Does Vinyl Vapor Barrier Trigger Sprinklers?

4/12/2024

I am pricing sprinklers in a steel frame building with Z-Purlins and a white vinyl backed insulation composed of inorganic glass fibers which are bonded with a thermoset resin to form a uniformly textured blanket style insulation at the Roof.

In an otherwise noncombustible area above the ceiling will the White Vinyl Backed Vapor Barrier System now make this above ceiling area combustible, requiring sprinklers?

From the data sheet I have found the vapor barrier has a flame spread of 0 but have found from a google search flame spread and combustibility are not the same.

Thanks in advance.

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4 Comments

Dan Wilder

4/12/2024 08:07:17 am

NFPA 13-2019

9.2.1.13
Noncombustible concealed spaces having exposed combustible insulation where the heat content of the facing and substrate of the insulation material does not exceed 1000 Btu/ft2 (11,400 kJ/m2) shall not require sprinkler protection.

Only issue is that it's not "exposed" but I think that would make it worse not better. Other than a call to the AHJ to confirm, I would not consider this application creating a combustible space.

Franck

4/12/2024 10:51:12 am

You have to make the assessmement of the flame spread based on the data sheet for the installed product, issued by the manufacturer.
Not from information collected on internet (google search) that may not be the one for the product that has been installed.

Todd E Wyatt

4/12/2024 02:19:31 pm

The adopted scoping Code (e.g. IBC-2021) determines WHERE an automatic sprinkler system (ASPS) is required to be installed based on the building’s Occupancy Classification(s) (OC) and/or Specific Building Areas and Hazards (per IBC-2021 903.2.11).

The “Referenced Standard” (e.g. NFPA 13-2019) per the scoping Code identifies HOW the ASPS is to be “designed and installed.” This would include "exemptions" such as the before mentioned "noncombustible concealed spaces."

Glenn Berger

4/12/2024 09:47:29 pm

As Dan mentioned, the question that needs to be answered - is the combustible material exposed in the ceiling cavity? If yes, sprinklers required; if not, sprinklers not required.

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Does Vinyl Vapor Barrier Trigger Sprinklers?

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