Zero Lot Wall Metal Fascia Common Practice Solution

Why Develop a Common Practice Solution?

Local common practice is to use a standardised metal fascia as the junction between of the eaves soffit and roof cover. This Common Practice Solution has been developed to provide industry with a standardised metal fascia for zero lot wall construction that allows for more efficient work practices to achieve Fire Separation compliance.

Where, When, and Who Can Use This Common Practice Solution?

This Common Practice Solution is recognised by Building Industry Development (BID).

It can only be used in Western Australia, only applies for the Building Code of Australia Volume 2 for Class 1 and 10 Buildings (BCA), and must be declared to the approving Local Authority prior to the issue of a Building Licence.

How Is DTS Equivalence Achieved?

BCA Part 3.7.1 Fire Separation describes construction that is deemed-to-satisfy Performance Requirement P2.3.1 Protection from the spread of flame (protect the Class 1 building from an external fire source).

3.7.1.5 External wall construction – sub-clause (a) requires a DTS zero lot external wall to be fire-resisting and to extend to the underside of a non-combustible roof cover. Explanatory Information provided clarifies the intent of DTS construction as achieving a junction between wall and non-combustible roof, eaves, guttering (or the like) that ensures combustible materials are not directly exposed to fire.

Figure 3.7.1.3 provides examples of DTS construction. Of the DTS construction options shown, 3.7.1.3(c) best reflects local zero lot wall construction. The Notes provided clarify that wall to roof junction construction equivalent to that shown is deemed to comply with 3.7.1.5.

Expert evidence confirms that a non-combustible metal fascia section continuous from the outside face of the external wall up to the underside of the non-combustible roof cover is equivalent to the flashing shown in Figure 3.7.1.3(c), and that timber and/or steel roof framing can vary to suit individual construction preference provided it is behind the fire-resisting external wall and non-combustible metal fascia, gutter and roof cover that is deemed to provide the necessary resistance to spread of fire.

What Evidence Is Provided To Verify DTS Equivalence?

Click the link below to read the full text version which includes construction sketch and expert verification.

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