Existing building code essentials: Exterior wall opening protectives

The 2018 Code Essentials series are available as valuable companions to the 2018 International Building, Residential, Fire, Energy Conservation, Existing Building and Plumbing Codes. Aimed at all user levels — including first-time users, veteran code users and other professionals such as architects, designers and contractors — these guides use a straight-forward, focused approach to explore code requirements with non-code language, allowing readers to gain confidence in their understanding of the material and build a solid foundation for learning and applying the code’s requirements.

2018 Existing Building Code Essentials

Openings in exterior walls must be protected as required by International Building Code (IBC) Section 705.8 when there is a Change in Occupancy classification to a higher hazard based on International Existing Building Code (IEBC) Table 1011.6. When openings are required to be protected because of their fire separation distance, the sum of the opening areas must not exceed 50 percent of the respective wall area on a per story basis.

There are four exceptions to the requirement for rated opening protectives in fire-resistance-rated exterior walls as follows:

• Where IBC Table 705.8 allows openings in excess of 50 percent. In this instance, the percentage of protected openings is allowed to match the percentage permitted by the IBC for new construction,
• In residential buildings that are three stories or less in height and are located 3 feet (0.91 m) or more from a lot line,
• In buildings protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system complying with NFPA 13 or
• When the Change of Occupancy classification is to an equal or lower hazard classification per IEBC Table 1011.6.

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