Collier County Fire Prevention and Protection Code POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

ARTICLE NUMBER:  FWL01-01

EFFECTIVE DATE:  June 1, 2001

SUBJECT:  Head-of-Wall Details for Rated Assemblies without Rated Head-of Wall Requirements

OBJECTIVE:  To provide a consistent method for addressing Head-of-Wall assemblies where rated walls join non-rated roof decks to provide a smoke tight seal.  Also where dissimilar rated wall types join one another.

BACKGROUND:

When a fire rated assembly needs to be joined to a non-rated roof deck, there is no UL or US Gypsum recognized assemblies to address this application.  Without a system to follow, it has been left to the authority having jurisdiction to determine a suitable method to accomplish this task. 

It has also been determined that even though most joints between non-rated roof deck and the rated assemblies are static joints, there still may be a degree of movement.

Taking into account the fact that tape and mud at the head-of-wall after only a few days has been seen to fall out of place, thus not providing a reliable seal. 

POLICY/ PROCEDURE:

The intent of this policy is to establish a consistent way in which non-rated Head-of-Wall assemblies will be installed where they join rated assemblies. 

Where a fire rated assembly joins a non-rated roof deck, a bead of rated elastomeric fire caulk shall be applied (see attached drawing for detail).  The gap between the roof and wall shall not exceed ¼ inch in width and elatomeric caulk should be sandwiched between the roof and wallboard.

When a rated wall is joined to a corrugated roof deck, there are two approved options (see attached drawing for examples).

Type of rated elastomeric caulk for this use shall be stated on the approved set of plans.

Where a rated wall assembly meets a rated roof/ceiling assembly, the Architect/Engineer of record shall provide a detail of a UL, US Gypsum, or other approved method of head-of-wall assembly.

CODE REFERENCES:

NFPA 101:8-2.2.2, FBC 704.2.1.3, 703.7

ATTACHMENTS:

Head-of-Wall Detail drawing.

DISTRIBUTION: Big Corkscrew Island Fire District; East Naples Fire District; Golden Gate Fire District; Immokalee Fire District; Isle of Capri Fire District; North Naples Fire District; Ochopee Fire District; City of Marco Island Fire Department; Building Director, Collier County Community Development; Chief Inspectors, Collier County Community Development; Collier County Community Development Records; Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA); Subscribers

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