Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 03, 2015 4:50 pm I will be building in Bedfordale this year and already have plans finalised. However, after I saw a burnt down house somewhere in Perth, something struck my mind and it was that if some of the walls on the house had been raised beyond the ceiling level to just under the roof, the fire may have been contained on only one side of the roof. That has now changed my mind on whether I want to proceed with building based on the current plan. I now want the walls between the garage and the rest of the house extended to just under the roofing sheets so they act as some kind of fire wall. I also want the walls on either side of the kitchen, dining and lounge area to be extended to just under the roof. That way, I create 4 distinct fire zones namely the garage, the main bedroom, theatre and hall way, the kitchen, dining area and lounge, and finally the final wing. It is not that I want perfectly regulated fire walls, but just something that will enable me to fight the fires in different zones should that time ever come. My questions now: 1. Would the extension have a bearing on slab structure below or would the existing slab thickness remain the same? 2. For those who have done that or those in the know, how much extra would I expect to fork out to have this modification? A ball park figure would aid my planning. 3. Would it increase roofing timber cost of reduce it? I was thinking I would probably not require as much timber since some of the timber would sit on the raised walls. 4. How may that impact the air conditioning ducting? 5. Would that impact the fire rating of my house and the subsequent insurance? Anything you may have on this topic would be welcome as I am a newbie. Just the thought of a fire started in the ceiling of one room razing down the entire building is what I cannot possibly stand. I am trying to create different fire zones within the whole structure. Thanking you for your opinions in advance. Re: Bedfordale WA - Extending Walls to under the roofing she 2Jan 03, 2015 7:32 pm Interesting idea, but I think running timber rafters over it would defeat the purpose. I think a better option is to focus on protecting the roof space itself with ember guards, upgraded anticon, no evap a/c, etc and maybe even a sprinkler system. Cost wise you wouldn't be able to use trusses for covering roof spans and effectively you'd need to mount ceiling joists to the wall, rather than sitting on it. Where in Bedfordale are you building? Re: Bedfordale WA - Extending Walls to under the roofing she 3Jan 03, 2015 7:48 pm This is pretty common in commercial applications and can be done fairly easily under the right circumstances. Certifying it would be another issue altogether but if it's for your own interests maybe download a tech manual from the plasterboard suppliers (CSR, Knauff, BGC etc) and look at the fire rated sheeting installations and their ratings. I think it's a good idea, anything over and above the regulations is always worth investigating just make sure you don't inadvertently contravene those same regs in the process! I like your forethought Re: Bedfordale WA - Extending Walls to under the roofing she 4Jan 04, 2015 1:18 am [quote="Jays"]Interesting idea, but I think running timber rafters over it would defeat the purpose. I think a better option is to focus on protecting the roof space itself with ember guards, upgraded anticon, no evap a/c, etc and maybe even a sprinkler system. Cost wise you wouldn't be able to use trusses for covering roof spans and effectively you'd need to mount ceiling joists to the wall, rather than sitting on it. Where in Bedfordale are you building? Re: Bedfordale WA - Extending Walls to under the roofing she 5Jan 04, 2015 1:33 am @Jays, thanks for your advice. I will consider the issue on mitigating the impact of embers but was presently considering more the risk of fires starting from somewhere in the house. @ Spong, thanks for your advice. I will certainly look at the tech manuals. Our block is on Grieve Way and are so looking forward to the start of life in the hills by Christmas time this year. Re: Bedfordale WA - Extending Walls to under the roofing she 6Jan 04, 2015 2:02 pm Hi Hlup We are building in bedfordale too. If have been in touch with these guys and am looking into a system for our place. (Doesn't address fires starting inside house tho) http://www.dfswa.com.au As above, you will need to trim your sheet to land on the joist, also make sure you are running your length at right angles to the joists 2 9385 Ask for some kickplate to be added and also for tradies to be requested to use lanyards on tools on that side of the building. Be respectful and have the discussion… 1 7829 There is insufficient information to give a meaningful answer. You should talk to council planning. Apart from building construction issues, if you are adding floor area… 1 11994 |