Attic addition & Fire proofing house

wicklah

Hi all,

I was speaking briefly with an architect recently. I was thinking about putting an extension on the side of my house and wanted to include using the attic space in the new part (therefore a cut roof). Existing attic is trussed so no point is going near it.

No, the architect said that if I go up into the attic in the new part, basically the whole house has to be fire proofed (as such), as in, fireproof doors throughout (not sure what else).

My question is this, if someone is just converting their attic in their regular house, do they have to do that aswell????

Thanks

Mellor

wicklah wrote:

Hi all,

I was speaking briefly with an architect recently. I was thinking about putting an extension on the side of my house and wanted to include using the attic space in the new part (therefore a cut roof). Existing attic is trussed so no point is going near it.

No, the architect said that if I go up into the attic in the new part, basically the whole house has to be fire proofed (as such), as in, fireproof doors throughout (not sure what else).
Not the whole house, just the exit route from the second floor (attic). Fire rated doors and walls in landing etc. This isn't a big deal, especially as it will be built new.

My question is this, if someone is just converting their attic in their regular house, do they have to do that aswell????
Yes, from a point of view of the regulations they have to do it. Alot of people overlook this.

Thanks

Hope this helps

wicklah

Great stuff Mellor, many thanks.

ircoha

Just to add to what Mellor said: the FP doors need to be self closing, which can be a bit of a PIA. The Robwall development in Malahide has loads of 3 story stuff with FP doors throughout: hugh market for door wedges:)

Most of the 'attic conversions' u and Mellor refer to are not usually used for sleeping in, just play/games/etc rooms.

Given that they dont comply with the regs, they dont get included in the sales spec if the house is being sold.

If going the FP route, and putting in a velux, it may need to be a fire exit one, c/w rope ladder:eek:

wicklah

Hey irocha

Thanks for the reply. I am thinking of using it as the office/study but also have the facility to use as a bedroom (for resale) so I will comply with whatever fire regulations are required. The hope is to put 4 velux's up there so I could definitely go down the rope ladder route.

The plan is to use the gable window at the top of our existing stairs. Increase the size of that as the entrance into the upstairs part of the extension, so the stairs up to the new attic space will start there. So, from what I have read so far, it is only from that point that has to be fireproofed, all plasterboard in the room below it (our master with ensuite & walk in wardrobe OH YEAH, whole floor), wood for stairs, doors and obviously a wired smoke detection system.

Mellor

You will have to some fireproofing to existing areas. It has to fireproofed from the attic along your exit route to the outside of the building.
Its all in part B of the building regs, www.environ.ie

wicklah

Thanks Mellor, have printed off the leafet (doesn't consitute all the regs) but gives a fairly good idea of what would have to be done.

Cheers

wicklah

Turns out I only have 2.14mtrs height in my attic, building regs are 2.45mtrs so that sorts out that problem :rolleyes:

Thanks for the answers though.

Mellor

wicklah wrote:

Turns out I only have 2.14mtrs height in my attic, building regs are 2.40 mtrs so that sorts out that problem :rolleyes:

Thanks for the answers though.

Minor issue, but don't want to be sending out false information
2.4 metres general height