Does Insulation Make Canopy "Combustible?"

3/16/2026

I have a question as to whether or not sprinklers are required at an exterior canopy with the following properties: - adhered TPO roofing membrane, polyisocyanurate insulation, metal deck, steel framing members, insulated metal panel soffit (ie. Centria FormaWall Dimension Series).

The canopy is not considered a separate building. No combustible materials will be stored below. The projection is more than 4 feet wide.

I was following the MeyerFire canopy flow chart but basically got stuck on the question, "Is projection constructed with noncombustible..." due to the roof insulation and the insulated metal panel soffit.

Does roof insulation in the insulated metal panel soffit make the construction combustible, therefore requiring sprinkler protection for the canopy?

Thank you in advance for your help!

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6 Comments

Todd E Wyatt

3/16/2026 08:22:50 am

What type(s) of "insultion" are you asking about?

An Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) soffit can classify the assembly as "combustible construction" whereas mineral wool is an inorganic material that is inherently noncombustible.

If the combustible insulation is completely encased within a noncombustible "envelope" (e.g. fully sealed metal panel with no exposed foam), it may qualify for an exemption, though this often requires specific approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

The scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2024) includes combustible materials that can be used in noncombustible Types of Construction (Type I and II) ... see Section 603.1 :

3. Foam plastics in accordance with Chapter 26.
4. Roof coverings that have an A, B or C classification.

Glenn Berger

3/16/2026 08:42:08 am

Agree with Todd. If the insulation is encased then typically consider non-combustible.

But I am curious to understand why a canopy is being provided with insulation?

Jack G

3/16/2026 08:58:17 am

Agree. I am also wondering why is an exterior projection is insulated. Condensation if panels are not sealed? Is there a water line passing thru it to a hose bib at the end? Which might require a heat source with insulation in the blind space ?

Randy

3/16/2026 09:41:09 am

Todd touched on metal panels and they often come with a foam insullation that also works as sound dampening.

Dave

3/16/2026 10:04:19 am

The assumption that no storage will take place is the Red herring here. If attached to the building it is required to e sprinkled.
Keep in mind that other owners after you will not hold to your promises.
If it holds heat it has to be sprinkled.

Dave L.

3/16/2026 11:55:25 am

Been there - In my opinion and experience, unfortunately, the TPO over PIR sandwich (and product data) disqualifies the product and assembly as meeting the 9.2.3 Exterior Projections section of NFPA #13. The NFPALink commentary further states "...canopy construction assembly is composed entirely of noncombustible, limited-combustible, or fire-retardant materials..." So even if the combustible portion is on top, the canopy is no longer constructed of non, nor limited combustible. I would appeal to the architect to use a different product, assembly, or canopy width, with the incentive of avoiding dry-barrel sprinklers or possibly a dry system.

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Does Insulation Make Canopy "Combustible?"

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