What are types 1 and 2 construction?

A type V-B construction, the most basic, does not require a fire rating for any of the building elements. But Type V construction buildings are always smaller than a building of the same use built for a stricter type of construction. Buildings with sprinklers of the same construction type and use as a building without sprinklers may be larger. Ventilation in this type of building is not an option because the roof must also be composed of non-combustible materials.

However, they provide less fire resistance and do not withstand the effects or spread of fire, just like Type I. A Type I-B building (the “basic Type I construction”) could be 160 feet tall with 12 to 16 floors. The objectives of Type III construction are to contain any fire within the exterior walls of the building and to mitigate the spread of fire to adjacent buildings. If you don't have an eye for those details yet, it's important to know the five types of building construction.

If you approach a building with no signs of unreinforced masonry, firefighters should ring the walls to determine the type of wall before going to the roof. Hospitals or jails where occupants are confined and unable to leave on their own may require stricter types of construction, even as single-story buildings. Size requirements are similar to those of Type III and, although construction materials are classified as non-combustible, they provide less fire resistance than Type I, and the spread of fire would likely cause more damage. A hotel made of type V construction could be only 7,000 square feet, for example, while a type IV heavy wood hotel could be 20,000 square feet.

And, in any type of construction, even if building use does not require sprinklers, it is always recommended to add sprinklers to improve safety. Whether conventional or lightweight, vertical ventilation in Type 3 construction is feasible and can be very effective. A Type I building: A building (the “improved Type I construction”) adds even more layers of protection and is necessary for buildings such as skyscrapers, where even the height is unlimited (in theory).