How do you construct a 1-hour ceiling/floor assembly?
I have found assemblies to use, but I can't figure out how to install doors and windows in the wall.
To be specific... I am designing a duplex with one unit upstairs, and the other unit down. So instead of a fire wall (easy to do) I have to do a floor/ceiling assembly. Since the sheetrock on the underside of the assembly has to be continuous, the walls holding up the floor also have to have a 1-hour fire rating.
The problem is... I need to install doors and windows in the exterior walls.
How can I do that, while maintaining the fire rating? The owners don't want windows and doors with metal wiring in the glass.
I see apartments all the time with regular doors and windows, so I know THOSE structures meet fire code. How are they accomplishing this?
Thanks!
I am a Certified Professional Building Designer... I have been drawing home plans (and duplexes) for 17 years. I have a stamp for all my projects. I have asked three architects that I often work with about this, and they do not know the answer.
To "Not as think..." I obviously was not addressing you on this question. I was actually hoping for an architect or designer to weigh in, but no luck. I know this whole thing is fairly simple, but none of the trade professionals I work with have ever done an over/under design for a duplex (especially without a sprinkler system).
Thanks again,