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Flame spread ratings

| Posted in General Discussion on January 21, 2004 02:58am

I’ve always done residential construction but now I’m in the position of doing a store. What I was hit with was a spec stating that all interior finishes have to have a flame spread rating of C. I’ve never come across this before. In checking out finishing products, I found some having a rating of A, I assume that’s better then C, correct? Anyway, I’m having a hell of a time tracking down wainscot, stains, (paint I found), laminate flooring. Pergo didn’t know what I was talking about and just sent me a cut sheet for there commercial grade flooring. And brick veneer. Can anyone steer me in there right direction so I don’t spend the rest of my life looking for products that meet the spec? By the way, why would brick veneer need a flame rating? Does it burn or is this just mindless bureaucracy?

Thanks

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  1. User avater
    GoldenWreckedAngle | Jan 23, 2004 02:54am | #1

    What building code are you under? UBC and BOCA  use a I- II- III flame spread rating. I think it's the standard code that goes by A- B- C. Your spec should also tell you what test to establishes the "C" rating. I'm guessing it's either ASTM E-84 or UL 723.

    The ratings are based on a numerical flame spread rate.

    Class I or A is for materials with a flame spread rate of 25 or less - You are correct, this is the highest rating, more or less "fire proof"
    Class II or B is for a flame spread rating between 26 and 75 - this class is considered "fire resistant".
    Class III or C includes materials with a flame spread rating between 76 and 200 - untreated lumber and plywood fall into this category.

    You may have better luck finding the actual flame spread numbers on manufacturer's data sheets rather than the rating. Good luck...

    Kevin Halliburton

    "I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity."  - I.M. Pei -

  2. caseyr | Jan 23, 2004 06:38am | #2

    There is an article explaining flame spread ratings along with some sample figures for a few selected products at:

    http://www.dps.state.la.us/sfm/Plan%20Review/Flame-Spread%20Ratings.htm

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