9.10.12.4.Protection of Soffits

(1) This Article applies to the portion of any soffit enclosing a projection that is (a) less than 2.5 m vertically above a window or door, and (b) less than 1.2 m from either side of the window or door. (See Note A-9.10.12.4.(1)) (2) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), the construction described in Sentence (1) shall have no unprotected openings and shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (3), where the soffit encloses (a) a common attic or roof space that spans more than 2 suites of residential occupancy and projects beyond the exterior wall of the building, (b) a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey and (i) a fire separation is required at the floor between the two, or (ii) the floor separates dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space in a house with a secondary suite, or (c) a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey, and the projection is continuous across (i) a vertical fire separation separating two suites, or (ii) a wall separating dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space in a house with a secondary suite. (3) Protection required by Sentence (2) shall be provided by (a) noncombustible material having a minimum thickness of 0.38 mm and a melting point not below 650°C, (b) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum wallboard installed according to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,” (c) not less than 11 mm thick plywood, (d) not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or (e) not less than 11 mm thick lumber. (See Note A-9.10.12.4.(3)) (4) In the case of a soffit described in Sentence (1) that is at the edge of an attic or roof space, and completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by fire blocks, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply. (5) Where all suites spanned by a common attic or roof space or situated above or below the projecting floor are sprinklered, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply provided that all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exceptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.