718.2.6.1 Exterior wall coverings containing plastics, metal composite materials (MCM) or high-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminates (HPL) panels.

Exterior wall coverings containing plastics complying with Chapter 26, metal composite materials (MCM) or high-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminates (HPL), shall be fireblocked.

718.2.6.1.1 Locations.

Noncombustible fireblocking materials shall be required at all of the following locations to cut off concealed spaces within the exterior wall covering:

   1.   Around wall openings.

   2.   In alignment with the slab edge, for a height of not less than 8 inches (203.2 mm), and at maximum intervals of 20 feet (6096 mm) vertically.

   3.   Between different occupancy groups, horizontally or vertically, as applicable.

718.2.6.1.2 Foam plastic insulation.

Foam plastic insulation in the exterior wall covering shall be interrupted with noncombustible materials approved for fireblocking at locations specified in Section 718.2.6.1.1.

   Exceptions:

      1.   One-story buildings complying with Section 2603.4.1.4.

      2.   Fireblocking shall not be required at each floor level and interrupt the foam plastic insulation provided the foam plastic insulation has a flame spread index of not more than 25 as determined in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 and comply with the following conditions:

         2.1.   Concrete and masonry veneer. Fireblocking material shall not be required at each floor level for concrete or masonry veneer installed less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above grade as part of an exterior wall covering containing foam plastic insulation, with or without air space, and installed on masonry or concrete backup walls.

         2.2.   Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Fireblocking material shall not be required at each floor level for EIFS containing foam plastic insulation installed less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above grade, and installed on masonry or concrete backup walls.

      3.   Detached one- and two-family dwellings. Fireblocking of foam plastic insulation shall not be required at each floor level in detached one- and two-family dwellings of Type V construction that do not exceed three stories or 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane.

718.2.7 Concealed sleeper spaces.

Where wood sleepers are used for laying wood flooring on masonry or concrete fire-resistance-rated floors, the space between the floor slab and the underside of the wood flooring shall be filled with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and products of combustion or fireblocked in such a manner that there will be no open spaces under the flooring that will exceed 20 square feet (1.86 m 2 ) in area and such space shall be filled solidly under permanent partitions so that there is no communication under the flooring between adjoining rooms.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Fireblocking is not required for slab-on-grade floors in gymnasiums.

      2.   Fireblocking is required only at the juncture of each alternate lane and at the ends of each lane in a bowling facility.

718.3 Draftstopping in floors.

In combustible and noncombustible construction, draftstopping shall be installed to subdivide floor/ceiling assemblies in the locations prescribed in Sections 718.3.2 through 718.3.3.

718.3.1 Draftstopping materials.

In noncombustible construction, draftstopping shall be of noncombustible materials. In combustible construction, draftstopping materials shall be not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) wood structural panel, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) particleboard, 1-inch (25-mm) nominal lumber, cement fiberboard, batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber, or other approved materials adequately supported. The integrity of draftstops shall be maintained.

718.3.2 Group R.

Draftstopping shall be provided in floor/ceiling spaces in Group R buildings. Draftstopping shall be located above and in line with the dwelling unit separations.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Draftstopping is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

      2.   Draftstopping is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, provided that automatic sprinklers are installed in the combustible concealed spaces where the draftstopping is being omitted.

      3.   Where laminated wood I-joist assemblies are used, the space between the ceiling and the floor or roof above shall be divided into approximately equal areas not greater than 500 square feet (46.5 m 2 ).

      4.   Draftstopping shall not be required where the structural members within the concealed ceiling space are individually protected on all sides for their full length with materials having the required fire-resistance rating.

718.3.3 Other groups.

In occupancies other than Group R, draftstopping shall be installed so that horizontal floor areas do not exceed 3,000 square feet (278.7 m 2 ).

   Exceptions:

      1.   Draftstopping is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

      2.   Draftstopping shall not be required where the structural members within the concealed ceiling space are individually protected on all sides for their full length with materials having the required fire-resistance rating.