Thread: No access to garage attic

This detached garage did not have a means of attic access. Soliddrywall ceiling with no hatchway. I believe the 09 IRC specifes attic access, correct?

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Originally Posted by Gene South

This detached garage did not have a means of attic access. Soliddrywall ceiling with no hatchway. I believe the 09 IRC specifes attic access, correct?

I believe that the access is required only if mechanical are in the attic area.

Hi Scott, good morning and thank you for you input. That is what I thought also but the way I read the IRC it does not specify. It just says any attic greater than 30 sq feet. Also, there is wiring in the attic, (for lighting). Should not that wiring be accessible? (...maybe not...since wall wiring is not accessible either...).

They'll be needing to fix that header over the doorway.

I would say installing an access hatch is advisable and let them decide. It's a 20 minute job if you're slow.

Originally Posted by John Kogel

I would say installing an access hatch is advisable and let them decide. It's a 20 minute job if you're slow.

And if you want it done right, make it at least an hour's worth of time by a reasonably skilled person.

Did one a few years ago at a former GF's place, and it took me 2+ hours, including building a hinged/insulated hatch cover. Probably spent more than 20 minutes just going up and down the silly step ladder.

But I never claimed to be reasonably skilled.

the wires dont have to be accessable but any junction box or connection of any kind has to have access to it.
there should be ventalation to any enclosed non temperature controled space.

Originally Posted by Gene South

Hi Scott, good morning and thank you for you input. That is what I thought also but the way I read the IRC it does not specify. It just says any attic greater than 30 sq feet. Also, there is wiring in the attic, (for lighting). Should not that wiring be accessible? (...maybe not...since wall wiring is not accessible either...).

Looks like there is a breezeway, could the garage be accessible that way?
It wouldn't be easy or practical but it would possible.

Originally Posted by Gene South

That is what I thought also but the way I read the IRC it does not specify. It just says any attic greater than 30 sq feet.

AND ...

30" minimum headroom

Does that have 30" headroom?

Originally Posted by John Kogel

They'll be needing to fix that header over the doorway.
.

Don't think the header is swayed ( unless the support walls are bow legged ) looks like camera angle.

Thanks for all for your comments. The photo was distorted (stretched) due to uploading to insepctionnews. The header is not swayed. There is no attic access through the breezeway, and yes, the headroom exceeds 30 inches.

I think technically that access to this attic should have been provided, but it was not (by the tract home builder).

Appreciate everyones input and have a Happy New Year.

Gene

Yep... 30sf of "floor area" and 30" headroom or no required access.


Andrew Constantine
InspectPro Home Inspections
Charlotte NC Home Inspector

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

Don't think the header is swayed ( unless the support walls are bow legged ) looks like camera angle.

I concur.
The image surrounds may make a chased lentil or header appear to have deflection.
Good point.