Exterior Load Bearing Walls in NFPA 220

[lee1079]

The situation is NFPA 101 is enforced which brings NFPA 220 in as well.

In type I to IV construction, exterior bearing walls shall be of approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materials per section 3-1 thru 3-4. In order to meet building codes and energy codes, exterior walls include weather barrier and insulation that are combustible. Is there a acceptable/approvable way to include these combustible weather barriers and insulations in the exterior load bearing walls?

It is my understanding that NFPA 285 test pass is applicable to non-load bearing exterior walls only (for NFPA enforced projects only).

 

[Builder Bob]

I believe that the intent of NFPA 220 is for the materials used to construct the structural components and cladding of the structure. The weather barrier and insulation may not be a part of the scope of the pamphlet.

I did not say that anything could be used as fire and smoke development are a concern.... just stating to go read the scope of the pamphlet before getting to wrapped up in the mechanics of the project.