News Release

MIAMI - (September 15, 2009) – This Bulletin is intended to help end-users understand some of the applications where products such as Dyplast's ISO-CI^®2.0 polyisocyanurate foam insulation, which have achieved a flame spread index of less than 25¹ and a smoke density index of less than 450¹  in the ASTM E84 test (Class I), may be used.

Unfortunately, across the US there is no Federal Building Code. Each State, or in some cases, local government, decides on what building codes to adopt. To assist with this process the International Code Council publishes an updated "model" code every three years that may be adopted in whole or in part by States and local jurisdictions. Thus it is important to always check with local township or county officials about code requirements.

The latest versions of the International Building and Residential Codes issued in 2006 both list the basic requirements for foam plastic insulation as having a flame spread index of not more than 75 and a smoke density index of not more than 450 in the ASTM E84 test (i.e. Class 2) with the proviso that the insulation must be separated from the interior of the building by an approved 15 minute thermal barrier. However the Codes do allow for exceptions to the 15 minute thermal barrier. For example, foam plastic insulation may be spray-applied to sill plates and headers without a thermal barrier providing the foam meets the ASTM E84 Class I requirements.

Another area where foam insulation products must meet the ASTM E84 Class I requirements is in the walls of freezers and coolers. In these cases, the foam insulation cannot exceed 10" in thickness and it must be covered by either aluminum metal skins having a thickness of not less than 0.032" or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness not less than 0.0160". In addition, the structure must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

Yet another important approved application for ASTM E84 Class I foam plastic insulation is in the exterior walls of single and multi-story buildings. For single story buildings the foam insulation thickness cannot exceed 4" and the foam must be covered by identical metal skin thicknesses as in the case of the walls of freezers and coolers. Also the building must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

For multi-story buildings the foam plastic insulation, exterior coatings, and facings must be tested separately in the thickness intended for use, with the insulation thickness not to exceed 4" and each component must meet the ASTM Class I requirements. An exception is in the case of prefabricated or factory-manufactured panels having minimum 0.020-inch (0.51 mm) aluminum facings. These panels are permitted to be tested as an assembly in accordance with and comply with the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285 where the foam plastic core is not exposed in the course of construction. Again the building must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

The International Mechanical Code also sets recommendations for the insulation of piping and ducting in commercial and industrial situations. In some cases a Class I foam having a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke density index of not more than 450 in the ASTM E84 test may be used. However a factor that is taken into consideration by fire marshals and local building officials when approving building plans is the number of people who will be occupying the "enclosed space" where the duct work or piping is to be installed. Where the occupational density is going to be high, as in hospitals, schools and hotels, an insulation meeting a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke density index of not more than 50 is likely to be specified.

Dyplast does not represent itself as an expert on building or mechanical code matters, and there may be other applications where ASTM E84 Class I foam insulation may be used. We therefore recommend consulting with an architect or a specifier if you have detailed questions about other uses.

One other thing that must be taken into consideration when looking at the ASTM E84 test results on any foam plastic insulation is that the performance of the foam in the test does vary depending on the actual thickness tested. Usually the testing agencies perform the tests at foam thicknesses of 1.0" and 4.0" to cover the range of foam thicknesses likely to be encountered in most applications.

As a reminder, ISO-CI® 2.0 has obtained the following ASTM E84 results on witnessed production:

 

¹ These numerical data are not intended to reflect hazards present under actual fire conditions

For information on Dyplast Products or additional technical data on this product, visit www.dyplastproducts.com.

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