There is a lot of confusion in the field over area-separation firewalls and utility placement. I know that the GA has a position statement that clarifies criteria for the placement of utilities in the flanking walls on either side of a two-hour, steel H-stud, gypsum shaftliner panel area-separation wall. Less confusing code language would be an even better solution. Have there been any building code developments around area-separation firewalls this cycle?
Yes! The topic of area-separation firewalls was broached at the International Code Council Group B Hearings for the 2024 code. At the time, the Gypsum Association proposed defining these walls as distinct from other means of townhouse separations, specifically common walls and double walls. Area separation firewalls are not truly defined as either of those wall types. ASWs have a common element (a central shaft-liner wall), in addition to flanking walls that are unique to each unit and not shared in common. Due to multiple concerns, this proposal was unsuccessful. However, the ICC recognized that the entire townhouse separation section of the International Residential Code needed revision. GA staff and code consultants have been working on the issue within the Building Code Action Committee. The BCAC is a group of various stakeholders that develop consensus proposals. The BCAC hopes to try to develop an ASW proposal for the current cycle. Ideally, revisions will include clarifications that better explain ASWs. This work must be wrapped up by Jan. 10, 2025, for submission. The GA will keep everyone apprised on the issue.
