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Condo firewall

patchitect

Registered User
Joined
Aug 9, 2021
Messages
3
Location
Connecticut
IBC 2015, Type VB construction, un-sprinklered.

I'm rebuilding 4 condo units in a larger 1977 development that were lost to fire, and building to current Code. The units adjoin an existing building such that the gable ends overlap. According to Code, I believe this requires a 2 hour firewall, but I'm unsure how to address the roof condition. Do I require a parapet 30" above the roof, or can I terminate under the roof deck with Fire resistive roof construction 10 feet out from the adjoining walls?

Photo for reference: The building to be removed is the Boarded up one, and the building to remain is at right angles. The gable ends overlap,

i-G4wWvRN.jpg
 
Welcome from CT!

706.6 Vertical continuity. Fire walls shall extend from the
foundation to a termination point not less than 30 inches (762
mm) above both adjacent roofs.
Exceptions:
1. Stepped buildings in accordance with Section
706.6.1.
2. Two-hour fire-resistance-rated walls shall be permitted
to terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing,
deck or slab, provided:
2.1. The lower roof assembly within 4 feet
(1220 mm) of the wall has not less than a
1-hour fire-resistance rating and the entire
length and span of supporting elements for
the rated roof assembly has a fire-resistance
rating of not less than 1 hour.
2.2. Openings in the roof shall not be located
within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall.
2.3. Each building shall be provided with not
less than a Class B roof covering.
3. Walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside
of noncombustible roof sheathing, deck or slabs
where both buildings are provided with not less than
a Class B roof covering. Openings in the roof shall
not be located within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire
wall.
4. In buildings of Type III, IV and V construction,
walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside
of combustible roof sheathing or decks, provided:
4.1. There are no openings in the roof within 4
feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall,
4.2. The roof is covered with a minimum Class
B roof covering, and
4.3. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed
of fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance
of 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of
the wall or the roof is protected with 5/8-
inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board
directly beneath the underside of the roof
sheathing or deck, supported by not less
than 2-inch (51 mm) nominal ledgers
attached to the sides of the roof framing
members for a distance of not less than 4
feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire
wall.

5. In buildings designed in accordance with Section
510.2, fire walls located above the 3-hour horizontal
assembly required by Section 510.2, Item 1 shall be
permitted to extend from the top of this horizontal
assembly.
6. Buildings with sloped roofs in accordance with Section
706.6.2.
 
Welcome from CT!

4. In buildings of Type III, IV and V construction,
walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside
of combustible roof sheathing or decks, provided:
4.1. There are no openings in the roof within 4
feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall,
4.2. The roof is covered with a minimum Class
B roof covering, and
4.3. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed
of fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance
of 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of
the wall or the roof is protected with 5/8-
inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board
directly beneath the underside of the roof
sheathing or deck, supported by not less
than 2-inch (51 mm) nominal ledgers
attached to the sides of the roof framing
members for a distance of not less than 4
feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire
wall.
Oh goodness... I really need to keep reading sometimes. I stopped short of that section!

Thank you!!
 
I see it's been a while, but I hope you still need some advice. Based on my understanding, a 2-hour fire-rated separation is typically required for buildings with a common wall. Regarding the roof condition, it would be great to consult with a licensed architect or engineer knowledgeable about local building codes and regulations. I even suggest advising ith professional when buying a property, as I did when I was buying a condo in pine grove. I hope this information helps, and good luck with your rebuilding project!
 
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