MeyerFire
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • THE TOOLKIT
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER*
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR*
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'22)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
    • WATER STORAGE*
    • WATER SUPPLY (US)
    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
  • UNIVERSITY
    • About
    • Catalog
    • Content Library
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE Prep Series
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • THE CAUSE
    • ABOUT US
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT
Picture

Are Fire Sprinklers Required for a Canopy?

2/15/2018

 
“Does this canopy need sprinklers?” “Are sprinklers required below the porte-cochere?” “I have a residential balcony; does it need sprinklers?”

​It's one of the most common design questions in commercial buildings with fire sprinkler systems; you’ve undoubtedly encountered it yourself.

The decision isn’t something that is taken lightly, either. In climates where freezing occurs, dry-sidewall sprinklers are often used for shorter-length projections. With new antifreeze systems are not an option (antifreeze must be a listed, pre-mixed solution which is not currently available), larger exterior projections could require dry sprinkler systems with increased cost, maintenance, and greater susceptibility to corrosion.
​
Picture
Non-combustible overhangs without combustible storage beneath typically don't require sprinklers, but the process to determine whether sprinklers are required is not always clear-cut.
​

Good Design Judgement 

Before diving in on whether sprinklers are required or not, remember that good design judgement is always important. Just because certain code verbiage or annex material exists does not mean you, as a designer, engineer, or review authority, should forfeit good judgment or common sense. These are life safety systems and you were blessed with the ability to think analytically for good reason.

Soapbox aside; canopies, overhangs, and porte-cocheres provide a unique challenge in that they can compromise a building by (1) subjecting the building to trapped convective heat, (2) radiate heat down to the base of the fire and encourage further growth, (3) provide a continuous fuel path to the building.

NFPA 13 addresses exterior projections in Chapter 8 (2002 Edition: Section 8.14.7, 2007-2016 Editions: Section 8.15.7, 2019 Edition: 9.2.3.1 and 9.3.19.1). There are five paragraphs in this section, and while they appear straightforward there are two critical words that tend to throw a figurative wrench into every situation.
Two Words that Complicate Everything: “Combustible Storage”

NFPA 13 8.15.7.5 (2016): Sprinklers shall be installed under exterior projections greater than 2 ft (0.6 m) wide over areas where combustibles are stored.
​

What constitutes combustible storage? Storage of any item that can burn? What about temporary placement or handling of items – would they not burn in the same fashion that long-term storage would?

While not enforceable unless specifically adopted by a jurisdiction, annex material within NFPA 13 offers guidance in interpreting what is considered “combustible storage”.

Temporary or short-term items, such as parked vehicles or delivered packages, while combustible, would not be considered ‘storage’ (NFPA 13 2007-2016 Annex A.8.15.7.2 and A.8.15.7.5, 2019 A.9.2.3.2). 

Minor amounts of combustibles may also not justify sprinklers, such as planters, newspaper machines, or combustible furniture on balconies for occupant use (NFPA 13 2002 Annex A.8.14.7.4, 2007-2016 Annex A.8.15.7.5, 2019 A.9.3.19.2). 
​
Picture
Temporary loading and unloading of vehicles, according to the Annex material in NFPA 13, doesn't necessarily justify sprinklers. However, good judgement is critical especially when protecting high-priority facilities like hospitals.
​

Justified Situations

Conversely, an exterior loading dock is designed to accept incoming shipments which inevitably end up residing below canopies while loading and unloading occurs, even if only temporary. While long-term storage might not occur, it could be reasonably argued that enough shipping items, pallets, boxes, or other items could collect to be considered “combustible storage”. 

Projections above the only means of egress or exterior ceilings where the building is occupied above is also suggested to require sprinklers (NFPA 13 2007-2016 Annex A.8.15.7.2, 2019 A.9.2.3.2). Either of these arrangements, if not protected, could reasonably compromise the egress ability or occupied areas above and could be justification for providing sprinklers.

Parking areas that are not used for pickup and drop-off are another example of combustibles that would be present long-term, which the annex does not exclude.
​
Picture
Loading docks are used for transitioning shipments to the building, so collection of combustibles underneath an overhang could be a common occurrence.
​
Judgement by the Designer and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

If so much of the guidance is provided in the unenforceable annex material and the body of NFPA 13 is vague about combustible storage, how do we determine when sprinkler protection is required? Ultimately, the determination of whether a situation requires sprinklers due to the amount of combustible storage is up to the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is a judgement call that is based on the amount of combustibles and length of time where combustibles would be present. 
​
An Exterior Projection Cheatsheet

While the judgement of amount of combustible storage resides with the AHJ, here is an updated and expanded flowchart based on the body and annex material of NFPA 13 to help guide the decision process (original published by the National Fire Sprinkler Association in a TechNotes in May 2007):

Canopy, Overhangs, and Projections Sprinkler Flow Chart
Get this free, printable PDF quick-guide to Canopy, Overhang & Exterior Projection Requirements here:
Download Free PDF Guide
CJ
2/15/2018 02:02:56 pm

This flow chart is awesome - Thank you! Any chance there is a similar one for NFPA 13R floating around?

JOE MEYER link
2/17/2018 05:54:51 am

Not yet, but thanks for the future post idea!

Pat
3/3/2018 09:05:23 am

Please send flowchart

Joe
3/3/2018 10:46:09 am

Hi Pat,

After you subscribe there will be a link in the welcome email. It's about 2/3rds of the way down.

Let me know if this helps or feel free to email me at info@meyerfire.com.

Thanks!

Michael
3/7/2018 08:16:21 pm

This is a great flowchart. I've never had any conflict with the question "is the material combustible or not?." It's always been the definition of "storage." Plans indicate LOADING DOCK. What is the maximum time combustible goods can be kept on the loading dock before they are considered storage? Day, week, weekend?

cassandra link
5/3/2019 10:32:37 am

hi, in order to download the quick guide to canopy etc, do i have to be a member?
when i click, it takes me to a "not found page" website.

Joe
5/3/2019 10:37:14 am

Hi Cassandra,

No need to be a member to get the download. Just try refreshing your page and clicking it again (I just updated the link). It should be working now, thank you!

Vince La Barbera
8/7/2020 03:55:36 pm

Per your flow chart a Detached canopy is not listed. Would that alter your chart?
Also, if that Detached canopy was steel columns + heavy timber beams and roof deck would that change your flow chart.

Joe Meyer
8/7/2020 03:57:28 pm

Hi Vince, check out this article update. This is a great question and I addressed the topic here: https://www.meyerfire.com/blog/are-sprinklers-required-for-a-porte-cochere

Let me know if this helps, thanks Vince!


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Why Sponsor?

    ALL-ACCESS

    Picture
    GET THE TOOLKIT

    SUBSCRIBE

    Get Free Articles via Email:
    + Get calculators, tools, resources and articles
    + Get our PDF Flowchart for Canopy & Overhang Requirements instantly
    Picture
    + No spam
    ​+ Unsubscribe anytime
    I'm Interested In:

    AUTHOR

    Joe Meyer, PE, is a Fire Protection Engineer out of St. Louis, Missouri who writes & develops resources for Fire Protection Professionals. See bio here: About


    FILTERS

    All
    Announcements
    Book Review
    Calculators
    Career
    Course
    Design Challenge
    Fire Alarm
    Fire Events
    Fire Suppression
    Flammable & Combustible Liquids
    Flexible Drops
    Floor Control Valve
    Life Safety
    News
    NICET
    Passive Fire Protection
    PE Exam
    Products
    Site Updates
    Special Hazards
    Sprinkler Systems
    Standpipes
    Tools
    Videos


    ARCHIVES

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    RSS Feed

Picture
​Home
Our Cause
The Blog
The Forum
PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit

MeyerFire University
​Pricing
Login
​Support
Contact Us
Picture

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

​MeyerFire, LLC is an International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.

All text, images, and media ​Copyright © 2022 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. The discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

  • Blog
  • Forum
  • THE TOOLKIT
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER*
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR*
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'22)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
    • WATER STORAGE*
    • WATER SUPPLY (US)
    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
  • UNIVERSITY
    • About
    • Catalog
    • Content Library
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE Prep Series
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • THE CAUSE
    • ABOUT US
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT