FRTW - what qualifies it

[syarn]

2006 IBC section section 603.1

"...fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted..."

what is the standard that qualifies a material as FRTW?

is homasote firestall roof deck a FRTW (see link below)?

http://www.homasote.com/products/Firestall.aspx

 

[Coug Dad]

Re: FRTW - what qualifies it

Some products may be listed thorugh the ICC Evaluation Service. For others, see what testing, listings or approvals they have (AWPA, UL, ASTM) and see if those standards are referenced in IBC (2006) Chapter 35.

Homasote ESR

http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-1374.pdf

 

[Heaven]

Re: FRTW - what qualifies it

Number 4 under that section calls out class "A" materials as compliant, the material proports to be Class "A", other than that, the testing seems to be from 1992BOCA, I don't see that in chapter 35 (?)

 

[Plans Approver]

Re: FRTW - what qualifies it

See IBC 2303.2 and all of its sub-sections. Take a look at http://www.apawood.org/pdfs/download_pdf.cfm?PDFFilename=managed/K320.pdf at the APA web site. You may have to register, but, it's free. There is a handy table showing the code sections where it may be used.

edit: Homasote lists ES report No. 2308, but, that doesn't currently exist at the ESR web site. Most of Homasote's ES reports are for insulating and sound boards. I had this product in a Type 2A church recently, tried to use it for the choir area riser floors - didn't approve it.

 

[brudgers]

Re: FRTW - what qualifies it

FRTW must pass standard tests for non-combustibility to be considered as such.

There are additional exposure and service issues particular to the material that may have a practical effect a particular products suitability from a design standpoint.

Many of these have been mitigated by more recent manufacturing processes and better familiarity with the differences between individual products.

 

[TJacobs]

Re: FRTW - what qualifies it

See the part that is underlined. ASTM E-84 is not the only requirement:

2303.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood.

Fire-retardant-treated wood is any wood product which, when impregnated with chemicals by a pressure process or other means during manufacture, shall have, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, a listed flame spread index of 25 or less and show no evidence of significant progressive combustion when the test is continued for an additional 20-minute period. In addition, the flame front shall not progress more than 10.5 feet (3200 mm) beyond the centerline of the burners at any time during the test.

Ask for the test results. And there was no 1992 BOCA. 1990, 1993, 1996...

 

[peach]

Re: FRTW - what qualifies it

FRTW came into great conflict several years ago, when used as roof sheating in row homes.. it delaminated.

It's a question to ask at plan review not inspections.