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  1. #1
    Jon mackay's Avatar
    Jon mackay Guest

    Default Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Is it permissible to install fiberglass batts on top of a ceiling grid for a thermal barrier?

    This particular installation is an attached garage that originally was open from the floor to the roof deck.

    It has been converted to a living space.
    Installed a ceiling grid at the cross bracing, put some fiberglass on it and called it a finished ceiling.

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon mackay View Post
    Is it permissible to install fiberglass batts on top of a ceiling grid for a thermal barrier?

    This particular installation is an attached garage that originally was open from the floor to the roof deck.

    It has been converted to a living space.
    Installed a ceiling grid at the cross bracing, put some fiberglass on it and called it a finished ceiling.
    When you say grid are you referring to a drop ceiling? Such a ceiling would not be a proper barrier from the living area above regardless of what it's called. To specifically answer your question and not consider any side issues - I see no problem with insulation batts on the grid ceiling.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  3. #3
    Jon mackay's Avatar
    Jon mackay Guest

    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Barker View Post
    When you say grid are you referring to a drop ceiling?.
    Yes, it is a drop type ceiling.


  4. #4
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    There's no vapor barrier. Even if they use paper-backed batts, it wouldn't be a sealed barrier.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Very common in commercial applications where there are offices built within a warehouse type building.

    All the best,
    Bruce Low
    Bottom Line Home Inspection

    The Bottom Line - Through an Engineer's Eyes


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon mackay View Post
    Is it permissible to install fiberglass batts on top of a ceiling grid for a thermal barrier?

    This particular installation is an attached garage that originally was open from the floor to the roof deck.

    It has been converted to a living space.
    Installed a ceiling grid at the cross bracing, put some fiberglass on it and called it a finished ceiling.
    Has the garage itself been converted to a living space or only the area above the garage?


  7. #7
    Jon mackay's Avatar
    Jon mackay Guest

    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Quote Originally Posted by Corn Walker View Post
    Has the garage itself been converted to a living space or only the area above the garage?
    the garage itself has been converted to a single floor bedroom.


  8. #8
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    not acceptable in california.


  9. #9
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    Burbank, CA
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    If this is an inspection, you may want to direct your client to the AHJ for permit information. There is a good chance there was no permit pulled to convert the garage, and there are issues too numerous to mention with it.


  10. #10
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Hi Jon, I think what people are thinking is that it is still being used as a garage where exhaust from cars/vehicles still can get it. this is an issue if that is the case, however if there is no exhast or fumes to worry about treat it as any normal shelter for insulating purposes and venting issues. the area you are talking about is basically an attic of sorts.

    cheers


  11. #11
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    Normally when you have paper-backed insulation on the top of a suspended ceiling the ceiling is fire-rated since the paper can not be left exposed.


  12. #12
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass insulation on top

    Quote Originally Posted by James Duffin View Post
    Normally when you have paper-backed insulation on the top of a suspended ceiling the ceiling is fire-rated since the paper can not be left exposed.
    Maybe in a commercial installation, but I doubt that would be the case in a garage conversion.

    At least it is not something that I would presume.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  13. #13
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    Fuquay Varina, NC
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    Default Re: Suspended ceiling grid with fiberglass inulation on top

    As far as an issue laying on the panels there is not a issue except contact with non-rated can lights, etc. that I am aware of, hard to make a good barrier though but better then nothing.

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

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