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Rated Balconies-Is Soffit Required?

C

coarchitect123

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Apr 23, 2024
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Colorado
Hi all, I've been racking my brain for a few days and need some help. I'm working on a Type V-A affordable housing development and am trying to avoid a soffit at the underside of the balconies. Can a balcony assembly be rated without a soffit? I am assuming yes, because I see exposed wood joists all over town. However, I can't seem to find an applicable assembly, and doesn't seem appropriate to have an open cavity in a rated assembly. Can someone please explain how this has been done in the past? Thanks in advance.
 
In 2021 IBC it is in 705.2.3.1 Exception 3. It is not required to be rated, unless there is an issue with fire separation distance. In older codes it was in 1406.
 
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