiling tiles in the elevated garage

[JIM MURPHY]

2007 house. Ductwork in ceiling is framed by sheetrock on two sides and at the bottom, I quess for access, ceiling tiles. Does this not infringe upon the fire protection between the garage and the upper living space. This are average tiles and I am sure not fire rated.

Jim

[Jerry Peck]

From your description - that sounds like a no-no.

[JIM MURPHY]

From your description - that sounds like a no-no.

Thanks Jerry! I was hoping to hear from you! My observation as well!

Jim

[Jerry Peck]

Jim,

To clarify, you said the ductwork is framed by drywall on two sides, not three, right?

This is what I am envisioning: drywall ceiling across room to ductwork, drywall up to wood subfloor above but not covering wood subfloor above (wood subfloor is exposed) on each side of a floor joist cavity, with the bottom of the floor joist cavity (which is now ductwork) closed up with suspended ceiling tiles ... is that close?

There are various problems with that in addition to the lack of protection for the structure supporting the living space above.

Supply duct or return air duct?

Where does the duct run to?

Etc.

[Thom Huggett]

Jim,

Not enough information to give a solid reply. First, you have to identify the location of the fire separation between the garage and house. It should be the bottom of the floor joists above, or the ceiling of the garage, plus the supporting walls. You also need to determine if the duct is supposed to be in the garage area or living space. Is there a sheetrock finish above the duct? You state that the duct is wrapped in sheetrock, which may be part of the separation. The IRC does allow unprotected 26 gage duct work if connected directly from the furnace to the living space (IRC R302.5.2). Got any pictures?