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August 4, 2009
Basement Ceiling
We bought about a year ago and are gradually doing all of the "must do" projects. One of those is to sister a few joists in the basement that were not properly repaired following some old termite damage. To save some money, I am taking down the basement ceiling (drywall) myself, to make sure we know the scope of the job before we hire a contractor to do the job.
Question: Above the oil furnace/boiler, instead of drywall, there are several pieces of rusty painted sheet metal covering the joists. Can I safely remove the metal too, or is there a reason that I should leave it there? I don't know the condition of the joists above it, but there is some damage nearby, so if the metal is not serving a purpose, I would like to remove it.
Thank you. Contractor recommendations are welcome as well.
Comments
I used to have sheet metal above my oil tank. The tank is long gone but not the metal. This nust have been put up for a fire and heat protection.
I don't know whether it is a code requirement, but it sounds as if it is in crap condition. So if you want to see the condition of the beams beheind and do any repairs then it has to be ripped out.
You could install new the steel plates after the repairs are done.
Posted by: oldtimer at August 4, 2009 10:11 AM
seems fine to remove - but after work should not leave exposed joists or any wood . Needs to be covered with some material to slow any fire. Exactly how thick I don't know.
Posted by: Petebklyn at August 4, 2009 10:20 AM
Fire shield. By code for 3+ units I believe, but a very good idea for everyone. I'd replace it if you take it down.
Posted by: cmu at August 4, 2009 10:21 AM
When we were buying and going through the inspection process I noticed that the only place there was drywall up in the cellar was over the mechanicals area. I asked the inspector if they could be concealing damage? He said no, it's for fire protection, code requires that it be done (I'm in NJ not NYC so I'm guessing my codes may vary slightly). Even if it's not required it's certainly not a bad thing to have. I'd replace it if you intend to remove it.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at August 4, 2009 10:32 AM
Architect here. Yes, you need to keep some sort of fire rating above the boiler/furnace. Usually a layer of 1/2" type-x fire rated gypsum board will do the trick. If you're putting up a drywall ceiling throughout, then use the rated stuff overall and you'll be fine.
Posted by: JimHill at August 4, 2009 10:49 AM
Check the floor above to see if there is a return air grille. Many times people gerry rigged a makeshift return air plenum between joists with a piece of sheet metal.
Regarding fire rating sheet metal is virtually useless. You must use Type-X sheetrock for any kind of rating.
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Posted by: RockyMeet007 at August 7, 2009 3:47 PM
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