The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER.
FOAM PLASTIC INSULATION.
LIGHT-DIFFUSING SYSTEM.
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC ROOF PANELS.
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELS.
PLASTIC, APPROVED.
PLASTIC COMPOSITE.
PLASTIC GLAZING.
PLASTIC LUMBER.
THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL.
THERMOSETTING MATERIAL.
WOOD/PLASTIC COMPOSITE.
Unless otherwise indicated in this section, foam plastic insulation and foam plastic cores of manufactured assemblies shall have a flame spread index of not more than 75 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450 where tested in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Loose fill-type foam plastic insulation shall be tested as board stock for the flame spread and smoke-developed indexes.
Exceptions:
- Smoke-developed index for interior trim as provided for in Section 2604.2.
- In cold storage buildings, ice plants, food plants, food processing rooms and similar areas, foam plastic insulation where tested in a thickness of 4 inches (102 mm) shall be permitted in a thickness up to 10 inches (254 mm) where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in both the room and that part of the building in which the room is located.
- Foam plastic insulation that is a part of a Class A, B or C roof-covering assembly provided the assembly with the foam plastic insulation satisfactorily passes NFPA 276 or UL 1256. The smoke-developed index shall not be limited for roof applications.
- Foam plastic insulation greater than 4 inches (102 mm) in thickness shall have a maximum flame spread index of 75 and a smoke-developed index of 450 where tested at a minimum thickness of 4 inches (102 mm), provided the end use is approved in accordance with Section 2603.9 using the thickness and density intended for use.
- Flame spread and smoke-developed indexes for foam plastic interior signs in covered and open mall buildings provided the signs comply with Section 402.6.4.
Foam plastic installed in a maximum thickness of 10 inches (254 mm) in cooler and freezer walls shall:
- Have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450, where tested in a minimum 4-inch (102 mm) thickness.
- Have flash ignition and self-ignition temperatures of not less than 600°F and 800°F (316°C and 427°C), respectively.
- Have a covering of not less than 0.032-inch (0.8 mm) aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness not less than 0.0160 inch (0.4 mm) at any point.
- Be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where the cooler or freezer is within a building, both the cooler or freezer and that part of the building in which it is located shall be sprinklered.
A thermal barrier is not required for foam plastic insulation that is a part of a Class A, B or C roof-covering assembly that is installed in accordance with the code and the manufacturer’s instructions and is either constructed as described in Item 1 or tested as described in Item 2.
- The roof assembly is separated from the interior of the building by wood structural panel sheathing not less than 0.47 inch (11.9 mm) in thickness bonded with exterior glue, with edges supported by blocking, tongue-and-groove joints, other approved type of edge support or an equivalent material.
- The assembly with the foam plastic insulation satisfactorily passes NFPA 276 or UL 1256.
Where garage doors are permitted without a fire-resistance rating and foam plastic is used as a core material, the door facing shall be metal having a minimum thickness of 0.032-inch (0.8 mm) aluminum or 0.010-inch (0.25 mm) steel or the facing shall be minimum 0.125-inch-thick (3.2 mm) wood. Garage doors having facings other than those described above shall be tested in accordance with, and meet the acceptance criteria of, DASMA 107.
Exception: Garage doors using foam plastic insulation complying with Section 2603.3 in detached and attached garages associated with one- and two-family dwellings need not be provided with a thermal barrier.
Foam plastic spray applied to a sill plate, joist header and rim joist in Type V construction is subject to all of the following:
- The maximum thickness of the foam plastic shall be 31/4 inches (82.6 mm).
- The density of the foam plastic shall be in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 pcf (24 to 32 kg/m3).
- The foam plastic shall have a flame spread index of 25 or less and an accompanying smoke-developed index of 450 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
The thermal barrier specified in Section 2603.4 is not required to be installed on the walking surface of a structural floor system that contains foam plastic insulation when the foam plastic is covered by a minimum nominal 1/2-inch-thick (12.7 mm) wood structural panel or approved equivalent. The thermal barrier specified in Section 2603.4 is required on the underside of the structural floor system that contains foam plastic insulation when the underside of the structural floor system is exposed to the interior of the building.
Exception: Foam plastic used as part of an interior floor finish.
Any foam plastic insulation shall be separated from the building interior by a thermal barrier meeting the provisions of Section 2603.4, unless special approval is obtained on the basis of Section 2603.9.
Exception: One-story buildings complying with Section 2603.4.1.4.
The potential heat of foam plastic insulation in any portion of the wall or panel shall not exceed the potential heat expressed in Btu per square feet (mJ/m2) of the foam plastic insulation contained in the wall assembly tested in accordance with Section 2603.5.5. The potential heat of the foam plastic insulation shall be determined by tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 259 and the results shall be expressed in Btu per square feet (mJ/m2).
Exception: One-story buildings complying with Section 2603.4.1.4.
Foam plastic insulation, exterior coatings and facings shall be tested separately in the thickness intended for use, but not to exceed 4 inches (102 mm), and shall each have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
Exception: Prefabricated or factory-manufactured panels having minimum 0.020-inch (0.51 mm) aluminum facings and a total thickness of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) or less are permitted to be tested as an assembly where the foam plastic core is not exposed in the course of construction.
The exterior wall assembly shall be tested in accordance with and comply with the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285.
Exceptions:
- One-story buildings complying with Section 2603.4.1.4.
Wall assemblies where the foam plastic insulation is covered on each face by not less than 1-inch (25 mm) thickness of masonry or concrete and meeting one of the following:
- 2.1. There is no airspace between the insulation and the concrete or masonry.
- 2.2. The insulation has a flame spread index of not more than 25 as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 and the maximum airspace between the insulation and the concrete or masonry is not more than 1 inch (25 mm).
Exterior walls shall not exhibit sustained flaming where tested in accordance with NFPA 268. Where a material is intended to be installed in more than one thickness, tests of the minimum and maximum thickness intended for use shall be performed.
Exception: Assemblies protected on the outside with one of the following:
- A thermal barrier complying with Section 2603.4.
- A minimum 1-inch (25 mm) thickness of concrete or masonry.
- Glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels of a minimum thickness of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
- Metal-faced panels having minimum 0.019-inch-thick (0.48 mm) aluminum or 0.016-inch-thick (0.41 mm) corrosion-resistant steel outer facings.
- A minimum 7/8-inch (22.2 mm) thickness of stucco complying with Section 2510.
- A minimum 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) thickness of fiber-cement lap, panel or shingle siding complying with Sections 1405.16 and 1405.16.1 or 1405.16.2.
In areas where the probability of termite infestation is very heavy in accordance with Figure 2603.8, extruded and expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and other foam plastics shall not be installed on the exterior face or under interior or exterior foundation walls or slab foundations located below grade. The clearance between foam plastics installed above grade and exposed earth shall be not less than 6 inches (152 mm).
Exceptions:
- Buildings where the structural members of walls, floors, ceilings and roofs are entirely of noncombustible materials or preservative-treated wood.
- An approved method of protecting the foam plastic and structure from subterranean termite damage is provided.
- On the interior side of basement walls.
Foam plastic shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Section 2603.4 or those of Section 2603.6 where specifically approved based on large-scale tests such as, but not limited to, NFPA 286 (with the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.2.1), FM 4880, UL 1040 or UL 1715. Such testing shall be related to the actual end-use configuration and be performed on the finished manufactured foam plastic assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use. Foam plastics that are used as interior finish on the basis of special tests shall also conform to the flame spread and smoke-developed requirements of Chapter 8. Assemblies tested shall include seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation of the assembly and shall be tested in the manner intended for use.
FIGURE 2603.9
TERMITE INFESTATION PROBABILITY MAP
Cladding shall be specified and installed in accordance with Chapter 14 and the cladding manufacturer’s installation instructions or an approved design. Foam sheathing shall be attached to masonry or concrete construction in accordance with the insulation manufacturer’s installation instructions or an approved design. Furring and furring attachments through foam sheathing shall be designed to resist design loads determined in accordance with Chapter 16, including support of cladding weight as applicable. Fasteners used to attach cladding or furring through foam sheathing to masonry or concrete substrates shall be approved for application into masonry or concrete material and shall be installed in accordance with the fastener manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Exceptions:
- Where the cladding manufacturer has provided approved installation instructions for application over foam sheathing and connection to a masonry or concrete substrate, those requirements shall apply.
- For exterior insulation and finish systems, refer to Section 1408.
- For anchored masonry or stone veneer installed over foam sheathing, refer to Section 1405.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] In addition to the requirements of Section 2603.11, cladding and foam sheathing supports and attachments shall be designed and submitted to the enforcement agency for approval.
Cladding shall be specified and installed in accordance with Chapter 14 and the cladding manufacturer’s approved installation instructions, including any limitations for use over foam plastic sheathing, or an approved design. Where used, furring and furring attachments shall be designed to resist design loads determined in accordance with Chapter 16. In addition, the cladding or furring attachments through foam sheathing to framing shall meet or exceed the minimum fastening requirements of Sections 2603.12.1 and 2603.12.2, or an approved design for support of cladding weight.
Exceptions:
- Where the cladding manufacturer has provided approved installation instructions for application over foam sheathing, those requirements shall apply.
- For exterior insulation and finish systems, refer to Section 1408.
- For anchored masonry or stone veneer installed over foam sheathing, refer to Section 1405.
Where cladding is installed directly over foam sheathing without the use of furring, cladding minimum fastening requirements to support the cladding weight shall be as specified in Table 2603.12.1.
TABLE 2603.12.1
CLADDING MINIMUM FASTENING REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECT ATTACHMENT OVER FOAM PLASTIC SHEATHING TO SUPPORT CLADDING WEIGHTa
| CLADDING FASTENER THROUGH FOAM SHEATHING INTO: | CLADDING FASTENER TYPE AND MINIMUM SIZEb | CLADDING FASTENER VERTICAL SPACING (inches) | MAXIMUM THICKNESS OF FOAM SHEATHINGc (inches) | |||||
| 16″o.c. fastener horizontal spacing | 24″o.c. fastener horizontal spacing | |||||||
| Cladding weight | Cladding weight | |||||||
| 3 psf | 11 psf | 25 psf | 3 psf | 11 psf | 25 psf | |||
| Steel framing (minimum penetration of steel thickness plus 3 threads) | #8 screw into 33 mil steel or thicker | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 | 3 | 2 | DR |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 0.5 | 3 | 1.5 | DR | ||
| 12 | 3 | 1.5 | DR | 3 | 0.75 | DR | ||
| #10 screw into 33 mil steel | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 0.5 | |
| 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | DR | ||
| 12 | 4 | 2 | DR | 3 | 1 | DR | ||
| #10 screw into 43 mil steel or thicker | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
| 8 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1.5 | ||
| 12 | 4 | 3 | 1.5 | 4 | 3 | DR | ||
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = design required; o.c. = on center.
- Steel framing shall be minimum 33 ksi steel for 33 mil and 43 mil steel and 50 ksi steel for 54 mil steel or thicker.
- Screws shall comply with the requirements of AISI S200.
- Foam sheathing shall have a minimum compressive strength of 15 pounds per square inch in accordance with ASTM C578 or ASTM C1289.
Where steel or wood furring is used to attach cladding over foam sheathing, furring minimum fastening requirements to support the cladding weight shall be as specified in Table 2603.12.2. Where placed horizontally, wood furring shall be preservative-treated wood in accordance with Section 2303.1.9 or naturally durable wood and fasteners shall be corrosion resistant in accordance Section 2304.10.5. Steel furring shall have a minimum G60 galvanized coating.
TABLE 2603.12.2
FURRING MINIMUM FASTENING REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION OVER FOAM PLASTIC SHEATHING TO SUPPORT CLADDING WEIGHTa
| FURRING MATERIAL | FRAMING MEMBER | FASTENER TYPE AND MINIMUM SIZEb | MINIMUM PENETRATION INTO WALL FRAMING (inches) | FASTENER SPACING IN FURRING (inches) | MAXIMUM THICKNESS OF FOAM SHEATHING4 (inches) | |||||
| 16″ o.c. furringe | 24″ o.c. furringe | |||||||||
| Cladding weight | Cladding weight | |||||||||
| 3 psf | 11 psf | 25 psf | 3 psf | 11 psf | 25 psf | |||||
| Minimum 33 mil steel furring or minimum 1x wood furringc | 33 mil steel stud | #8 screw | Steel thickness plus 3 threads | 12 | 3 | 1.5 | DR | 3 | 0.5 | DR |
| 16 | 3 | 1 | DR | 2 | DR | DR | ||||
| 24 | 2 | DR | DR | 2 | DR | DR | ||||
| #10 screw | Steel thickness plus 3 threads | 12 | 4 | 2 | DR | 4 | 1 | DR | ||
| 16 | 4 | 1.5 | DR | 3 | DR | DR | ||||
| 24 | 3 | DR | DR | 2 | DR | DR | ||||
| 43 mil or thicker steel stud | #8 Screw | Steel thickness plus 3 threads | 12 | 3 | 1.5 | DR | 3 | 0.5 | DR | |
| 16 | 3 | 1 | DR | 2 | DR | DR | ||||
| 24 | 2 | DR | DR | 2 | DR | DR | ||||
| #10 screw | Steel thickness plus 3 threads | 12 | 4 | 3 | 1.5 | 4 | 3 | DR | ||
| 16 | 4 | 3 | 0.5 | 4 | 2 | DR | ||||
| 24 | 4 | 2 | DR | 4 | 0.5 | DR | ||||
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = design required: o.c. = on center.
- Wood furring shall be Spruce-Pine fir or any softwood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater. Steel furring shall be minimum 33 ksi steel. Steel studs shall be minimum 33 ksi steel for 33 mil and 43 mil thickness and 50 ksi steel for 54 mil steel or thicker.
- Screws shall comply with the requirements of AISI S200.
- Where the required cladding fastener penetration into wood material exceeds 3/4 inch and is not more than 11/2 inches, a minimum 2-inch nominal wood furring shall be used or an approved design.
- Foam sheathing shall have a minimum compressive strength of 15 pounds per square inch in accordance with ASTM C578 or ASTM C1289.
- Furring shall be spaced not more than 24 inches on center, in a vertical or horizontal orientation. In a vertical orientation, furring shall be located over wall studs and attached with the required fastener spacing. In a horizontal orientation, the indicated 8-inch and 12-inch fastener spacing in furring shall be achieved by use of two fasteners into studs at 16 inches and 24 inches on center, respectively.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] In addition to the requirements of Section 2603.12, 2603.12.1, and 2603.12.2, cladding and foam sheathing supports and attachments shall be designed and submitted to the enforcement agency for approval.
The flame spread index shall not exceed 75 where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The smoke-developed index shall not be limited.
Exception: When the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.2.1, it shall not be required to be tested for flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
Exterior plastic veneer, other than plastic siding, shall be permitted to be installed on the exterior walls of buildings of any type of construction in accordance with all of the following requirements:
- Plastic veneer shall comply with Section 2606.4.
- Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any exterior wall to a height greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above grade.
- Sections of plastic veneer shall not exceed 300 square feet (27.9 m2) in area and shall be separated by not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) vertically.
Exception: The area and separation requirements and the smoke-density limitation are not applicable to plastic veneer applied to buildings constructed of Type VB construction, provided the walls are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.
Light-transmitting plastics, including thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material, shall have a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) or greater where tested in accordance with ASTM D1929; a smoke-developed index not greater than 450 where tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, or a maximum average smoke density rating not greater than 75 where tested in the thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM D2843 and shall conform to one of the following combustibility classifications:
Class CC1: Plastic materials that have a burning extent of 1 inch (25 mm) or less where tested at a nominal thickness of 0.060 inch (1.5 mm), or in the thickness intended for use, in accordance with ASTM D635.
Class CC2: Plastic materials that have a burning rate of 21/2 inches per minute (1.06 mm/s) or less where tested at a nominal thickness of 0.060 inch (1.5 mm), or in the thickness intended for use, in accordance with ASTM D635.
Light-transmitting plastic materials in their assembly shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the loads indicated in Chapter 16.
Technical data shall be submitted to establish stresses, maximum unsupported spans and such other information for the various thicknesses and forms used as deemed necessary by the building official.
Unless the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, light-diffusing systems shall not be installed in the following occupancies and locations:
- Group A with an occupant load of 1,000 or more.
- Theaters with a stage and proscenium opening and an occupant load of 700 or more.
- Group I-2.
- Group I-3.
- Interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways.
Light-transmitting plastic covers on solar collectors having noncombustible sides and bottoms shall be permitted on buildings not over three stories above grade plane or 9,000 square feet (836.1 m2) in total floor area, provided the light-transmitting plastic cover does not exceed 33.33 percent of the roof area for CC1 materials or 25 percent of the roof area for CC2 materials.
Exception: Light-transmitting plastic covers having a thickness of 0.010 inch (0.3 mm) or less shall be permitted to be of any plastic material provided the area of the solar collectors does not exceed 33.33 percent of the roof area.
The maximum area of a single wall panel and minimum vertical and horizontal separation requirements for exterior light-transmitting plastic wall panels shall be as provided for in Table 2607.4. The maximum percentage of wall area of any story in light-transmitting plastic wall panels shall not exceed that indicated in Table 2607.4 or the percentage of unprotected openings permitted by Section 705.8, whichever is smaller.
Exceptions:
- In structures provided with approved flame barriers extending 30 inches (760 mm) beyond the exterior wall in the plane of the floor, a vertical separation is not required at the floor except that provided by the vertical thickness of the flame barrier projection.
- Veneers of approved weather-resistant light-transmitting plastics used as exterior siding in buildings of Type V construction in compliance with Section 1406.
- The area of light-transmitting plastic wall panels in exterior walls of greenhouses shall be exempt from the area limitations of Table 2607.4 but shall be limited as required for unprotected openings in accordance with Section 704.8.
TABLE 2607.4
AREA LIMITATION AND SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELSa
| FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | CLASS OF PLASTIC | MAXIMUM PERCENTAGE AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL IN PLASTIC WALL PANELS | MAXIMUM SINGLE AREA OF PLASTIC WALL PANELS (square feet) | MINIMUM SEPARATION OF PLASTIC WALL PANELS (feet) | |
| Vertical | Horizontal | ||||
| Less than 6 | — | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | — | — |
| 6 or more but less than 11 | CC1 | 10 | 50 | 8 | 4 |
| CC2 | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | — | — | |
| 11 or more but less than or equal to 30 | CC1 | 25 | 90 | 6 | 4 |
| CC2 | 15 | 70 | 8 | 4 | |
| Over 30 | CC1 | 50 | Not Limited | 3b | 0 |
| CC2 | 50 | 100 | 6b | 3 | |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
- For combinations of plastic glazing and plastic wall panel areas permitted, see Section 2607.6.
- For reductions in vertical separation allowed, see Section 2607.4.
Openings in the exterior walls of buildings of types of construction other than Type VB, where not required to be protected by Section 705, shall be permitted to be glazed or equipped with light-transmitting plastic in accordance with Section 2606 and all of the following:
The aggregate area of light-transmitting plastic glazing shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of any wall face of the story in which it is installed. The area of a single pane of glazing installed above the first story above grade plane shall not exceed 16 square feet (1.5 m2) and the vertical dimension of a single pane shall not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm).
Exception: Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the area of allowable glazing shall be increased to not more than 50 percent of the wall face of the story in which it is installed with no limit on the maximum dimension or area of a single pane of glazing.
Approved flame barriers extending 30 inches (762 mm) beyond the exterior wall in the plane of the floor, or vertical panels not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in height, shall be installed between glazed units located in adjacent stories.
Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Light-transmitting plastics shall not be installed more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above grade level.
Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Light-transmitting plastic roof panels shall comply with this section and Section 2606. Light-transmitting plastic roof panels shall not be installed in Groups H, I-2 and I-3. In all other groups, light-transmitting plastic roof panels shall comply with any one of the following conditions:
- The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- The roof construction is not required to have a fire-resistance rating by Table 601.
- The roof panels meet the requirements for roof coverings in accordance with Chapter 15.
Individual roof panels shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) measured in a horizontal plane.
Exceptions:
- The separation between roof panels is not required in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- The separation between roof panels is not required in low-hazard occupancy buildings complying with the conditions of Section 2609.4, Exception 2 or 3.
Roof panels shall be limited in area and the aggregate area of panels shall be limited by a percentage of the floor area of the room or space sheltered in accordance with Table 2609.4.
Exceptions:
- The area limitations of Table 2609.4 shall be permitted to be increased by 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- Low-hazard occupancy buildings, such as swimming pool shelters, shall be exempt from the area limitations of Table 2609.4, provided that the buildings do not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m2) in area and have a minimum fire separation distance of 10 feet (3048 mm).
- Greenhouses that are occupied for growing plants on a production or research basis, without public access, shall be exempt from the area limitations of Table 2609.4 provided they have a minimum fire separation distance of 4 feet (1220 mm).
- Roof coverings over terraces and patios in occupancies in Group R-3 shall be exempt from the area limitations of Table 2609.4 and shall be permitted with light-transmitting plastics.
TABLE 2609.4
AREA LIMITATIONS FOR LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC ROOF PANELS
| CLASS OF PLASTIC | MAXIMUM AREA OF INDIVIDUAL ROOF PANELS (square feet) | MAXIMUM AGGREGATE AREA OF ROOF PANELS (percent of floor area) |
| CC1 | 300 | 30 |
| CC2 | 100 | 25 |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
Skylight assemblies glazed with light-transmitting plastic shall conform to the provisions of this section and Section 2606. Unit skylights glazed with light-transmitting plastic shall comply with Section 2405.5.
Exception: Skylights in which the light-transmitting plastic conforms to the required roof-covering class in accordance with Section 1505.
The light-transmitting plastic shall be mounted above the plane of the roof on a curb constructed in accordance with the requirements for the type of construction classification, but not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the plane of the roof. Edges of the light-transmitting plastic skylights or domes shall be protected by metal or other approved noncombustible material, or the light transmitting plastic dome or skylight shall be shown to be able to resist ignition where exposed at the edge to a flame from a Class B brand as described in ASTM E108 or UL 790. The Class B brand test shall be conducted on a skylight that is elevated to a height as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, but not less than 4 inches (102 mm).
Exceptions:
- Curbs shall not be required for skylights used on roofs having a minimum slope of three units vertical in 12 units horizontal (25-percent slope) in occupancies in Group R-3 and on buildings with a nonclassified roof covering.
- The metal or noncombustible edge material is not required where nonclassified roof coverings are permitted.
Flat or corrugated light-transmitting plastic skylights shall slope not less than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (4:12). Dome-shaped skylights shall rise above the mounting flange a minimum distance equal to 10 percent of the maximum width of the dome but not less than 3 inches (76 mm).
Exception: Skylights that pass the Class B Burning Brand Test specified in ASTM E108 or UL 790.
Each skylight shall have a maximum area within the curb of 100 square feet (9.3 m2).
Exception: The area limitation shall not apply where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or the building is equipped with smoke and heat vents in accordance with Section 910.
The aggregate area of skylights shall not exceed 331/3 percent of the floor area of the room or space sheltered by the roof in which such skylights are installed where Class CC1 materials are utilized, and 25 percent where Class CC2 materials are utilized.
Exception: The aggregate area limitations of light-transmitting plastic skylights shall be increased 100 percent beyond the limitations set forth in this section where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or the building is equipped with smoke and heat vents in accordance with Section 910.
Skylights shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) measured in a horizontal plane.
Exceptions:
- Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- In Group R-3, multiple skylights located above the same room or space with a combined area not exceeding the limits set forth in Section 2610.4.
Plastic composites shall exhibit a flame spread index not exceeding 200 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 with the test specimen remaining in place during the test.
Exception: Materials determined to be noncombustible in accordance with Section 703.5.
Fiber-reinforced polymer shall be permitted to be installed on the exterior walls of buildings of any type of construction when such polymers meet the requirements of Section 2603.5. Fireblocking shall be installed in accordance with Section 718.
Exceptions:
Compliance with Section 2603.5 is not required when all of the following conditions are met:
- 1.1. The fiber-reinforced polymer shall not exceed an aggregate total of 20 percent of the area of the specific wall to which it is attached, and no single architectural element shall exceed 10 percent of the area of the specific wall to which it is attached, and no contiguous set of architectural elements shall exceed 10 percent of the area of the specific wall to which they are attached.
- 1.2. The fiber-reinforced polymer shall have a flame spread index of 25 or less. The flame spread index requirement shall not be required for coatings or paints having a thickness of less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) that are applied directly to the surface of the fiber-reinforced polymer.
- 1.3. Fireblocking complying with Section 718.2.6 shall be installed.
- 1.4. The fiber-reinforced polymer shall be installed directly to a noncombustible substrate or be separated from the exterior wall by one of the following materials: corrosion-resistant steel having a minimum base metal thickness of 0.016 inch (0.41 mm) at any point, aluminum having a minimum thickness of 0.019 inch (0.5 mm) or other approved noncombustible material.
Compliance with Section 2603.5 is not required when the fiber-reinforced polymer is installed on buildings that are 40 feet (12 190 mm) or less above grade when all of the following conditions are met:
- 2.1. The fiber-reinforced polymer shall meet the requirements of Section 1406.2.
- 2.2. Where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less, the area of the fiber-reinforced polymer shall not exceed 10 percent of the wall area. Where the fire separation distance is greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), there shall be no limit on the area of the exterior wall coverage using fiber-reinforced polymer.
- 2.3. The fiber-reinforced polymer shall have a flame spread index of 200 or less. The flame spread index requirements do not apply to coatings or paints having a thickness of less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) that are applied directly to the surface of the fiber-reinforced polymer.
- 2.4. Fireblocking complying with Section 718.2.6 shall be installed.