CSST & Shingle Staples ... too darn close !!

[Nolan Kienitz]

While tracing down the CSST runs from the manifold in the attic at today's inspection I was presented with a 'shingle-staple' that could have been a serious headache for the CSST line.

Always need to check the transitions from general open attic to where the CSST will take a dive down an exterior wall to the meter or patio BBQ valve. Usually will always find CSST too close to decking, nails, staples ... and minimal protection plates or obvious routing 'away' from the pointed objects.

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[Jim Katen]

While tracing down the CSST runs from the manifold in the attic at today's inspection I was presented with a 'shingle-staple' that could have been a serious headache for the CSST line.

Always need to check the transitions from general open attic to where the CSST will take a dive down an exterior wall to the meter or patio BBQ valve. Usually will always find CSST too close to decking, nails, staples ... and minimal protection plates or obvious routing 'away' from the pointed objects.

Hi Nolan,

A year or two ago, there was a big dustup somewhere in TX when an entire subdivision had the CSST running just beneath the roof sheathing in its houses. In at least one case a roofing staple punctured the line and caused a fuss. The media latched on to the story and the builder took a pretty good drubbing.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Nolan Kienitz]

Hi Nolan,

A year or two ago, there was a big dustup somewhere in TX when an entire subdivision had the CSST running just beneath the roof sheathing in its houses. In at least one case a roofing staple punctured the line and caused a fuss. The media latched on to the story and the builder took a pretty good drubbing.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

Jim,

Yep ... Mansfield, TX ... just a tad South of the DFW Mid-Cities area. Several re-roofs due to hail and the staples hit the CSST lines. Homeowners (in some cases) were out of town when the work was being done and when they came home and opened the doors ... well you can imagine the situation.

Thank goodness no one was hurt.

I was asked to do EW work this past winter on a CSST installation where a homeowner (he was an attorney himself - patent attorney) was filing against the builder, roofer, plumber, etc.. I was not able to take on the job due to timing, busy calendar, etc.. Referred him to a very good EW inspector in our market and it is in process.

Fundamentally they are 'common sense' issues (or more the lack of same) or builders, tradesmen who simply don't read the installation instructions.