Multi-Family Fire Safe Construction
Codes & Standards
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Ensure
Your Family’s Comfort and Security
Non-combustible concrete and masonry construction resists fire,
does not burn, and provides fire containment through compartmentation.
In addition to these valuable benefits, other inherent properties
of concrete and masonry provide improved comfort and safety to occupants.
 Robust
concrete and masonry construction provides excellent sound attenuation.
Typical non-combustible concrete and masonry designed to provide
a minimum two-hour fire-resistance rating between living units will
also provide sound transmission classification ratings above the
minimum building code requirements. This will significantly reduce
noise from neighboring sound systems, pets, and the like. Rigid
concrete floor systems will not bounce or creak, providing further
comfort and quietness. Combining this interior concrete and masonry
with minimum one-hour fire-resistance rated exterior walls will
also attenuate outside noises.
The thermal mass of concrete and masonry construction delays and
reduces peak heating and cooling loads, lowering utility bills.
This ability to absorb and retain heat for later release also means
that leaving concrete and masonry surfaces exposed surrounds the
occupant with warm surfaces. In some designs, air conditioning may
be circulated though hollow cores of concrete or masonry elements.
 Concrete
and masonry interior and exterior walls are resistant to impact
and forced entry. Exterior concrete and masonry walls have superior
resistance to ballistics and vehicular impact, unlike alternative
wall systems, which may be easily breached with an axe, saw, or
even a shop knife.
Non-combustible concrete and masonry construction will have a long
service life with minimal maintenance. Frequent painting and cleaning
of exterior wall surfaces may be reduced, providing additional cost
and manpower savings.
 The
inherent structural integrity of non-combustible concrete and masonry
construction provides fire containment, improved egress routes,
and limits the extent of fire damage. Of foremost importance is
this improved life safety benefit. However, it is important to also
consider the increased financial security gained by minimizing the
costs of repair, replacement of housing and goods, and relocation.
Ultimately, it is easy to enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your
family is protected with non-combustible concrete and masonry construction.
When it comes to building construction that provides comfort and
security, there is no comparison to non-combustible concrete and
masonry construction. For more information about combining smoke
detectors, fire sprinklers, and passive fire protection visit the
Fire
Safety Construction Advisory Council.
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