When it comes to understanding fire ratings for wall panels on buildings, one of the first things to overcome is incorrect information or misunderstanding that sometimes emerges around this topic. In an effort to achieve some greater clarity, let&#;s look at some of the basics of fire resistance ratings, particularly for insulated metal panels (IMPs).
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Building Code Requirements
The fundamental reason that any wall needs to provide some degree of fire resistance is to allow people enough time to safely evacuate from a space or building in the event of a fire, or to prevent the spread of fire between defined areas or whole structures. Building and fire codes have been developed and adopted, in part, specifically to define the situations, building types, conditions and circumstances where different degrees of fire resistance are required to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Therefore, when looking at a specific building and the fire resistance ratings required, the applicable codes must be consulted and the proper determination made regarding the minimum fire resistance requirements for the different exterior and interior walls of that building.
Ratings-Based on Testing
The established means for knowing whether or not a wall meets a particular fire resistance rating is based on conducting a fire test in an independent laboratory. For IMPs, that means a manufacturer needs to submit full-size product samples to a laboratory such as Underwriter&#;s Laboratories (UL), which will then prepare and carry out the test according to standard, agreed-upon procedures such as ANSI/UL 263, &#;Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.&#; The procedures dictated by a standard such as this are intended to be the same for all similarly tested materials or products to determine the actual fire resistance rating for each. When the products are subjected to the prescribed heat and flame under uniform laboratory conditions, then they can be classified based on how well they performed. Some products, for example, may survive the test long enough to qualify for a 1- or 2-hour rating, while others may only qualify for a 30-minute rating before succumbing to the fire.
Selecting Products
In creating or renovating a building, then, it is incumbent on the design and construction team to choose products and materials that have a proven, tested fire rating that meets or exceeds the building code requirements for the particular building at hand. If a manufacturer of IMPs has been identified ahead of time, then it may be possible to ask for evidence of the UL or similar test to prove that the selected product or assembly meets the code requirements. But many times, there is a need to first determine the requirements, and then look for the available products and manufacturers who can provide the needed fire resistance. Fortunately, UL maintains an online directory of all of the products that they have tested and certified. Their online certifications directory allows users to input selected criteria to search for specific result reports. Using this resource for IMPs, the UL Category Code of BXUV and the UL File Number of U050 should be entered to do a search. This will yield a summary list referencing the ANSU/UL263 test with a link to the BXUV.U050 test report for IMPs. There you will see under item 2: &#;Metal faced panels, nominal 42 in. wide by nominal 4 in. thick (for the 1 Hour Rating) nominal 7 in. thick (for the 2 Hour Rating) or nominal 8 in. thick (for the 3 hour rating) installed vertically or horizontally. Panels supplied factory double tongue and grove joint.&#; This lets the design and construction know that 1-, 2-, or 3-hour ratings are available depending on the thickness of the IMP and given that the factory joint is provided. Hence, the manufacturer can label their products accordingly.
By specifying and selecting the proper products that have been correctly tested and certified, then building code compliance is not only streamlined, the building will meet the inherent fire and safety requirements for the people who will occupy it.
For fire resistance information on MBCI panels, please review the product data sheets.
In alone, wildfires in the US caused massive damage and destroyed 22,454 homes and structures that resulted in $12.35 billion dollars in total losses.
The fire resistance of a roof can be what saves a home when one of these tragic events occurs. This is why paying attention to a roofing material&#;s fire rating is so important, especially if you live in an area that is at risk for wildfires.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we manufacture metal roofing and siding panels that are all designated with the best fire rating available. We supply material to many projects in areas such as California where wildfires are a significant threat to some neighborhoods. We understand the importance of having your home be as fire resistant as possible.
In this article, we discuss why metal is an excellent roofing choice when fire resistance is a top priority.
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What Is The Fire Rating For Metal Roofs?
Metal roofing is designated with a Class A fire rating. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is responsible for appointing the different fire prevention classifications for roof coverings.
The Class A Fire Rating proves that a metal roof covering can:
- Experience maximum flame spread of 6 feet
- Withstand a burning brand measuring 12&#; x 12&#; and weighing 2,000 grams
- Last 2 to 4 hours before ignition
- Resist 15 cycles of a gas flame turned on and off
How A Roof&#;s Fire Resistance Is Evaluated
Each roofing covering is tested with either the ASTM E108 or the UL 790 Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.
The series of tests evaluate three fire-related qualities of a roofing material which include:
- Ability to resist the spread of fire into the attic (or cathedral ceiling) area
- Ability to resist flame spreading on the roof covering
- Ability to resist generating burning embers.
Once evaluated, the roof covering is given a rating. There are three classes of fire exposure: Class A, Class B, and Class C, with Class A being the most fire-resistant. Any roof covering that cannot meet the criteria of any of the three categories are simply classified as being &#;unrated&#;.
Since metal roofing is designated with a Class A fire rating, it is one of the most non-combustible roofing materials with the greatest strength to stand up to fires.
As stated in the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standard For Safety:
&#;1.3 Class A roof coverings are effective against severe fire test exposures. Under such exposures, roof coverings of this class afford a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce high flying brands.&#;
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Exploring the Benefits of Using PUR Decorative Panel
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit roof heat proofing solutions.
What Is Metal Roofing&#;s Flame Spread Rate (FSR)?
The classification systems (Class A-C) measure how fast a fire spreads and how far the fire travels.
During the test, a sample of the roofing material has gas flames applied to the bottom to determine the panel&#;s flame spread rate (FSR). The lower the FSR, the longer it takes fire to reach the top of the material.
Class A has an FSR score ranging from 0 to 25, making it able to withstand fire for longer than Class B and Class C.
The FSR classifications for the categories can be seen in the chart below:
Fire-Rating Requirements For New Construction
There are rating requirements for new constructions that are dependent on the type of building construction and where the structure is located. This is all determined by your local city and county government. In areas where Class A roofs are required, documentation of a Class A fire rating has to be provided to pass inspection.
Many architects and contractors attach the UL certification to their plan review packages, along with a letter from the manufacturer verifying the classification of the roof.
This information should also be available on-site during construction for reference by the contractors and code authorities inspecting the installation.
Stand- Alone Fire Ratings Vs. By Assembly Fire Ratings
Fire ratings also specify whether a material requires additional material to achieve its fire rating.
A roofing system is made up of parts besides just the covering. Having a Class A roofing material is an excellent start to achieving a fire-resistant roof, but there is more involved in a roof&#;s fire resistance.
Other parts of the roofing system include:
- Roof deck
- Insulation
- Underlayment
If a roofing material&#;s fire rating requires additional materials, it&#;s known as a &#;by assembly fire rating.&#; Fire ratings that do not are referred to as &#;stand-alone fire ratings.&#;
A metal roofing system is a &#;by assembly roof covering.&#; Although metal is a non-combustible material, it still requires the underlying material outlined in the manufacturer&#;s specifications to achieve the Class A fire rating.
Choosing The Right Metal Roofing For Protecting Your Home
For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. Making sure that asset is protected to the best of their ability will give anyone extra peace of mind. Upgrading to a fire-resistant roofing material is crucial, especially when your home is in an area that is subject to wildfires.
An extra advantage to metal is that unlike some roofing materials, age does not reduce its fire resistance. This means a metal roof&#;s long lifespan of 40-60 plus years can be enjoyed without worrying about it&#;s resistance from fires being compromised.
Discover the different types of metal roofing available by reading:
5 Types Of Metal Roofing Materials: Pros, Cons & Cost
Want more information on Rockwool panels for insulation in agricultural buildings? Feel free to contact us.
