Combustible exterior wall coverings shall comply with this section.
On buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction, exterior wall coverings shall be permitted to be constructed of combustible materials, complying with the following limitations:
- Combustible exterior wall coverings shall not exceed 10 percent of an exterior wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less.
- Combustible exterior wall coverings shall be limited to 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane.
- Combustible exterior wall coverings constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 for exterior installation shall not be limited in wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less and shall be permitted up to 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane regardless of the fire separation distance.
- Wood veneers shall comply with Section 1405.5.
Where permitted by Section 1406.2.1, combustible exterior wall coverings shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 268.
Exceptions:
- Wood or wood-based products.
- Other combustible materials covered with an exterior covering other than vinyl sidings listed in Table 1405.2.
- Aluminum having a minimum thickness of 0.019 inch (0.48 mm).
For fire separation distances greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), any exterior wall covering shall be permitted that has been exposed to a reduced level of incident radiant heat flux in accordance with the NFPA 268 test method without exhibiting sustained flaming. The minimum fire separation distance required for the exterior wall covering shall be determined from Table 1406.2.1.1.2 based on the maximum tolerable level of incident radiant heat flux that does not cause sustained flaming of the exterior wall covering.
TABLE 1406.2.1.1.2
MINIMUM FIRE SEPARATION FOR COMBUSTIBLE
EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS
| FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | TOLERABLE LEVEL INCIDENT RADIANT HEAT ENERGY(kW/m2) | FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | TOLERABLE LEVEL INCIDENT RADIANT HEAT ENERGY(kW/m2) | |
| 5 | 12.5 | 16 | 5.9 | |
| 6 | 11.8 | 17 | 5.5 | |
| 7 | 11.0 | 18 | 5.2 | |
| 8 | 10.3 | 19 | 4.9 | |
| 9 | 9.6 | 20 | 4.6 | |
| 10 | 8.9 | 21 | 4.4 | |
| 11 | 8.3 | 22 | 4.1 | |
| 12 | 7.7 | 23 | 3.9 | |
| 13 | 7.2 | 24 | 3.7 | |
| 14 | 6.7 | 25 | 3.5 | |
| 15 | 6.3 |
Where the combustible exterior wall covering is furred out from the exterior wall and forms a solid surface, the distance between the back of the exterior wall covering and the exterior wall shall not exceed 15/8 inches (41 mm). The concealed space thereby created shall be fireblocked in accordance with Section 718.