Metal studs for building a chase through living space

[VCBurner]

Erick, yes, metal studs would be better in my eyes. I'm a union carpenter who works with metal studs on a daily bases. I wouldn't skip the top and bottom plates (called track in metal framing.) If I understand correctly you can just notch the top and bottom track around the area in question with your metal snips. I know you said you need the back of the drywall to be right @ 2", but I would just leave 1/2 inch on the notched portion of the "track". Notching a moon shape in the top and bottom track. This would make them 1 1/2" away from the pipe which is not going to be a problem!

BTW, metal studs usually come in 1 5/8", 2 1/2" and 3 5/8". What you should use is 3 5/8 as the others tend to deflect more. You should not have a problem building this chase. Good luck!

 

[Willman]

You could also use cement board for sheathing for a truly non combustible assembly. Just mud the board for smoothness. Gotta use different materials than bucket mud though. I would get an electrician in for a looksee. Don't want the insurance company finding a reason to deny a claim.
Will

 

[Renovation]

I don't understand why you want to hang on the literal wording "CTC".

Because codes and manufacturer's installation specifications are literal, and I'm being a pain in the butt. Apologies We've both made our points, and folks--OP included--should use their own judgment.

Meanwhile, it looks like Chris is on-track. Good luck Eric!

 

[ericj]

Erick, yes, metal studs would be better in my eyes. I'm a union carpenter who works with metal studs on a daily bases. I wouldn't skip the top and bottom plates (called track in metal framing.) If I understand correctly you can just notch the top and bottom track around the area in question with your metal snips. I know you said you need the back of the drywall to be right @ 2", but I would just leave 1/2 inch on the notched portion of the "track". Notching a moon shape in the top and bottom track. This would make them 1 1/2" away from the pipe which is not going to be a problem!

BTW, metal studs usually come in 1 5/8", 2 1/2" and 3 5/8". What you should use is 3 5/8 as the others tend to deflect more. You should not have a problem building this chase. Good luck!

Thanks for your suggestions. I like the idea of notching the metal track keeping things as far as possible from the chimney, while also supporting the drywall at the top and bottom. I doubt the metal 1.5 inches from the chimney will be a problem. Especially since the chimney manufacturer seems to not think it so vitally important that non-combustibles are in the 2 inch clearance - shown by the ambiguity in the instructions. If it were critically important, it would be more clear. And if there is a problem, the inspector will catch it. In fact, I'll ask him when he comes, to be safe. If it's a problem, then I can notch the track more just leaving the vertical bit of metal. Thanks for your help everyone on this project.

 

[ericj]

Erick, yes, metal studs would be better in my eyes. I'm a union carpenter who works with metal studs on a daily bases. I wouldn't skip the top and bottom plates (called track in metal framing.) If I understand correctly you can just notch the top and bottom track around the area in question with your metal snips. I know you said you need the back of the drywall to be right @ 2", but I would just leave 1/2 inch on the notched portion of the "track". Notching a moon shape in the top and bottom track. This would make them 1 1/2" away from the pipe which is not going to be a problem!

BTW, metal studs usually come in 1 5/8", 2 1/2" and 3 5/8". What you should use is 3 5/8 as the others tend to deflect more. You should not have a problem building this chase. Good luck!

Thanks for your suggestions. I like the idea of notching the metal track keeping things as far as possible from the chimney, while also supporting the drywall at the top and bottom. I doubt the metal 1.5 inches from the chimney will be a problem. Especially since the chimney manufacturer seems to not think it so vitally important that non-combustibles are in the 2 inch clearance - shown by the ambiguity in the instructions. If it were critically important, it would be more clear. And if there is a problem, the inspector will catch it. In fact, I'll ask him when he comes, to be safe. If it's a problem, then I can notch the track more just leaving the vertical bit of metal. Thanks for your help everyone on this project.

 

[VCBurner]

Glad I could help! Good luck and send us some pics when you're done!