code-complianceframingwalls
I have an attached garage. There is an exterior-rated door between the garage and the living space.
Should the entire wall be built as an exterior wall, as far as sheathing, width, etc? Is there a code standard that defines this?
I'm in Oregon, USA, but am looking for a general answer.
This is a VERY misinterpreted section of the code, especially by lay people and home inspectors. Most homeowners and likewise simply think a water heater cannot be near a panel, for what reason I don't know.
Basically, the panel can be anywhere in the 30" width working space. There is no mention of center of the panel or otherwise. Meaning, the panel can be at the extreme side of the 30" space as long as the space is clear for 30".
Here is a clear graphic from ©Mike Holt:
I called an engineer and paid for his evaluation of the wall. It's not load bearing. Realized that I left out some basics about the house.
This house is built on a raised foundation with cripple walls attaching the floor joists to the foundation. The metal post is attached to the fireplace foundation (which is independent of the houses foundation). There is no foundation (just 3 feet of empty air) underneath the wall I want to remove. The header is just oddly sized.
The header does not connect to the beam.
From a sheer wall perspective he was not too concerned, given that the total amount of wall I want to remove is pretty minimal compared to the rest of the house.
Best Answer
No, the wall between the home and garage is designed and built as an interior wall. HOWEVER, it is a fire wall. Your code in Oregon requires 1) fire rated door between the spaces, and 2) fire rated wall "assembly", and 3) insulation.
1) The door needs to be fire rated door and frame, which can be a solid core door and a solid wood frame (not a frame with an applied stop). (See R302.5.)
2) The wall needs one layer of 1/2" gypsum board on the GARAGE side of the wall...other side of wall doesn't matter and 5/8" gypsum board on the ceiling of the garage if habitable rooms are located above the garage. (The building department is worried about a fire starting in the garage, not vise verses. They're protecting the house.) (See Table 302.6.)
3) Insulation is required for the building envelope.
No other Code items are required for this wall, including shear wall, structural wall, etc. HOWEVER, remember that the garage cannot open directly into a sleeping room (bedroom).