Attic Inspection

[Russell L. Britton]

Hi to all,
I ran across something interesting on a inspection today. While trying to inspect the attic, I opened up the access door and there were about 15 electrical cables blocking the entrance to the attic. This was to include the service cable, and the washer and dryer cables that were tight and could not be moved out of the way preventing the inspection of the attic. I called this out to the buyers of the home and they said that the previous inspector of the seller DID NOT see a problem with the cables blocking the entrance to the attic. They said he was about 6 ft. and 150 lbs. and had no problem getting into the attic. As stated, I did call this out and did not inspect the attic. What is your opinion on the entrance being blocked and not inspecting it.


Russell Britton
Britton Home Inspection

[psiposs]

Was there enough reasonable room to get by anyway? Unless somebody exited some other way the cable installer got out the same access door regardless. Still, it sounds like you're covered.

[Russell L. Britton]

I could not access the entrance without moving the cables out of the way. Also with the cables not having any slack in them it prevented them from being moved. As far as the cable installer getting out. I would have much rather climbed in or out before the power was put to these wires. I was just curious if there was a code for blocking the entrance to the attic.

Russell Britton
BHI

[Greg Fretwell]

Did the access look like it was cut in after the house was done?
That is usually why they end up that way. The guy cutting the hole was cutting blind. I would look over the cables to be sure if they didn't get dinged.

[Russell L. Britton]

[quote=Greg Fretwell]Did the access look like it was cut in after the house was done?
That is usually why they end up that way. The guy cutting the hole was
cutting blind. I would look over the cables to be sure if they didn't get dinged


Greg,
That definitely looks like that is a possibility. I did not look over the cables for nicks.

Russell Britton
BHI

[Michael Larson]

This may have been posted here before but its a good reminder on attic access issues.

THE FAT FIREMAN RULE

http://www.homehumor.com/fat-fireman.shtml

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

2003 IRC:

SECTION 1209
ACCESS TO UNOCCUPIED SPACES

1209.2 Attic spaces.
An opening not less than 20 inches by 30 inches (559mmby 762 mm) shall be provided to any attic area having a clear height of over 30 inches (762 mm). A 30-inch (762 mm) minimum clear headroom in the attic space shall be provided at or above the access opening.

There will also be references to proper running of electrical cabling and this is an obvious safety hazard! I would immediately disclaim the attic without attempting to enter it. You may not be able to tell what can occur by trying to move these cables, especially the Service Entrance cables!! It will be a very nice way of telling the buyer that they will need to have new access arrangement to the attic or the more costly route of moving the cables.

[gbeaumont]

Hi to all,

There are also protection requirements for cables adjacent to attic openings under NEC/IRC,

here is the IRC rule

E3702.2 Cables in accessible attics.
Cables in attics or roof spaces provided with access shall be installed as specified in Sections E3702.2.1 and E3702.2.2.
E3702.2.1 Across structural members.
Where run across the top of floor joists, or run within 7 feet (2134 mm) of floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in attics and roof spaces that are provided with access, the cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are at least as high as the cable. Where such spaces are not provided with access by permanent stairs or ladders, protection shall only be required within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the nearest edge of the attic entrance.
E3702.2.2 Cable installed parallel to framing members.
Where cables are installed parallel to the sides of rafters, studs or floor joists, guard strips and running boards shall not be required, and the installation shall comply with Table E3702.1.
E3702.3 Exposed cable.
In exposed work, except as provided for in Sections E3702.2 and E3702.4, cable assemblies shall be installed as specified in Sections E3702.3.1 and E3702.3.2.
E3702.3.1 Surface installation.
Cables shall closely follow the surface of the building finish or running boards.
E3702.3.2 Protection from physical damage.
Where subject to physical damage, cables shall be protected by conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC rigid nonmetallic conduit, pipe, guard strips or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC rigid nonmetallic conduit or other metal pipe extending not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor.

Regards

Gerry

[Greg Fretwell]

It should be noted that most attics are not really rated for storage in the first place. The bottom chords of engineered trusses are only designed to carry the ceiling, typically a couple pounds per square foot. Interior walls will tend to stiffen this up so people do get away with it but it is not in the engineering. Be especially careful when you are storing things in areas with wide spans between walls. It probably won't come crashing down but you can crack the ceiling sheetrock.

[Bruce M. Graham]

Advised that my client get a copy of the engineers stamped drawing allowing the a/c attachment. The builder called me direct and to me to go f---off. Guess their was no approved drawing.
Yes I know this is minor but this builder is clueless, new contruction inspection 3 pages on summary.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by bgraham

Advised that my client get a copy of the engineers stamped drawing allowing the a/c attachment.

Do you really think a stamped engineers drawing is necessary for such an installation? I think that is kind of an unrealistic request.

[Michael R. Boyett]

I don't think that it is unrealistic....good call. The a/c unit ductwork does not appear to be fire-stopped at the ceiling penetrations. There are probably other fire wall issues as well, i.e. no self closing hinges on the door, the pull down stairs in the ceiling, etc.

[Bruce M. Graham]

And on and on and on for 3 pages. The roof was the worst that I had ever seen. Hey, the clients don't know and don't know to ask. It's our job to pass on the info. IMHO
Happy Inspecting.

[Speedy Petey]

I should tell the A/C installers I know then.
I have never, ever seen, nor heard of, an engineers drawing for a central air install.

[Bruce M. Graham]

If you read post # 9, this was a truss load issue relating back to storage( yes it's minor), not an Engineer needs to sign off on A/C issue.