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  1. #1
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    Apr 2008
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    Default 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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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    Quote Originally Posted by Gene South View Post
    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.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    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...).


  4. #4
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    Feb 2009
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    Southern Vancouver Island
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    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    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.

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

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Oregon, USA
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    333

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    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.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Tolland, CT
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    33

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    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.


    Quote Originally Posted by Gene South View Post
    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...).



  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Rock Hill S.C.
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    95

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

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


  8. #8
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    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    Quote Originally Posted by Gene South View Post
    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?

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

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
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    4,311

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    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.

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    McKinney Texas
    Posts
    501

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    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


  11. #11

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

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


    Andrew Constantine
    InspectPro Home Inspections
    Charlotte NC Home Inspector


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    MONTREAL QUEBEC-CANADA
    Posts
    2,075

    Default Re: No access to garage attic

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    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.

    Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
    Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
    Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”

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