October 21, 1998
BCAB #1472
Re: 1. Protection of Insulation, Article 9.25.4.7
2. Water Pipe Size, Table 6.3.C., B.C. Plumbing Code
Project Description
The project in question is a 26 foot by 52 foot factory-built house installed on a site built basement. The basement is approximately half below grade concrete and the remaining above-grade portion is wood frame. Half inch water supply piping is provided from fixtures within the factory-built portion of the house.
Reason for Appeal
- Article 9.25.4.7. requires that insulation located in areas where it "... may be subject to mechanical damage shall be protected by a covering such as gypsum board, plywood, particleboard, waferboard, strandboard or hardboard."
- Sentences 6.3.4.(3) and (4) of the B.C. Plumbing Code requires water service and distribution piping to be sized in accordance with Table 6.3.C.
Appellant's Position
- The appellant contends the vapour barrier is adequate protection for the insulation and additional finishing should not be required in the basement.
- Water distribution piping provided by the manufacturer of the CSA certified portion of the house was1/2". Changing these water lines to 3/4" would be very costly.
Building Official's Position
- The building official maintains that Article 9.25.4.7. requires a rigid panel material to protect the insulation. The polyethylene vapour barrier is not adequate.
- The building official maintains that only the distribution piping installed after the manufactured home was placed on the basement needs to be 3/4". There are 26.5 fixture units in the manufactured home and 6 fixture units for a rough-in bath in the site-built basement. This many fixture units must be supplied by 3/4" distribution pipe.
Appeal Board Decision #1472
- It is the determination of the Board that the insulation must be protected from mechanical damage as specified in Article 9.25.4.7. The polyethylene vapour barrier is not acceptable protection.
- It is the determination of the Board that the water distribution piping installed on site must comply with the sizing requirements of the B.C. Plumbing Code. The Board understands there is not a dispute regarding the water pipe installed in the factory by the home manufacturer.
George R. Humphrey, Chair