KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): Homeowners who want to break down the party wall between their homes and their neighbours’ or otherwise close the gap between their homes should think twice because these renovations could help spread a fire.

LeeSiong Architect principal architect Chong Lee Siong said the main function of the party wall that separates two homes is fire safety — in case of a blaze in one house, the party wall can keep it from spreading next door.

“The same goes to the limitations on building extensions — for instance, the extension of the house to front or back. The physical distance between units is to prevent the fire from spreading to other units if a fire breaks out,” he told the audience in his session titled “So, your home was built with fire safety in mind?”

This was a session in the half-day EdgeProp.my Symposium 2017 titled “Is your home a fire hazard?”

The event was organised by EdgeProp.my and presented by Gamuda Land. Nippon Paint Malaysia was the supporting sponsor. The event was also supported by The Edge Malaysia.

Chong noted that Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 has clear guidelines and legal requirements on building safety that architects, developers and homeowners must comply with to ensure the building fulfils fire safety requirements.

Besides fire-rated party walls and limitations on unit extension work, he said homeowners also need to ensure the exit doorways are clear for evacuation.

“Doors are the primary exits for the residents; windows are the secondary exit options,” he added.

Although the design of the exit doorways for residential properties is not stipulated in any law or Acts, Chong urged the public to take note of the doors and windows in their homes, to make sure they have a way to evacuate if fires happen.

For the full coverage on the symposium, read the Oct 20, 2017 issue of EdgeProp.my pullout, which will be available for free download.