If an attic area is used for storage, especially if it's being finished off with ceilings attached to the roof framing (which is what we typically see when this is done), and there's access by way of a fixed or pull-down stair, then it's no longer an attic by definition - it's a storage loft or a room or whatever you'd like to call it and I think it requires sprinkler protection. You mention freeze protection - aren't these spaces conditioned? As far as AHJ's calling this space an additional story, how many stories do you have? Storage over 2? Even if it's a 3-story, you can still use a 13D system; the only "code issues" would be exiting, but it's not a normally occupied space. The problem for the building and fire officials is that this space COULD be utilized as a sleeping room, so what to do. Here in CA, when a single-family home hits 3-stories, it has to be sprinklered and you need another way out besides the stairs, which could be a window or some other opening. But if the space isn't conditioned, I don't think you would reasonably call it a story or occupiable space.
You have a specific question or just haven't come across this before? Steve Leyton Protection Design & Consulting -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Greg McGahan Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 11:16 AM To: [email protected] Subject: 2nd request 13d attic storage Doesn't anyone have something to say? We are beginning to see more 13d installations here and I know some of you disagree but one of the local AHJ's only require 13d systems in townhomes. Some of these buildings are being framed and decked for small storage areas in the attics much like most of us have in our own homes.These areas typically do not have enclosed walls and ceiling is the sloped roof deck. How are you AHJ's handling this? Are you just placing heads above the storage deck or are you requiring the areas to be enclosed as a room? The challenge is obviously freeze protection. In a room that is heated there is no problem except the local AHJ then interprets the room as another floor which cause other building code issues. Any experiences \ ideas? Thank you, Greg McGahan Living Water Fire Protection, LLC 1160 McKenzie Road Cantonment, FL 32533 850-937-1850 Fax: 850-937-1852 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
