exposing floor joists in a ceiling--can it ever be to code?

The building code requires that dwelling units are separated from each other by fire rated walls and ceilings.
If the garden level is a separate unit (which I believe it is) then you need a fire rated ceiling to inhibit the spread of fire between units and you cannot legally expose the ceiling structure.
If the ceiling is between two levels of the same unit then you are free to do what you like.

MDR

in General Discussion 7 years and 5 months ago

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workisfun | 7 years and 5 months ago

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We installed level cleats, put up Roxul, and installed the B-side of 1/4 luan ply in most rooms, and painted 3/4 ply in the kids room. We love it and have gained about 6″. It’s the lower level of our duplex. And the low profile ul LEDs are perfect [IMG_3504](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:aLJY:img_3504.jpg.jpg) [IMG_3507](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:cefS:img_3507.jpg.jpg) [IMG_3508](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:kUEp:img_3508.jpg.jpg)

randymcnally | 7 years and 5 months ago

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We just created a triplex over a garden rental (formerly duplexed) in old house from 1830’s. We considered keeping exposed beams in the garden level to make the ceiling feel a little higher and give it a look, but ended up fully sheetrocking it over because of sound issues between the apartments. We felt the extra insulation and full sheetrocking would help seal it off so-to speak. Also the costs were a lot more to try and sheetrock in between and hide with plumbing/wiring. There seemed to be no issues with code. Since the garden will eventually be a rental we felt it was the best move and also helped light carry through the apartment a bit more.

Guest User | 7 years and 5 months ago

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I would recommend speaking with an expediter directly. They tend to know codes in and out. I use Code LLC who are excellent. They typically need the address and, in your case, how the property is and will be laid out (among other things).

Not sure how receptive they will be to speaking directly with a client who hasn’t signed a contract with them but they are lovely and it’s worth a try.

BKALLDAY | 7 years and 5 months ago

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It’s a look and I have seen it represented on this same site and on other sites. However I believe that it is associated with a gut reno. The problem with older home is in many ways they do not meet the current code standards (ie, space between joists, load bearing capacity and don’t even get me started with trying to light up such a “dis assemble”). Also if a fire broke out it would tear through your home like a Downy Drier Sheet over an open flame. I have had to live through a simple reno where they opened up the ceilings and we had to live through the wait for the material to come in to insulate and redo the sheetrock. It was like living in Armageddon because one 135 years of fine silty dust rained down on us like you would not believe. SO. If it is what you want I am sure you can get it using modified material totally to code but IMO not worth the time or the hassle or the look. But do what makes you happy and be safe.

catboot | 7 years and 5 months ago

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Not a fan of the look (after all it’s a brownstone, not a barn). Aesthetics aside, I would imagine this has implications like others mentioned (sound insulation, fire insulation and so on).

beneec | 7 years and 5 months ago

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You can have exposed beams fire rated. A neighbor on our block did it. I *think* they got the rating by applying fire rated paint. I recommend talking to an expediter.

randolph | 7 years and 5 months ago

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put up a cheap drop ceiling, pass inspection, then take it down and do whatever you want.

eman134 | 7 years and 5 months ago

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personally,I love my beamed ceilings on my garden floor [IMG_2740](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:5Rha:img_2740.jpg.jpg)