No wall cavity

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JoeNorm

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WA
Friend of mine bought an old house that was framed in solid 4x8 timbers stood up lengthwise(yes, weird).

He plans to add rigid foam(2") to the exterior(no insulation currently) and it's gutted now so all the wiring will be redone.

Is there any code stopping him from stapling Romex to the exterior of the building(or routing shallow channels) and then applying the foam and siding over it?

It certainly would be susceptible to nail damage but he'd just have to be careful while installing siding.
 
What is the finish siding or sheathing currently?
State code rules prohibit installing NM cable before the final sheathing/siding is installed.
 
JoeNorm said:
Friend of mine bought an old house that was framed in solid 4x8 timbers stood up lengthwise(yes, weird).

He plans to add rigid foam(2") to the exterior(no insulation currently) and it's gutted now so all the wiring will be redone.

Is there any code stopping him from stapling Romex to the exterior of the building(or routing shallow channels) and then applying the foam and siding over it?

It certainly would be susceptible to nail damage but he'd just have to be careful while installing siding.
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I think that is a French design. The French built log cabins that way. The logs were vertical, instead of horizontal. There is still some standing in eastern Missouri, I believe.
 
In my opinion, 300.4(F) would apply and you would need continuous nail plate protection for the NM.
 
You should consider furring things either inside or outside with 2x2's. Then nail the siding or drywall to that (I'd favor furring the inside to allow easier changes in the future). How are water pipes going to be handled -- exposed on the inside wall? A furred cavity will allow you to hide all of these things, you'll have a solid wood surface to nail to and can maintain 1.25" from the furring strips. 4" square boxes with mud rings would be your friend. Drain and waste pipes would need something thicker than 1.5" if you want to hide those behind the wall, or route them to make sure they are only going up hollow interior walls.
 
Perhaps EMT might be considered. More costly for material and labor, but fewer code and safety issues. Probably my Chicago area bias coming through. :)

Also, it should be easier to add circuits later especially with that non-standard construction.
 
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