TJI Fire Protection
One of the biggest challenges for architects, developers and contractors involved in building projects is keeping up with the constantly changing building codes and recognizing how that impacts design, cost and schedule. One such code change that took effect in the current 2013 Residential Code of Ohio, which I recently learned about is the need for additional fire protection as it relates to exposed TJI joists in basements, which were previously allowed to remain exposed.
With the Oakley Home 2.0 project designed with TJI joists beneath the first floor, that means I will need to either (a.) cover the joists with drywall, or (b.) purchase joists with 'flak jacket protection'. I'll need to evaluate which option is most cost effective from a material and labor standpoint before making a decision how to proceed, but better to be made aware of this now, rather than during a construction inspection.RCO Section 502.14 Fire Resistance of Floors. Floor assemblies, not required elsewhere in this code to be fire resistance rated, shall be provided with a ½ inch gypsum board membrane or a 5/8 inch wood structural panel membrane or an equivalent material on the underside of the floor framing member which complies with section 302.14.
