How far must smoke partitions extend when the ceiling membrane limits smoke transfer?

The requirement for how far smoke partitions must extend is crucial to ensuring that they effectively limit the transfer of smoke between different areas of a building during a fire. Smoke partitions are designed to prevent the movement of smoke, and when the ceiling membrane limits smoke transfer, extending the smoke partition from the top of the floor to the underside of the deck is necessary.

This extension ensures that the smoke partition performs its intended function of creating a barrier against smoke. By reaching from the floor level to the deck above, the partition effectively seals off the space and minimizes the potential for smoke migration. This design consideration is particularly important in settings where open ceiling spaces may allow smoke to waft into other areas.

A smoke partition that extends to the underside of the deck ensures an effective barrier, complying with fire safety standards that help protect life and property in commercial buildings.