The Code Corner - Openings Part I

by: Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP ÏThe act or an instance of becoming open or being made to open. ÏAn open space serving as a passage or gap. ÏAn unfilled job or position; a vacancy. ÏA breach or aperture.¹ The word Ïopening has many meanings, as indicated above. However, with its many specific code-related definitions, it is surprising that theInternational Building Code(IBC)²does not provide its own definition of Ïopening. So, in the absence of a code-specific definition, the latter definition from the above list is very apt when referring to doors, windows, and other Ïbreaches in fire-resistance-rated assemblies. Fire-resistance-rated assemblies (i.e.fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, and horizontal assemblies) have been tested to restrict the spread of fire; but openings, such as doors and windows, located in these assemblies, introduce points of weakness. Therefore, openings in a fire-resistance-rated assembly must afford some protection to maintain a minimum level of fire resistance throughout the extent of the assembly. The IBC establishes requirements for openings in Chapter 7 in three locations. The first location is Section 705.8 for openings in exterior walls; the second location is Section 712.8 for floor doors in horizontal assemblies; and finally, the third location is Section 715, which is titled ÏOpening ProtectivesÓthe primary location for opening requirements. Read more...