New Building Code?

[rddrappo]

I was talking to a friend who works for the city here, and he tells me our new building inspector is changing some things in the building code, including banning the use of greenboard as a tile substrate. I don't set over greenboard, but I was wondering if anyone else has heard of this in their area. I don't have a current copy of the UBC, so I'm not sure if it's in there or not. Heck, I wasn't even aware that inspectors had the power to change such things.

[kevjob]

IRC 2006 greenboard shall not be used in wet areas including showers. Here in Colorado the citys can add more stringent codes if they want, this a national code now.

[cx]

Robert, I suspect your municipality or compliance jurisdiction is just now getting around to adopting the more recent national code. It's not unusual for them to be years or even decades behind the actual code changes.

As Kevin points out, that code change has been in effect for years now.

[kevjob]

Well funny you should mention that CX Denver just adopted 2006 last year in August 08

[rddrappo]

CX,

I've been told that California is trying to get in line with the UBC, but wasn't aware local codes could be more strict. I've seen differences from town to town, but usually minor things. This one isn't just wet areas. No tile over greenboard period. I'm assuming this means no backsplashes over drywall, which I try to avoid anyway, but I've rarely seen problems with. I'm glad for this change, but it leaves no room for things like the Schluter stuff that can go on greenboard. I've never used it, but may want to some day.

[Chad Deiter Company]

I'm not sure that would change much of anything. I think they are referring to direct tile to drywall. Which I guess for backslashes would matter. But for floated and Kerdi showers there will be something else in between the tile and the drywall that is UBC approved.

[e3]

here we go again..

[Chad Deiter Company]

What do you mean by that ? E3

[pitterpat]

Why would you want to use Greenboard under Kerdi anyway? It is heavier and costs more and you don't need it, you just need regular drywall.

[e3]

The code does not say "no gypsum board unless its covered "
the code,ansi standards and the tile council ,all say no gypsum board in wet areas PERIOD.
none of them say its OK if covered with a ANSI 118.10 membrane.

[Crestone Tile]

So all mud showers need to be scratched with paper and lath over open studs (which is what I do anyway) rather than one coat?

[Chad Deiter Company]

No way I always drywall before I float anyway , I don't like to scratch coat showers.

[Crestone Tile]

Chad ... I'm not arguing against the one coat ... the only reason I scratch is that the type of people I build for want the installation to be as flush as possible to the surrounding walls.

I just don't see a difference in allowing drywall behind mud/moisture barrier or load bearing membrane.

[kevjob]

When I have inspections on my showers I use easyboard so I don't have to explain that drywall is acceptable by schluter, I send them all the testing and literature ahead of time usually when I pull the permit, but I still use easyboard.

[Chad Deiter Company]

No neither am I . It's been done both ways for years. Speaking of flush the kerdi on top of the drywalls gets you flush with the existing walls.

I'm not arguing the point either just curious as to why it would be changed to no drywall behind in wet areas. Jus want to know the idea behind it.

If we start having to float a shower then install the Kerdi. No one will pay for it. I love the system and think it is a step into the future of how water-proofing is done in a shower.