Cathedral Ceilings And Sprinkler Systems

bhlent

I am part of a company that primarily sprays closed cell foam but we also hang fibergalass. We are in an area that stays in the sub-freezing temps for extended periods through the winter.

Today, after wrapping up a cathedral ceiling (R-38 glass w/ plastic) we had the sprinkler contractor come in and tell us we had installed our batts incorrectly. After initially chuckling at him I realized that he was serious. He claimed that all of his pipe needs to be exposed/ visible below the batts. He wants us to tear it down and weave it over the top of his system. This is only 14" TJI's and his pipe is 6" down from the lid. By the time I put in 1" baffles, I'll have r-28 bats compressed to 5"!! The inspector came by at this point in time and said "that's the way it's being done around here to keep the wet systems from freezing". I couldn't believe it!

We're going to charge for a change order and have the builder sign off that we're installing it incorrectly under protest, but with the blessings of the building department. Any thoughts?

One more reason for closed cell foam!!

Brian

fireguy

I am lurking here to get information on insulating a job trailer. I saw your post and would like to add some information about your post.

While serviceing fire sprinklers we are seeing more of the insulation, batts and blow-in, placed over the wet sprinkler piping. Plastic is put over the sprinkler piping and stapled to the framing members, then insulation is placed over the sheeting. The warmth comes through the sheet rock ceiling and keeps the piping warm and prevents freezing of the sprinkler pipe. This works, until someone is doing service work and steps onto the plastic sheeting and tears a hole in the sheet. Then the insulation value is lost. Which could be good. The sheet rocker, the painter and of course we then get to fix a frozen pipe.

A better solution is for the insualtion to be placed in the roof. Then the whole attic area is warm, and we do not have to fix broken pipes. Of course, I have no idea what that does to the moisture situation in the attic area.