9.10.9.2. Continuous Barrier

(1)

Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a fire separation shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of fire and retard the passage of smoke.

(2)

Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a smoke-tight barrier shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of smoke.

(See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3))

(3)

Except as provided in Sentence (6), the continuity of a fire separation where it abuts another fire separation or smoke-tight barrier, a floor, a ceiling, or a roof shall be maintained by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the abutting fire separation.

(See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3)) (See also Note A-3.1.8.3.(2))

(4)

Except as provided in Sentence (6), joints located in a horizontal plane between a floor and an exterior wall shall be sealed by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in ASTM E2307, “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-storey Test Apparatus,” has an F rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the horizontal fire separation.

(5)

Except as provided in Sentence (6), all gypsum board joints in the assemblies described in Sentences (1) and (2) shall conform to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,” to maintain the integrity of the smoke-tight barrier over the entire surface.

(6)

Joints between ceilings and walls, between floors and walls, and between walls at corners need not comply with Sentences (3) to (5) where such joints consist of gypsum board that is attached to framing members and arranged so as to restrict the passage of flame and smoke through the joints.