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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFile Documents.267 Roaring Fork Dr.0289.2018 (12).ARBK 41) THE CODE AUTHORIT1r 2014 Issue 1 Facing A Brave New The Underlying /� Photovoltaic 3 2 (and Green)World Truth About Roofing `t Systems Underlayments 4 jk sk. ,.., . 4 0 1 _____:. 14,, . L., , ,,,----1' , 1,,, , , ,•11, is . ..,.-^'f�'R�,• 4). } emu./• r,'`, . 1 vo. 4.1,-. ''''',. 7 , -,-ki.r\- -~ +� • -,f r r. _ 4v / �. Er�-''"'�r. ' _ - - i k . �! , - A _- . Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings Helpful hints for achieving code compliance By Howard Hopper 'Regulatory Services Program Coordinator Questions often arise about the are applicable to roof coverings intended Under such exposures,the roof coverings construction needed to achieve a Class for installation on either combustible or afford a degree of fire protection to the roof A,B,or C fire rating for a roof assembly. noncombustible decks. deck,do not slip from position,and are not The information needed to achieve code expected to produce flying brands. This standard includes three classes of fire compliant installations is included below. exposure: What ratings are required What are these ratings? • Class A roof coverings,which are effective by codes? The UL 790(ASTM E 108)Standard Test against severe fire test exposures There are several requirements for roof Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings • Class B roof coverings,which are effective covering fire classifications in model codes covers the fire resistance performance of against moderate fire test exposures and city and county ordinances.These roof coverings exposed to simulated fire requirements are dependent on the type of sources originatingfrom outside a building • Class C roof coverings,which are effective building construction and�l �t ��� on which the coverin s are installed.The against light fire test exposures. e4�, g Y the building.Some jurisdi C e continfti grii2V1018 O „ 0 : ASPEN O•`+p Scan with your mobile OR Code Reader to find out •. more about UL supportlor code authorities. BUILDING DEPARTMENT THE CODE AUTHORITY® [2014 Issue 1] a i w PDefinitions _ . of terms �c \l ' UL-ese frequently used at UL j I I GUIDE INFORMATION Descriptive information for each product category - that appears in UL's Online Certifications Directory (www.ul.com/database).The Guide Information outlines the scope and limitations of UL's certification of a Facing A Brave New particular set of products, (and Green) World the requirements utilized to evaluate those products, and the UL Mark appearing on Managing Editor's Column/by Howard Hopper those products. Like many of you,I have years of experience working with specific codes. In my case these include building,fire and life safety codes.Historically, the purpose of the codes has been to safeguard life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters during emergency operations. But society is moving forward,and the scope of our codes is expanding. There is an increasing focus among architects,code authorities and other stakeholders in the built environment on providing installations that also address environmental,sustainability and occupant health requirements. Codes and regulations are moving forward to embrace sustainability and environmental requirements,and it is important for all of us to keep up with these developments so we aren't left behind. I am proud that UL is actively involved in these areas,primarily through our sustainability and environmental testing,certification and claim validation programs.We recently launched the Code Authorities Sustainability page to assist architects,contractors and code authorities in locating UL environmental and sustainability programs.Check it out by visiting www.ul.com/codeauthorities,and clicking on the"Sustainability"link. If you have any questions about how UL Environment programs can help R I ED your jurisdiction,please contact Josh Jacobs at Josh.Jacobs@ul.com. 12 018 [2] ASPEN BUILDING DEPARTMENT www.ul.com/tca THE CODE AUTHORITY- 0 The Underlying Truth About Roofing Underlayments By Alpesh Patel/Staff Engineer, ant,. Dwayne Sloan/PDE Manager A roof is an important element of a building's construction. When properly designed and installed it can provide years of protection against the elements, including fire, rain, snow, ice and high winds. UL has decades of experience testing and underlayments to be used based on the 's certifying roofing systems and materials for testing conducted.These underlayments y resisting fire,high wind impact and other are certified under the Prepared Roofing !Y environmental conditions.UL's distinct Accessories category(TGDY),which • testing processes clearly demonstrate the can be found in the UL Online importance that roof underlayment plays in Certifications Directory at complying with these requirements. www.ul.com/database. Building and residential codes contain In turn,the individual w • comprehensive requirements for roof underlayment certifications construction,including specifications for specify the types of roof �' v roofing materials used as underlayments. coverings that can be used t These codes also require certain roof to achieve the desired fire assemblies and materials to be either listed classification ratings. or constructed of materials complying with There is a common specific product standards. misconception that the UL 790 Although these codes do not expressly fire classification rating is only require listing and labelling of roofing based on the roof covering shingle or tile(e.g.asphalt glass mat,metal, underlayments,these products play a critical role in achieving Class A,B,or C fire concrete,clay,etc.),and therefore classification of roof assemblies. the underlayment is not considered to be a critical component.Based on The Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests this misconception,some non-certified of Roof Coverings,UL 790(ASTM E 108), roofing underlayments are often used that includes three key tests to provide fire have not been adequately evaluated for the classification of roof covering materials and application.Use of the appropriate roofing systems.These are the Spread of Flame Test, underlayments certified under the category Intermittent Flame Test,and Burning Brand Prepared Roofing Accessories(TGDY)and Test.During the Burning Brand Test heat is bearing the UL Mark provides confidence transferred directly through the shingles that the roof covering and underlayment or tiles as well as the roof underlayment, combination satisfies the code-mandated both of which protect the plywood deck. fire performance requirements. In most Burning Brand Tests conducted over a combustible deck(3/8-or 15/32 In addition,depending on the intended inch plywood),the underlayment plays a applications,codes may require roofing significant role in achieving the fire rating underlayments to comply with a specific of the overall roofing system.Accordingly, product standard,such as ASTM D many certifications of roof covering 226,Standard Specification for Asphalt- materials describe the specific types of Saturated Organic Felt Used in Roofing and continued on page 7 [3] C.) THE CODE AUTHORITY` [2014 Issue 1] PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS Achieving code compliant installations using UL Certified products By John Taecker/Senior Regulatory Engineer Code authorities are seeing an increasing number of photovoltaic(PV)system installations in their jurisdictions. Fortunately, building and residential code requirements have been developed to provide installation criteria while UL certification of PV panels and equipment address the product safety concerns. This article focuses on installation flame classes are marked Class A,Class B, rooftop installed PV panels and modules, considerations associated with PV or Class C,and those that have not been whether they are adhered or attached to the requirements in the 2012 International shown to comply with these flame classes roof covering,or are photovoltaic modules/ Building Code(IBC).Many of its points are are marked"Not Fire Rated". shingles to be labeled to identify their fire also applicable to the 2012 International classification(e.g.Class A,B,or C). Residential Code(IRC).It also discusses Photovoltaic modules/shingles changes to the 2015 IBC flame classification Photovoltaic modules/shingles(also known External fire exposure requirements for PV installations. as building integrated photovoltaics or BIPV) considerations are defined in the IBC as a roof covering A key objective of the IBC PV fire Rooftop PV system composed of flat-plate photovoltaic modules classification requirements is to verify that requirements fabricated in sheets that resemble three- the installation of PV does not diminish the IBC Section 1509.7 covers the overall design tab composite shingles.The installation of minimum fire safety requirements of the of rooftop PV systems and requires the photovoltaic modules/shingles is covered by roof.IBC Section 1505 requires that roof following: IBC Section 1507.17,which includes similar assemblies meet the UL 790 Class A,B,or requirements to the rooftop PV system C fire performance based on the type of A. The installation must comply with requirements described above.This includes Chapter 16 wind load requirements q construction of the building on which they requiring the photovoltaic modules/shingles are utilized.UL 790 evaluates the ability of B. The PV panels must have the same fire to be listed and labeled in accordance with the roof assembly to resist a simulated fire classification as the roof assembly on UL 1703.In addition,these products also source originating from outside the building which they are mounted must bear a label showing compliance with on which the roof coverings are installed. C. The system must be installed in ASTM D 3161 wind resistance requirements. These ratings are based on the ability to accordance with the manufacturer's Classifications for these PV modules/shingles prevent a fire from penetrating through the installation instructions are covered under the product categories roof and the ability to minimize the spread D. The PV panels and modules must be Prepared Roof-covering Materials,Formed of a fire along the roof surface. listed and labeled in accordance with or Molded Metal,Fiber-Cement,Plastic or In the absence of a PV system fire the UL 1703 Standard for Safety for Flat- Fire-retardant-treated Wood(TFXX)and classification,it may seem appropriate to Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels. Building-integrated Photovoltaic Modules substitute the PV module fire classification Photovoltaic panels certified in accordance and Panels(OHZK).Products complying with rating in order to achieve the desired with UL 1703 can be found in the UL UL 790 are marked Class A,Class B,or Class result,which is the preservation of the Online Certifications Directory(www. C,and those that have not been shown to roof assembly's original fire classification. ul.com/database)under the Photovoltaic comply are marked"Not Fire Rated". However,simply using the PV module fire Modules and Panels product category IBC Section 1505.8 reinforces the previously classification rating may n r (OIGU).PV panels complying with UL 790 cited flame classifications and requires desired protection against lFivED exposure in many cases. 12/12/2018 [4] ASPEN BUILDING DEPARTMENT www.ul.com/tca THE CODE AUTHORITY- 0 With funding from the U.S.Department of Energy,UL and the Solar America Board for r Codes and Standards(Solar ABCs)developed 1 .// a test plan to investigate the fire resistance properties of PV panels supported on f, '(' ..., standoff mounted racks configurations. .\, Rigorous testing revealed that the r )1"k• 'k performance of a system(which includes PV modules on standoff mounted racks) " exposed to fire or flame is not the same as _ that of a module alone. _��® ` The results of these tests show that ®_�� 11 t .1 _....iii: actual performance of a rack-mounted PV iiil.11 system exposed to fire or flame is strongly ®`��o® � ' dependent on the mounting geometry of the ��� 1 '' ,+ bL PV arrayand properties of components p p that make up the specific PV module type. . However,the results are not necessarily dependent on the fire classification rating of — the module.The fire classification rating of the PV module is not a good predictor of the fire classification rating of the PV module, ` atie \ 241 mounting hardware,and roof as a system. V► A summary of this research is published in a Solar ABCs report available at www.solarabcs.org/about/publications/ `�_ reports/flammability-testing/index.html. bligaii& -- New fire testing requirements As a result of this testing,and in (i.e.PV module with mounting systems in their resistance to external fire exposure consideration of the IBC external fire combination with roof coverings): when installed in combination with specific protection requirements,a working group • Spread of flame test on the top surface of PV modules and according to the PV composed of representatives from the PV module or panel mounting system installation instructions. industry,the roofing industry,standards The specifications for the assembly, • Spread of flame test at roof and module or development organizations,the building materials and components should be panel interface over representative steep and fire enforcement community,and carefully evaluated at the job site to verify or low sloped roof government laboratory experts developed the PV system and roof assembly are built in a new test methodology to determine fire • Burning Brand Test on module surface over accordance with the UL design,construction classification ratings for PV systems.The representative steep sloped roof or product certification.Code authorities new test methodology was adopted by • Burning Brand Test between the module or should pay special attention to ensuring that the UL 1703 Standard Technical Panel,and panel and representative steep sloped roof. materials required to be UL Certified have was published October 25,2013.These Classifications for these roof top PV systems the appropriate ratings and UL Marks. requirements are reflected in the 2015 IBC. are covered under MountingSystems,Y , For additional information on photovoltaics, The new fire classification procedure,which Mounting Devices,Clamping Devices and please contact John Taecker in Santa Jose, becomes effective in 2016,requires the Ground Lugs for Use with Photovoltaic Calif.,at John.K.Taecker@ul.com or at following tests be performed to derive a Modules and Panels(DIMS).PV mounting +1.408.754.6658. fire classification rating for the PV system systems tested to the new requirements are RECEIVEDmarked Class A,Class B,or Class C to indicate 12/12/2018 [5] ASPEN BUILDING DEPARTMENT Uj THE CODE AUTHORITY [2014 Issue 1] • cli.-11(' 'ti p �' _.,may..-_ ;I— '' 10. 4 .. \ - '•,:'-',"2.cs'.,-...-^ . , _ .•0(4 ( - .., _. :-........ ,:::„. ems=: •��_ py� ` s �},S��t�� •'fib+'� '�, bf Mln��•�ks �,�a;7y.,��^- ,' { _.. - • - - - " . gzA4...-gte-s.:, -_-_. :, -.,:;,_.,-:_ ---- ..,.--- .. ,. ,- .. -. . .- _ . _ ... ,..y..,:.,, . ...._.'.h. 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' . . -- �� ' , erg:Yt r� �14s!, •�• yy+t ,,.‘ - • Y;'•. • -. ../ tom- r .,'' '.! • Class A, B, and C Roof Ratings (continued from cover) history of fire incidents or because of their which are more severe than the Class C • Fire-retardant-treated Wood(TFXX' location,have increased the minimum fire tests.Accordingly,Class A roof assemblies • Prepared Roofing Accessories(TGDY, classification requirements in the IBC. are suitable for use where Class A,Class B or Class C roofs are required,and Class B • Building-integrated Photovoltaic Modules For example,the IBC requires roof coverings and Panels(OHZK) on Type IA,IB,and IIA buildings to have a roof assemblies are suitable for use where minimum Class B rating.In comparison, Class B or Class C roofs are required.Unrated Information on these product categories roof assemblies are not suitable for use in and the manufacturers'certifications can buildings required by the International any applications requiring a Class A,B or C be found in the UL Online Certifications Wildland-Urban Interface Code to be rating,except when specified in a code. Directory at www.ul.com/database. provided with Class 1 ignition-resistant construction are required to include Class A Where can these roof How are these systems to be roof assemblies.It is up to the designer to certifications be found? constructed to achieve the determine the minimum roof assembly fire classification for a given building,based on UL has a wide range of roof related desired rating? locally enforced requirements. certifications,but only the following Let's focus on two of the above categories categories include products evaluated for to answer this question,since the other Can ratings be interchanged? Class A,B,and C ratings: categories have similar installation To obtain a UL 790 fire classification,roof • Roofing Systems(TGFU) considerations. assemblies are required to pass a series of Prepared roof-covering materials include • Prepared Roof-covering Materials(TFWZ) P g exterior fire exposure tests—the Class A products such as asphalt orCi�vED tests are more severe than the Class B tests, • Prepared Roof-covering Materials,Formed shingles.These materials �1 or Molded Metal,Fiber-Cement,Plastic or 12/12/2018 [6] ASPEN BUILDING DEPARTMENT www.ul.com/tca THE CODE AUTHORITY' (.) to be installed on combustible decks The Guide Information for Roofing systems (3/4-inch thick wood sheathing boards or describes specific details for permissible 3/4-inch thick plywood unless otherwise combustible or noncombustible deck Electrical indicated in the installation instructions). constructions. If the installation instructions specifies a The roofing system category covers a wide Circuit Integrity 1/2-inch thick(minimum)plywood,then range of roofing systems,including those 15/32-inch thick plywood or 3/8-inch with metal panels,hot asphalt or coal tar System Update thick(minimum)nonveneer PS-2 rated felt,fluid-applied coatings,single-ply mem- sheathing(oriented strandboard panels, brane,spray-applied foam and coating,and structural particleboard panels,composite photovoltaic modules among others. UL recently certified four fire- photovoltaic or waferboard panels)are suitable resistive cable systems,including alternatives when a certified underlayment What documentation metal sheathed cable and cable is utilized between the sheathing and the should be consulted to in conduit systems.These are prepared roof covering. determine construction designated as System No.1850, Roofing systems consist of a combination details and ratings? System No.120,System No.25A and FPL in EMT System No.28A.Details of materials intended to be installed on Many architects and contractors on these two-hour fire-resistance combustible or noncombustible decks attach the UL certification and product rated systems can be found in the in accordance with detailed instructions category guide information from the UL Online Certifications Directory included with the packages,and as UL Online Certifications Directory under the Electrical Circuit Integrity described in the UL certification. www.ul.com/database to their plan System(FHIT)product category. The details for the manufacturers'system review packages,along with the These systems are intended to typically include the following information: manufacturer's instructions.It is be used in pathway survivability also helpful to have this information applications,such as those described • The UL 790 classification available at the job site for reference by the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm (e.g.Class A,B,or C) by the contractors and code authorities Code,when conductors used for • The deck construction supporting inspecting the installation. transmitting system information the roofing system(combustible or are required to remain operational noncombustible) For more information on UL 790 roofing certifications please contact Dwayne during fire conditions. • Any restrictions on the roof incline Sloan in Research Triangle Park,NC., These certifications were achieved • Required(or optional if so indicated) at Dwayne.E.Sloan@ul.com or at under a program that was barrier boards,ply sheets,and surfacing. +1.919.549.1676. developed as a result of research into concerns with previously certified cables.The program also reflected the work of a joint U.S.and Roofing Underlayments (continued from page 3) Canada standards working group that was formed to determine the upgrades in requirements,and Waterproofing,Type I;ASTM D 4869, Mark on the roll,package or container.This to deliver a single,harmonized Standard Specification for Asphalt-Saturatedprovides confidence that the underlayment bi-national standard. Organic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep satisfies the required code requirements. Slope Roofing,Type I;or ASTM D 6757, For more information on fire For more information on roofing resistive cable,circuit integrity Standard Specification for Underlayment underlayment certifications please contact cable or electrical circuit integrity Felt Containing Inorganic Fibers Used in Alpesh Patel in Northbrook,Ill.,at systems,please contact Blake Steep-Slope Roofing.UL certified Alpesh.Patel@ul.com or at+1.847.664.2522. Shugarman in Northbrook,Ill.,at underlayment products investigated to these standards are clearly identified by a UL Blake.M.Shugarman@UL.com or at +1.847.664.2022. 018 [7] ASPEN BUILDING DEPARTMENT (11) Presort Standard U.S.Postage PAID Permit No.1009 Northbrook,IL UL LLC 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook,IL 60062-2096 ® \ Calendar of Events ~ April 27—May 4,2014 June 22—24,2014 ICC Committee Action Hearing BOMA Every Building 2014 (Group C Codes) Conference and Expo • ___iiiii J r Memphis,Tenn. Orlando,Fla. www.iccsafe.org/ www.boma.org/ June9-12,2014 June26-28,2014 „ :a ,t, 1n '' '" NFPA Conference and Expo AIA 2014 Convention i Las Vegas,Nev. Chicago,Ill. www.nfpa.org www.aia.org/ To include your upcoming events,email Howard Hopper at Howard.D.Hopper@ul.com.Please add"TCA Calendar"in the subject line. The Code Authority® Published by the UL Regulatory Services Managing Editor— Howard Hopper Department.Available to assist code T: 1.408.754.6609 authorities. E: Howard.D.Hopper@ul.com W: ul.com/codeauthorities Address changes and additions— E . '0. T: 1.800.595.9844 Reference:TCA Subscription Revision ; Scan with your mobile ORCoECEtV ED E: ULRe ulator Services@ul.com E: ULRe ulator Services@ul.com . Readertofindoutmoreabout g Y g Y � � ULsupportforcodeauthorities. 12/12/2018 UL and the UL logo are trademarks of UL LLC©2014.BDi 40320 ASPEN BUILDING DEPARTMENT