All - talk me off the ledge, I have overanalyzed the requirement of dry sidewalls on porches and now I can't sleep until I get this answered:
Initial design of an apartment complex (3 story) called for an NFPA 13 (2019 edition) fire sprinkler system. The apartment complex will be covered in a cementitious siding and trim (non-combustible). Under NFPA 13 Section 8.15.7.2, sprinklers may be omitted from porches constructed with non-combustible or limited combustible materials in accordance with NFPA 703's requirements concerning non- and limited-combustible materials. The cementitious lap siding and trim exceeds the non-combustible requirements of NFPA 703. The plot thickens - the apartment design was changed to incorporate an NFPA 13R (2019 edition) fire sprinkler system instead of NFPA 13. Under NFPA 13R Section 6.6.5.1 Where a roof or deck is provide above, sprinklers shall be installed to protect attached exterior balconies, attached exterior decks, and ground floor patios serving dwelling units in buildings of Construction Type V. The building construction Type is V-B but the porches are constructed of non-combustible materials - and this configuration/condition is not addressed in NFPA 13R. NFPA 13R Section 6.6.8 "All situations regarding sprinkler location and position that are not directly discussed in NFPA 13R shall be in accordance with NFPA 13. NFPA 13R does not address exterior porches constructed of non-combustible materials - since this situation is not addressed directly in NFPA 13R it is addressed in NFPA 13 which is detailed above (NFPA 13 Section 8.15.7.2). So based on the above - are sprinklers required on non-combustible porches in NFPA 13R systems? In addition, if sprinklers are required on non-combustible porches in an NFPA 13R system, why would NFPA 13 allow them to be excluded - as NFPA 13 should be the more "conservative" standard? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 Comments
Brett
6/28/2024 06:31:40 am
13R doesn't delve into combustible vs noncombustible finishes in this case. If it's type V construction, then the patios get sprinklered. Additionally, if the IBC applies, see section 903.3.1.2.1 which mandates the same requirement and gives some additional requirements regarding the placement of the sidewall sprinkler deflectors.
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Greg
6/28/2024 08:38:13 am
VB or not to VB, pondering the role of sprinklers in wood construction...I'm observing a great deal of VB construction in my area, where four and five stories are being built atop a commercial ground floor level. The stories that are VB are seemingly completely reliant on sprinkler performance within the interior spaces. I suppose there is draft block but alas, more wood. My sentiment is this, sprinklers can control and, in some instances, extinguish but is there too much faith in the successful initiation and water flow for the building's lifespan. To the question posed, I believe sprinklers are beneficial for patios and balconies, but does VB fall short in the situations where builders are achieving new heights?
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Todd E Wyatt
6/28/2024 08:38:58 am
The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) identifies WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required based on the Occupancy Classification(s) (OC) assigned to the building.
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Todd E Wyatt
6/28/2024 08:46:35 am
I missed the reference to "apartment" so the OC would be Group R-2 :
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Todd E Wyatt
6/28/2024 08:51:56 am
Here’s “705.2.3.1” as referenced by 903.3.1.2.1 :
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Pete H
6/28/2024 09:10:21 am
Unfortunately I'm in the camp of "13R doesn't address the change of construction of the noncombustible porch, just the building construction." so I'd just put the dryflex sidewalls in and charge the client an extra for changing the construction type from 13 to 13R.
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Jack G
6/28/2024 09:14:34 am
Agree on the most part however
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Jesse
6/28/2024 10:46:27 am
13R doesn't have the non-combustible verbiage that 13 does. Since the building is Type V, looks like you need to protect the porches.
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Jon Nisja
6/28/2024 09:50:43 pm
Remember that in Type V construction, the porches, decks and balconies are often supported or cantilevered from the floor assembly. If the building has an NFPA 13R sprinkler system, this could mean that the deck or balcony (or porch, as mentioned in the original post) is being supported by structural members with no fire protection since NFPA 13R has no requirement for interstitial or concealed space protection. This may be the reason for differing requirements and exemptions between NFPA 13 and 13R.
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Patrick Nelligan
7/1/2024 09:51:24 am
OP, the one section in NFPA 13, 2016, that several AHJs have negated the previous sections of 8.15.7 in residential construction is 8.15.7.5 Sprinklers shall be installed under exterior projections greater than 2 ft (600 mm) wide over areas where combustibles are stored. (I.E., Barbeques) They always ask if there is the potential of a BBQ. If yes, then you shall sprinkler the balconies. Do not know if that helps, just relaying experience I have had with several west coast AHJs.
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