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The British Columbia Building Code | Section 5.6. | Precipitation

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 5 – Environmental Separation
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B
Section 5.6. Precipitation
5.6.1. Protection from Precipitation
5.6.1.1. Required Protection from Precipitation
(See Note A-5.6.1.1.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), where a building component or assembly is exposed to precipitation,
thecomponent or assembly shall
a) minimize ingress of precipitation into the component or assembly, and
b) prevent ingress of precipitation into interior space.
2) Protection from ingress of precipitation is not required where it can be shown that such ingress will not
adversely affect any of
a) the health or safety of building users,
b) the intended use of the building, or
c) the operation of building services.
5.6.1.2. Installation of Protective Materials
1) Where protective materials are applied to assemblies to provide the required protection from precipitation,
they shall be installed so as to shed precipitation or otherwise minimize its entry into the assembly and prevent its
penetration through the assembly. (See Note A-5.6.1.2.(1).) (See also Clause 5.3.1.2.(1)(d).)
2) Where protective materials applied to assemblies to provide the required protection from precipitation are
part of a vegetated roofing system, they shall be resistant to root and rhizome penetration when tested in accordance
with ANSI/GRHC/SPRI VR-1, “Investigating Resistance to Root Penetration on Vegetative Roofs.”
(See Note A-5.6.1.2.(2).)
5.6.2. Sealing, Drainage, Accumulation and Disposal
5.6.2.1. Sealing and Drainage
(See NoteA-5.6.2.1.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), materials, components, assemblies, joints in materials, junctions between
components and junctions between assemblies exposed to precipitation shall be
a) sealed to prevent ingress of precipitation, or
b) drained to direct precipitation to the exterior.
2) Sealing or drainage are not required where it can be shown that the omission of sealing and drainage will not
adversely affect any of
a) the health or safety of building users,
b) the intended use of the building, or
c) the operation of building services.
5.6.2.2. Accumulation and Disposal
1) Where water, snow or ice can accumulate on a building, provision shall be made to minimize the likelihood of
hazardous conditions arising from such accumulation.
2) Where precipitation can accumulate on sloped or horizontal assemblies, provision shall be made for drainage
conforming with Article 2.4.10.4. of Division B of Book II (Plumbing Systems) of this Code.
3) Where downspouts are provided and are not connected to a sewer, provisions shall be made to
a) divert the water from the building, and
b) prevent soil erosion.
Part 5 – Environmental Separation Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B British Columbia Building Code 2018
4) Junctions between vertical assemblies, and sloped or horizontal assemblies, shall be designed and constructed
to minimize the flow of water from the sloped or horizontal assembly onto the vertical assembly.
Part 5 – Environmental Separation Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B British Columbia Building Code 2018
4) Junctions between vertical assemblies, and sloped or horizontal assemblies, shall be designed and constructed
to minimize the flow of water from the sloped or horizontal assembly onto the vertical assembly.