R302.5.1???

[kzq]

Hi Folks,


I'd like to hear what others here think about section R302.5.1(2009 ICC).

It's my interpretation that as long as the door is:

1) solid wood with a minimum thickness of 1 3/8"
2) solid or honey comb core steel same thickness requirement
3) 20 minute fire rated door

Any of these can be mounted in any door frame rated or not.

What say You?

Thanks

Bill

[conarb]

R302.5.1 Opening protection. Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 13⁄8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 13⁄8 inches (35 mm) thick, or 20-minute fire-rated doors.

I'd say there is a huge conflict in the code language, it first says that no openings shall be permitted and doesn't create an exception as the codes usually do if they want to allow exceptions, that appears do disallow openings, then it goes on to talk about "Other openings", something it has just disallowed (because the prior "openings" disallowed every hole in the wall), being a steel and 20 minute rated door. If that ever came to court I could argue it either way. But I'd say you are right, it does not address frames, so R302.5 allows any frame, a frame is not an opening, an operable door is.

Who writes this code language anyway? Can't wait for the UBRC to be adopted.

[kzq]

Hi conarb,

The openings that are prohibited are those that would directly connect a sleeping room to a garage.

I guess the essence of my question is: Do the words "20-Minute Fire Rated Door" automatically require a rated frame?

I'm aware that only assemblies are rated, but in light of the acceptance of a 1 3/8" solid wood door and a 1 3/8" steel door, neither of which are rated at all, it seems that a rated slab would have to be an improvement over a non-rated one.

Case in point a 1 3/4" nominal thickness molded fiberboard door, six panel slab that bears a twenty minute tag. All such doors have portions of the door that are not 1 3/8" thick but have still passed the twenty minute test, less the hose test. If a customer wishes to have door between the garage and the residence replaced with a panel door, should that customer be forced to replace the door frame as well as the slab, just because he/she chose the twenty minute slab over the non-rated alternatives?

TIA

Bill

[conarb]

The openings that are prohibited are those that would directly connect a sleeping room to a garage.

[/size]
That's why I posted 302.5, I know what your question was but 302.5 doesn't address it, it only addresses sleeping rooms.

The answer to your relevant question has to lie somewhere outside of the code, and Uncle Bob keeps saying the IRC is a stand-alone code.

[Uncle Bob]

Bill,

"Any of these can be mounted in any door frame rated or not."

Your question seems to be about the door frame; assuming the door frame must meet the same requirements as the door. I think the IRC includes the requirements of R302.6 referencing TABLE R302.6; and assuming that would deal with fire resistance pertaining to the wall up to the door itself.

I think I see your point; since there is an open space between the door frame and the the opening studs. This space could be considered to be required to be filled with fireblocking foam.

Conarb,

The IRC claims to be a "Comprehensive, stand-alone residential code" per the PREFACE; second paragraph of the Introduction.

In Chapter 1; R102.4; the IRC further indicates it's independence by stating "Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply."

With the exception that manufacturer's listings and installation instructions shall apply.

But, I'm starting to get off course; so I'll shut up before I write a book. ;D

Uncle Bob