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Committee Log In
Interpretation #6622
Original Request
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Date:
September 04, 2010
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Requested By:
Barry Greive
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Requester E-Mail:
barry.greive@target.com
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Code Version:
2007
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Code:
BUILDING
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Code Description:
Building
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Chapter:
15
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Section:
1512.25
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Topic:
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Question:
Is it the intent of Chapter 15 to regulate the heights of gas lines on a roof? Section 1522.3.4 states, 1522.3.4 Electrical conduit, mechanical piping or any other service lines running on the roof shall be raised not less than 8 inches (203 mm) above the finished roof surface. Chapter 1 of the 2007 FL Building Code states: 101.4.2 Gas. The provisions of the Florida Building Code, Fuel Gas shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories. The Fuel Gas Code also addresses this item in regards to gas piping: 404.7 Above-ground outdoor piping. All piping installed outdoors shall be elevated not less than 3 1/2 inches (152 mm) above ground and where installed across roof surfaces, shall be elevated not less than 3 1/2 inches (152 mm) above the roof surface. Piping installed above ground, outdoors, and installed across the surface of roofs shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage. Where passing through an outside wall, the piping shall also be protected against corrosion by coating or wrapping with an inert material. Where piping is encased in a protective pipe sleeve, the annular space between the piping and the sleeve shall be sealed. As you can see we have one code stating the lines need to be 8" miminum above the roof and another code stating 3.5" minimum avove the roof. Which code takes precidence in the State of FL, and also in the High Velocity Hurricane Zones, in regards to this item? There are many jurisdictions also requiring every piping support to be connected to the structure through the roof which results in hundreds of roof penetrations and the potential for leaks, if the intent of the code to have all of the supports affixed to the structure of the building.
The answer to the question is "yes."
Section 102.1 establishes that where there is a conflict
between a general requirement and a specific requirement,
the specific requirement shall be applicable. In this case,
both the FBC, Fuel Gas Code and the FBC, Building Code are
specific to the elevation of gas lines on a roof. However,
the FBC, Building requirement to elevate the gas line 8”
above the roof is more restrictive than the 3.5” requirement
contained in the FBC, Fuel Gas Code. Based on the guidance
provided in Section 102.1, the 8” elevation of Section 1522
takes precedence.
The intent behind the height requirement is based on having
sufficient room for future re-roofing, no less than 8".
The concept of attachment of support stands relates to
Section 1612.1.2 of the FBC, Building volume. The method of
attachment must be shown to comply with this section and be
approved, whether mechanical attachment, adhesion or some
other method of securing is used. "1612.1.2 Buildings,
structures and all parts thereof shall be designed and
constructed to be of sufficient strength to support the
estimated or actual imposed dead, live, wind, and any other
loads, both during construction and after completion of the
structure, without exceeding the allowable materials
stresses specified by this code."
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