Attic ladder in garage

[Roger K. Ormiston]

Having a drop down attic ladder an attached garage obviously compromises the firewall requirements. Is there a work-around, or should we write up all of them?

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rormiston

Having a drop down attic ladder an attached garage obviously compromises the firewall requirements. Is there a work-around, or should we write up all of them?

Does it still have only the thin plywood? If so, that is a problem. It needs the fire rated drywall or equivalent in all areas of the fire separation wall/ceiling.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

There are ladders designed for use in firewall systems, and there are ways to modify others to meet the necessary requirements.

If it is not rated for installation in the firewall, it should be reported as such.

[Roger K. Ormiston]

Yeah, I've found two in the past week with just thin plywood, so those obviously get reported. It occurs to me that even if it is fire-rated - if it doesn't seal completely the fire wall would be compromised, so I've basically started writing them all up. I never see one that seals properly.

[Brian E. Kelly]

http://www.atticladdersplus.com/prod...categoryID=545

[rsovastion]

Check this out.
http://www.precisionladders.com/

[Brian K. Smith]

Originally Posted by rormiston

Having a drop down attic ladder an attached garage obviously compromises the firewall requirements. Is there a work-around, or should we write up all of them?

see'em all the time around here....write it up..

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Around here, you can modify a drop down stair to make it compliant with building fire codes.

http://www.aohomeinspection.com/pdf/Firewalls.pdf

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Around here, you can modify a drop down stair to make it compliant with building fire codes.

http://www.aohomeinspection.com/pdf/Firewalls.pdf

please provide manufacturer approved testing data to back up this prescriptive retrofit...the plaintiff's atty. will request this...

i'll stick to identifying the issues and leave the repair/replacement prescription to others...

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Well around here you can use a Paint and Fire Retardant Coatings

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I don't understand Barry and Wayne's reply. If the AHJ is OK with it, why shouldn't that be OK with a home inspector and why should a home inspector be afraid to furnish the AHJ's document? The buyer can do whatever he wants. By the way, I've NEVER seen one compliant or modified in a garage.

Why would anyone be concerned about the manufacturer's testing data? That's taking it too far IMO.

Finally, do I need to be concerned about "testing data" when a homeowner removes the string and installs an I-bolt to pull the stairs down?

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I am not concern with it Joe just saying they will accept it. But i was talking to a builder he has the same can of paint for several homes just leaves so the inspector looks at it. He really does that . can has gone through many homes . So i still mention the rating .