Designing NFPA 285-Compliant Exterior Wall Assemblies
Navigating Code Changes, Material Selection and Exterior Wall Assembly Performance
Sponsored by Henry, a Carlisle Company | Presented by Brian Carey, CSI, CDT
Live Webinar Airing on October 1, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET
Combustible materials in the form of membranes, insulation, building boards and claddings are essential in the construction of energy-efficient and durable exterior wall assemblies. As building enclosure systems incorporate more combustible materials, design professionals must balance thermal and moisture protection with fire safety. It is essential that those responsible for material selection are aware of changes to NFPA 285 and model building codes so that they can provide high-performing, fire-safety-compliant wall assemblies.
This course examines the purpose and application of NFPA 285 testing in exterior wall assemblies, reviews key code developments impacting exterior wall design, and explains how wall assembly materials interact to make compliant assemblies. Participants will learn practical approaches to selecting materials for compliant assemblies while avoiding common oversights. Upon completing this course, the attendee will have more confidence in specifying modern, high-performing wall assemblies which meet the NFPA 285 requirements.
Photo courtesy of Henry, a Carlisle Company
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Brian Carey, CSI, CDT, has worked for Carlisle since 2004, where he serves as the company's Air Barrier Product Manager. Carey has worked in the coatings, sealants and adhesives business since 1994. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Lebanon Valley College and two Bachelor's Degrees, Chemical Engineering and French, from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and the International Institute of Building Envelope Consultants (IIBEC). Carey is a Registered Exterior Wall Observer (REWO) with IIBEC and has Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certification from Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Over the years, Carey has led the launch of many air barrier products, has supported and witnessed the installation of millions of square feet of air barrier, and has contributed to the drafting and publication of many air barrier standards. |
For more than 75 years, Henry® Company has been serving designers, contractors and building owners as a leading innovator of Building Envelope Systems®, providing high quality air and vapor barriers, insulation, roofing and waterproofing systems.
Originally published in Building Enclosure
Originally published in August 2026
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Describe the intent and application of NFPA 285 and summarize requirements for this test in building code.
- Explain the means of compliance with the NFPA 285 test requirements.
- Explain the methodology of material substitutions by Engineering Evaluation in the latest edition of NFPA 285.
- List advantages and limitations of air and water resistive barrier types when combined with common wall assembly components.
