Most unprotected floor assemblies must have equivalent or greater fire performance than traditional or structural composite lumber of 2” x 10” nominal dimension. In most localities, however, sprinklers are not required in single-family homes. Designers and builders must be aware of these requirements when creating living spaces.įor example, in areas where automatic sprinkler systems are mandatory, open ceilings are facilitated because floor systems over areas protected by sprinklers don’t require additional protection.
#COMPOSITE WOOD JOIST FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGN AREA INCRASE CODE#
Local jurisdiction and fire code protection requirements must also be considered. The International Residential Codes (2012, 20 versions) include a provision for fire protection of first-story floor systems in one and two-family homes. Unless, of course, your basement ceiling is finished in which case you are already on your way to having a finished basement. If you are living in your home or buying an existing home you should be able to identify what type of joists you have. You may have a joist choice when building a new home. 2×10 traditional lumber (for example) or, engineered wood i.e. These wood components are referred to as joists and can be either solid wood i.e. In one and two-family homes, the structural framing components that make up the floor (or basement ceiling) are typically wood. The ceiling structure in your basement could also be considered your main floor structure. When building a better basement, start with the ceiling! Or, more precisely, how the ceiling is built. Outside of financial considerations, one of the biggest reasons is the ceiling.