Understanding NFPA 285  

Commercial building codes have been modified to require the construction of more energy-efficient buildings. Improvements to the building envelope through the use of continuous insulation solutions incorporating polyisocyanurate (or Polyiso) insulation have played a major role in mainstreaming high-performance construction practices. To meet the demands of today’s builds, architectural and design professionals must balance energy efficiency with whole building performance considerations, including fire safety. With respect to wall assemblies in Type I-IV Construction, understanding and properly implementing NFPA 285 is a critical component for designing a compliant, high-performance building envelope.

Photo courtesy of JENSEN HUGHES

Art Parker is a Senior Fire Protection Engineer at JENSEN HUGHES with over 25 years of experience conducting standard and non-standard fire tests on a wide variety of building materials and products. While working at Southwest Research Institute, Art assisted with and witnessed some of the last multi-story fire testing conducted in accordance with UBC 17-6/26-4 in addition to conducting testing of exterior walls in accordance with the then new NFPA 285 test standard. Since joining JENSEN HUGHES, he has been responsible for conducting numerous testing, analyses, and code compliance investigations involving exterior wall assemblies incorporating combustible exterior wall coverings, continuous insulation materials and air/vapor barrier products. Art is active with ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and the NFPA Fire Test Committee, which developed and maintains the NFPA 285 test standard.

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) proactively advocates for safe, cost-effective, sustainable and energy efficient construction for the Polyiso industry. Members include manufacturers of Polyiso insulation and suppliers to the industry. www.Polyiso.org