When it comes to commercial building construction, fire safety should always be a top priority. One important aspect of fire safety is the use of fire rated walls to prevent the spread of flames, smoke and heat. In Canada, the Alberta Building Code and National Building Code provide guidance on the minimum requirements for fire rated walls in commercial spaces.

What is a Fire Rated Wall?

A fire rated wall is a wall that has been designed and built to resist the spread of fire for a specified period of time. Fire rated walls are typically made of non-combustible materials such as concrete, brick or steel, and are constructed to specific fire resistance ratings. These ratings determine the amount of time the wall can withstand exposure to fire and maintain its structural integrity, allowing occupants to evacuate the building safely.

Alberta Building Code Requirements

The Alberta Building Code sets out minimum requirements for the construction of fire rated walls in commercial buildings. According to the code, all walls separating adjacent buildings must be fire rated, as well as walls that separate different occupancies within the same building.

The code also specifies fire resistance ratings based on the occupancy of the building, the height of the building and the fire hazard level of the materials stored or used within the building. For example, walls separating high-hazard industrial occupancies must have a minimum fire resistance rating of 3 hours, while walls separating low-hazard mercantile occupancies must have a minimum rating of 1 hour.

National Building Code Requirements

The National Building Code of Canada provides additional guidance on the design and construction of fire rated walls for commercial spaces. The code outlines requirements for the use of fire-rated walls in buildings of different sizes and occupancies, as well as the materials and methods used for their construction.

The code also provides guidance on the installation of fire stopping materials to seal any gaps or openings in the wall, ensuring that the wall remains effective in preventing the spread of fire. This includes the installation of fire-rated doors and windows, which must meet specific requirements to ensure their ability to resist the spread of fire.

Importance of Fire Rated Walls

The importance of fire rated walls cannot be overstated in commercial spaces. In the event of a fire, these walls can help prevent the spread of flames and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate the building safely. Fire rated walls also help to protect adjacent buildings from fire damage, limiting the impact on the wider community.

Hunar Construction and Fire Rated Walls

At Hunar Construction, we understand the importance of fire safety in commercial spaces. Our team has extensive experience in the design and construction of fire rated walls that meet and exceed the requirements set out in the Alberta and National Building Codes.

We use high-quality, non-combustible materials and ensure that all fire rated walls are constructed to the required fire resistance ratings. Our team also has the expertise to install fire stopping materials and fire-rated doors and windows to provide a complete fire safety solution.

In Conclusion

Fire rated walls are an essential aspect of fire safety in commercial spaces. Understanding the requirements set out in the Alberta and National Building Codes is critical to ensuring that these walls are constructed to the required fire resistance ratings. At Hunar Construction, we have the knowledge and expertise to design and construct fire rated walls that meet and exceed these requirements, providing a safe and secure environment for occupants and the wider community.