Thanks Jerry,

It did not appear that the annular spaces around the pentrations were fire sealed. Also, it turns out that the HVAC contractors originally connected the refrigerant pipes to the neighbors evaporator unit and vice-versa, so I am assuming that they re-routed the lines through the wall when they did the repair, after the construction of the wall.

There was no parapet wall and I did mention that there was no fire protection at the roof sheathing.

I have another question about this area of the code. Although we are on the IRC 2000 in my area, I am quoting from the 2003 IRC (because it's on this computer and easier to copy and paste than type out the 2000): (Bold, of course, is mine)



R317.3.

317.2.1 Continuity.
The common wall for townhouses shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab and shall extend the full length of the common wall including walls extending through and separating attached accessory structures.

317.2.2 Parapets.
Parapets constructed in accordance with Section R317.2.3 shall be provided for townhouses as an extension of common exterior or walls in accordance with the following:
1. Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at the same elevation, the parapet shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the roof surfaces.
2. Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the higher roof is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof, the parapet shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof surface.
Exception: A parapet is not required in the two cases above when the roof is covered with a minimum class C roof covering, and the roof decking or sheathing is of noncombustible materials or approved fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of 4 feet (1219 mm) on each side of the wall or walls, or one layer of 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board is installed directly beneath the roof decking or sheathing for a distance of 4 feet (1219 mm) on each side of the wall or walls.
3. A parapet is not required where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the higher roof is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof. The common wall construction from the lower roof to the underside of the higher roof deck shall not have less than a 1-hour fire-resistive rating. The wall shall be rated for exposure from both sides.


If the roof surfaces are at different elevations (greater than 30 inches) and the wall's fire resistance is in place in accordance with the bold section above and a parapet wall is not required, would this also mean that since the parapet is not required, the deck sheathing protection would also not be required?

Also, when it states the wall shall be rated for exposure at both sides, what type of exposure is it referring to?

Thanks,

Eric