[Greenbuilding] Code Compliance Floor floating on Foam

[Dan Johnson]

The 2013 California Building Code is also based on IBC but contains this
modification:

> 2603.4.1.14 Floors. The thermal barrier specified in
> Section 2603.4 is not required to be installed on the
> walking surface of a structural floor system that contains
> foam plastic insulation when the foam plastic is
> covered by a minimum nominal 1/2-inch-thick (12.7
> mm) wood structural panel or approved equivalent. The
> thermal barrier specified in Section 2603.4 is required
> on the underside of the structural floor system that contains
> foam plastic insulation when the underside of the
> structural floor system is exposed to the interior of the
> building.


Dan Johnson | Design and Energy | 510.325.5672
Assoc. AIA, ASHRAE, LEED AP, CEPE, CPHC | 5500 Kales Ave. Oakland
California 94618


On Wed, Apr 2, 2014 at 8:15 AM, <conservationarchitect at rockbridge.net>wrote:

> Thanks for reply on EPS sealants suggestions.
>
> I am having difficulty with a code official that believes unless an
> assembly is referenced in the code, it is not allowed.  At issue is my
> proposal to float  2 layers of 7/16"osb over EPS foam.  The osb will have
> staggered joints and be fastened to each other with screws.  The 09
> Virginia Building Code which is the same as the International Building Code
> states in 2603.4 Thermal Barrier over foam can be achieved with 1/2"gwb or
> equivalent per test protocol.   So I propose to add 1/2 gwb above foam
> below osb.  Because he has not seen that assembly before, he is threatening
> to block it because I can not find a code that explicitly describes my
> assembly.  With him disputing the explicit remedy describe in the code,
> what are my chances? $@!#^& Peace, Love
>
> Have other list participants faced similar issues with code officials
> regarding the thermal barrier cover over foam.
>
> Otherwise, I am interested in hearing stories of challenges we have
> experienced creating innovation in a code limited paradigm.
>
> Eli
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Greenbuilding mailing list
> to Send a Message to the list, use the email address
> Greenbuilding at bioenergylists.org
>
> to UNSUBSCRIBE or Change your List Settings use the web page
> http://lists.bioenergylists.org/mailman/listinfo/greenbuilding_lists.
> bioenergylists.org
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.bioenergylists.org/pipermail/greenbuilding_lists.bioenergylists.org/attachments/20140402/765024a8/attachment.html>