Exhaust Fan Duct Material

[arobertson (Alton (Bud) E. Robertson, TREC # 5874)]

   **  I have a fellow inspector that frequently uses the comment: **

· The plastic materials used for the mechanical exhaust vent flues are not listed or labeled for use in enclosed attic areas. This is an “as-built” condition but Per TREC standards of practice we are required to report this condition as a deficiency.
**
Since I cannot find any information in the IRC or TREC Standards of Practice, I question the validity of this statement. Please let me know where I can find any backup information to verify this statement.
**
Thank You,
**

                                                                     Bud Robertson

[mgratton (Marcel Gratton, CMI)]

@arobertson

**I have a fellow inspector that frequently uses the comment: **

·The plastic materials used for the mechanical exhaust vent flues are not listed or labeled for use in enclosed attic areas. This is an “as-built” condition but Per TREC standards of practice we are required to report this condition as a deficiency.

Since I cannot find any information in the IRC or TREC Standards of Practice, I question the validity of this statement. Please let me know where I can find any backup information to verify this statement.

Thank You,

Bud Robertson

Save yourself the trouble, simply ask your fellow inspector the question ;-).

[arobertson (Alton (Bud) E. Robertson, TREC # 5874)]

That reply did not help much. I assure you I first did ask that question. I did not get a good answer. I decided to reach out to my fellow Internachi inspectors.

[mboyett (Michael Boyett, TREC #7290 (Ret) Boerne, TX)]

Bud…if the duct material is listed as UL181 compliant then it is acceptable. That’s the simple answer. Now, I’m assuming you are referring to a bath exhaust fan duct like this. See 2006 IRC M1506.1 & M1601.2.