In addition to the NFPA 285 wall assembly test, relevant combustible components must also pass a series of material tests, per the International Building Code.

“It is important to understand the how material tests differ from assembly tests on how they are performed and how they are required by code,” says Benjamin Meyer, science architect, DuPont Building Innovations, Richmond, Virginia.

While, in many cases, the manufacturers take care of these tests, architects need to be familiar with the various ASTM tests and double check that a given product is compliant.

• ASTM E84–Surface Burning Characteristics
  Comparatively measures product surface flame spread and smoke density. Products are then classified as A, B, or C based upon their flame spread index, with Class A offering the lowest flame spread levels. It’s important to note that this test does not measure heat transmission, determine an assembly’s flame spread behavior, nor classify a material as noncombustible.
• ASTM E1354–Cone Calorimeter Test
  A small sample specimen is taken and measured for heat of combustion, mass loss rate, time to sustained flaming, and smoke production. The test applies to various categories of products and is not limited to representing a single fire scenario.
• ICC ES Reports
  These evaluation reports are used to help determine if a building is code compliant and helps agencies enforce building regulations. Manufacturers also use these reports to provide that their products meet code requirements and warrant regulatory approval. This is particularly important for new and innovative products.
• ASTM E119/UL 263/IBC 703.2
  Provides assembly measurement of the transmission of heat and hot gases while determining the load carrying ability during the test exposure. The test does not simulate scalability or fire behavior between building elements such as floor-wall or wall-wall connections. Nor does it measure the generation and movement of smoke through the assembly, generation of toxic gases, or flame spread over the surface.
• NFPA 268–Radiant Ignitibility of Assemblies
  NFPA 268 tests for ignition of an exterior wall assembly by exposing it to a specified radiant heat flux for 20 minutes. The test is not used to evaluate a wall assembly’s fire endurance, surface flame spread, or the effect of fires originating from within the building, exterior wall assembly, or at the openings.

DuPont Building Innovations brings dynamic science to the development of innovative products and services for commercial construction. DuPont helps architects and their teams determine the best air and water barrier solutions that meet the unique needs of their projects and increase the performance of building systems and create more sustainable structures. www.weatherization.tyvek.com