Section 704 — JOINTS AND VOIDS

Where required when the building was originally constructed, materials and systems used to protect joints and voids in the following locations shall be maintained. The materials and systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the adjacent construction, without openings visible through the construction.

1. Joints in or between fire-resistance-rated walls, floors or floor/ceiling assemblies and roof or roof/ceiling assemblies.

2. Joints in smoke barriers.

3. Voids at the intersection of a horizontal floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.

4. Voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall.

5. Voids at the intersection of a nonfire-resistance-rated floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.

6. Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and an exterior curtain wall.

7. Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof assembly.

Unprotected joints and voids do not need to be protected where such joints and voids were not required to be protected when the building was originally constructed. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Where damaged, materials used to protect joints and voids shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.

Where openings are required to be protected, opening protectives shall be maintained self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection. Existing fusible-link-type automatic door-closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C).