One client had installed 43 4 ft x 8 ft heat and smoke dampers on the roof. The factory specifications for the smoke dampers had been approved earlier by the city Fire Marshal.

During final inspection the Fire Marshal realized the smoke dampers did not meet the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Fire Code.

Even after several attempts to negotiate an inexpensive solution the dampers had to be replaced at considerable cost to the contractor.

The owner felt the contractor and architect should have been aware of what was required to meet the current code. Tough lesson!