Any options to meet fire rated wall for a screened porch
housenut1
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
We are planning a screened porch in Chicago 15W x 10D. The set back requirements of the city for the fire rating is a six foot set back. We can live with this but if we were able to move ~three feet closer to the lot line, it would be ideal. The architect (city requires one) states, that the only way to get this variance is to have a fire rated wall on one of the ten foot sides. Does anyone have any ideas how we can maintain the openess of a screened porch on this side and still meet this code?
Replies
Talk to the Bldg Dept. There will be somebody there who, ultimately, must accept any design you propose anyway.
Not that they will design it for you, but they should tell you what your options are.
Or perhaps build the entire porch out of fireproof material. Kinda the Chicago fire-escape look.
Thanks for the tip.
Mike
Wired glass in a metal frame MIGHT work. Or maybe you could work out something with fire shutters or a roll-up fire door.
Hello Dan:
Interesting ideas as usual and I appreciate them. I may bite the bullet and have that side with the "wall", It will give us permanent privacy on that side too. My wife wanted some roll up type shade anyway on that side because the old guy next store is strange. The other option I thought about is to build it and after the city signs off on it I would rip it out.
Mike
I'm wondering why you are asking us if you already have an architect that is assisting. He should have all your answers and it would be for the local jurisdiction ... we would provide nothing but conjecture.
The one guys suggestion, though is the same as mine ... wire laminated glass, but then it isn't a 'screened porch' as much.
If you are willing to live w/ the limit and that does meet your basic needs, I'd keep it simple and not expand your project unecessarily.
But use your architect ... he should have concept solutions in his back pocket.
Personally, I think you are SOL unless you want to build something entirely out of metal.
A little side note is that a 15'x10' screened porch really won't fit a full sized table and chairs comfortably. It would be fine if you aren't planning on putting a regular eating table out there... If you want the table make it 12'x12' or 15'x12' - or plan on buying a smaller than normal table.
Fire Rated Wall
If the city requires a fire rated wall what rating do the require: 1hr, 1 1/2hr, 2hr? You can built with all fire rated materials but that does not give the wall a rating. The construction method must have been tested and proven will hold fire back for a given amount of time. We build alot of fire rated partitions and it is the materials all assembled a certain way that gives the rating. If your dead set on the extra space what about a dry sprinkler system? Would that be acceptable? If it acts as a party wall, then does the wall have to extend above the roof to prevet the spread of fire? I would ask the inspector and the architect to meet you on site and discuss what is expected by the city and what your options are from your architect.