Roof Deck Egress Requirements

With the old 2005 title 24 energy code a residential cool roof was an optional energy efficiency measure however on january 1 2010 cool roofs are now required for most.

Roof deck egress requirements.

Ibc 2015 section 1006 3 added language which specifically recognizes that occupied roofs exist and stipulates egress requirements associated with them. Fire retardant roof coverings for open walking decks and space roof construction. The means of egress system serving any story or occupied roof shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits based on the aggregate occupant load served in accordance with this section. The occupant load number of dwelling units and common path of egress travel distance do not exceed the values in table 1006 3 2 1 or 1006 3 2 2.

In addition the americans with disabilities act requires elevator access to an occupied roof. Steep roof above 4 12 slope 29 cfr 1926 501 b 11. 1006 3 egress from stories or occupied roofs. There may however be a local requirement for free egress from unoccupied roofs so it s best to check with the local code official.

The egress from the space must be sized for the roof occupant load and must be continuous to the exit discharge at grade. Low slope roof 4 12 slope or less 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10. Access to an occupied roof is required to be by stairway meeting the code requirements for exit stairs specified in section 1011. Fire retardant roof coverings for open walking decks and space roof construction.

The new cool roof requirements affect new construction significant repairs of existing roofs re roofing plus additions and alterations of existing buildings and homes. When public decks have an occupant load of more than 50 and serve as a means of egress illuminated exit signs may be required. Roof access and egress. The number of exit stairs required is specified in table 1006.

For example all means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 2134 mm the building code then lists six possible exceptions to that one stipulation. The stairway must be enclosed in a penthouse at the roof level. Know the pitch of the roof and follow the appropriate standard. Fire sprinkler permit fee schedule.

Free egress from the roof to the stairwell is required for occupied roofs but is not mandated by the ibc or nfpa 101 for unoccupied roofs. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or occupied roof where one of the following conditions exists.