IBC opens new markets for FRTW

By Rich Geary Richard W. Geary & Associates, Inc.

THE California Building StandI ards Commission has completed adoptions of the 2006 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) as the model code for the 2OO7 California Building Standards Code. It is expected to be effective in local code jurisdictions on January l,2008.

This change will provide new opportunities to use fire retardant treated lumber and plywood in lieu of non-combustible materials. This article reviews those changes in the 2006 IBC compared to the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). The UBC is the basis for the building code used in California today.

California is expected to adopt the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) during the next code cycle; currently there are no applications recognized for fire retardant treated wood in low-rise residential construction under the 1997 UBC.

Section 2303.2 of the 2006 IBC defines fire retardant treated wood as "any wood product which, when impregnated with chemicals by a pressure process or other means during manufacture, shall have, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, a lisf ed flame spread index of 25 or less and show no evidence of significant progressive combustion when the test is continued for an additional 20minute period.

"In addition, the flame front shall not progress more than 10.5 feet (3200 mm) beyond the centerline of the burners at any time during the test." This definition was first introduced in the 2003 International Building Code and is already in effect in states that have adopted the 2003 IBC. Spray-on and paint-on coatings do not meet 2006 IBC requirements for fire retardant treated wood.

IBC Code Changes

The following outlines new market opportunities for Fire Retardant Treated Wood GRTW): overhang is an example of a projection requiring a one-hour rating if FRTW is not used.

. 402.10 Kiosks. Combustible kiosks or other similar structures (temporary or permanent) shall not be located within the mall unless constructed of any of the fbllowing materials: Fire retardant treated wood meeting the above definition is one of the materials allowed.

. 410.4 Platform construction. "Permanent platforms are permitted to be constructed of fire retardant treated wood for Type I, II (both are noncombustible construction), and Type IV construction where the platforms are not more than 30 inches above the main floor, not more than one-third of the room floor area, and not more than 3,000 square feet in area."

.1405.4.1 Wood Veneers. Where fire retardant treated wood is used, the height of wood veneers on exterior walls of buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction can be now be increased from three to four stories.

.

603.1.1.1.3 Roof construction. Fire retardant treated wood shall be permitted in roof construction, including girders, trusses, framing, and decking in Type I and Type II construction. These buildings are normally built with non-combustible materials, therefore this is a new market for fire retardant treated wood. The current California Code allows the use of fire retardant treated wood in a fire rated partition of two hours or less.

704.2.3 Combustible projections. Combustible projections located where openings are not permitted or where protection of openings is required now allows fire retardant treated wood as an option. The roof

.14062.2 Architectural trim. In buildings of Type I, II, III, and IV construction that do not exceed three stories or 40 feet in height above grade plane, exterior wall coverings shall be permitted to be constructed of wood of I inch nominal thickness. If the fire separation distance between buildings is 5 feet or less and the combustible exterior wall covering exceeds lOVo of an exterior wall surface, the veneer has to be fire retardant treated wood. 1406.3.1 Balconies and similar projections. "On buildings of Type I and Type II construction, three stories or less in height, fire retardant treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits."

. 1406.4 Bay windows and oriel windows. Fire retardant treated wood shall be permitted in bay and oriel (Gothic style architecture) windows on buildings three stories or less of Type I,II,III and IV construction.

3104.3.2 Pedestrian walkways. Fire retardant treated wood, in accordance with Section 603 I ,l ,l .3 (An errata will be issued to correct the printing error to Note c) shall be permitted for the roof construction of the pedestrian walkway where connected buildings are a minimum of Type I or II construction.

.31053 & .4 Awnings and can- opies. Awnings can now have frames of fire retardant treated wood and canopies of a covering that meets a flame spread index of 25 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84. R317.2.2 (IRC) Parapets. Although the State of Califomia is not adopting the IRC at this time, this section will allow the elimination of roof parapets in townhomes if fire retardant treated plywood is used 4 feet on either side of the common wall. This is a very popular change with builders and at least one California iurisdiction is allowing its use.

Labeling

Also new to California is the labeling requirement.

. 2303.2.1 Labeling. "Fire retardant treated lumber and structural wood panels shall be labeled. The label shall contain the following items: l. The identification mark of an approved agency in accordance with Section 1703.5.

2. Identification of the treating manufacturer.

3. The name of the fire retardant treatment.

4. The species of the wood treated.

5. Flame spread and smoke-developed index.

6. Method of drying after treatment.

7. Conformance with appropriate standards.

8. For exterior fire retardant treated wood the label shall include "No increase in the listed classification when subjected to the Standard Rain tesf'(ASTM D 2898)."

See the above label to further aid in identifying interior and exterior fire retardant treated wood.

- For a laminated version of the label' ing requirements and uses offire retardant treated wood contact Hoover at (800) 832' 9663 or tecwood@frtw.com. While every effort has been made to provide accurate building code information in this article, always check with your local building code jurisdiction for local amendments or interpretations to building codes. Contact the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org) for information on their downloadable products and services.

The information contained herein is true and rccurate to the best of our knowledge, but is provided without wananty or guarantee. Since the conditions of use are beyond our conftol, Riched w. Geary & Assmiates, Inc. disclaims all liability and assumes no legal responsibility for damages resulting from us or reliance upon the information contained herein.

Portions of this article reproduce sections from the 2006 International Building Code, Intemational Code Council, Inc. Falls Church, Va. Reproduced with pemission. All rights reserued.