Question about building code and walls in basement...

Posted by BIOSMonkey on January 30, 2006, 9:16 am

I have 9 foot walls in my basement. I intend to put a drop ceiling in
at 7.5-8 feet.

If drywall is stacked vertically at 8feet tall, there will be a gap
above the ceiling between rooms.

Putting sound-proofing etc aside, does anyone know if code allows this
gap, or do all rooms have to be sealed from one another above the
ceiling? I already have a lot of mechanicals (ducts, gas lines etc)
running thru this space so some areas cannot be sealed with drywall.

I am checking with local code, but wanted to get a general idea
first...

Posted by on January 30, 2006, 9:58 am

>I have 9 foot walls in my basement. I intend to put a drop ceiling in
>at 7.5-8 feet.
>If drywall is stacked vertically at 8feet tall, there will be a gap
>above the ceiling between rooms.
>Putting sound-proofing etc aside, does anyone know if code allows this
>gap, or do all rooms have to be sealed from one another above the
>ceiling? I already have a lot of mechanicals (ducts, gas lines etc)
>running thru this space so some areas cannot be sealed with drywall.
>I am checking with local code, but wanted to get a general idea
>first...

What code? If you mean local codes, I think you need to tell us where
the house is.

Posted by Craig on January 30, 2006, 10:19 am

<mad hatter®> wrote...

>>I have 9 foot walls in my basement. I intend to put a drop ceiling in
>>at 7.5-8 feet.
>>If drywall is stacked vertically at 8feet tall, there will be a gap
>>above the ceiling between rooms.
>>Putting sound-proofing etc aside, does anyone know if code allows this
>>gap, or do all rooms have to be sealed from one another above the
>>ceiling? I already have a lot of mechanicals (ducts, gas lines etc)
>>running thru this space so some areas cannot be sealed with drywall.
>>I am checking with local code, but wanted to get a general idea
>>first...

> What code? If you mean local codes, I think you need to tell us where
> the house is.

One problem that I imagine you'll have is with electrical items. It sounds
like you plan to put a ceiling in the basement. I believe that no junction
boxes are allowed in the area above a dropped ceiling. Except for runs of
wire, any box or splice, etc. must not be covered. As mad hatter wrote, you
need to check your local county or city codes for correct info.

Craig

Posted by BIOSMonkey on January 30, 2006, 11:19 am

Junction boxes can't be placed where they can't be accessed, ie sealed
inside a smooth ceiling or inside a dropped ceiling that is
sheetrocked. I will be using acoustic tiles.

> One problem that I imagine you'll have is with electrical items. It sounds
>like you plan to put a ceiling in the basement. I believe that no junction
>boxes are allowed in the area above a dropped ceiling. Except for runs of
>wire, any box or splice, etc. must not be covered. As mad hatter wrote, you
>need to check your local county or city codes for correct info.
>Craig

Posted by BIOSMonkey on January 30, 2006, 11:20 am

OK, Gwinnett County, GA.

>What code? If you mean local codes, I think you need to tell us where
>the house is.

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