Can a firewall open doors and windows?
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The distance between the two adjacent buildings is only 5 meters. According to building codes, a fire wall is required; it cannot be installed on the taller building. If it is placed on the lower building, windows and doors must be included in that wall. Some say that no windows or doors should be installed, while others claim that fire-resistant doors and windows are permissible. Is it really possible to do so, and what is the basis for this?
Explanation of Article 6.1.5 of Building Code
The building type, hazard classification, and height are not specified – how can one determine by how much the fire separation distance can be reduced?
According to building codes, if the higher exterior wall of two adjacent buildings is a fire wall, or if in two adjacent buildings of the same height with fire resistance ratings of grade 1 or 2, one of the exterior walls on either side is a fire wall with a fire resistance limit of not less than 1.00 hour, then there is no requirement for a fire separation distance. However, the distance between Class A factories should be no less than 4m. If two factories of Class C, D, or E are adjacent and both of their outer walls are non-combustible, and there are no exposed combustible eaves, then the total area of doors, windows, and openings on each outer wall shall not exceed 5% of the area of that outer wall.
Refer to the several notes in Table 3.4.1 of the building code as well as the spacing charts; it is necessary to determine the fire classification of the factory building, its fire resistance rating, and the fire resistance rating of doors and windows before making a decision based on these factors.
Diagram showing the distance between adjacent factory buildings at different heights