What is Considered Non-Combustible Insulation?

6/23/2021

NFPA 13 provides allowed omissions for sprinklers in combustible concealed spaces where the entire cavity is filled "with non-combustible insulation".

Is fiberglass the only non-combustible insulation? Is blown-in insulation considered to be non-combustible, or does it depend on the type of blown-in?

Just curious if there was helpful literature so that we knew what to recommend or look for when we come across these scenarios. Thanks in advance.

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8 Comments

Dan Wilder

6/23/2021 08:05:24 am

Fiberglass & Mineral/Rock Wool type insulation is the "go to" for non-combustible insulation.

Anything cellulose based is typically treated with an additive to make it non-combustible but over time, the effectiveness of the chemical deteriorates and will likely not remain non-combustible - confirm with your AHJ on this as to what they deem acceptable. Same with fire treated plywood...I have an AHJ that does not recognize it as non-combustible.

Spray foam or foam board insulation (at least everything I have come across) does not qualify.

Ultimately, any tech bulletin should detail out if the product complies with the NFPA, UL, and ASTM standards for non-combustibility.

schulman

6/23/2021 08:20:42 am

as long as it complies with / is listed as complying with ASTM E84 you should be good ...

ASTM E84, Revision 21A, May 1, 2021 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

Franck

6/23/2021 08:32:26 am

You may also look for a possible "FM approval" for your insulation.
If it is FM approved, it should normally be fne.
You can check a list of approved products on the FM approval guide (available on line).

In Europe, we have a different classification (with letters/numbers such as A1, A2, B, C, D...). If it is not A1 or A2, it has to be considered combustible.

As indiacted above, mineral or glasswool is normally fine (unless soaked with oil deposits, or combustible dusts, which could happen over the time in concealed spaces).
Foams (EPS, PUR, PIR...) should be considered as combustible.

In the US, if you have information on the flame spread index, this can help you decide if it has to be considered combustible or not.

Todd Wyatt

6/23/2021 09:08:14 am

Depending on the applicable Building Code (and/or other AHJ requirements) for the Project, the definition of what is "noncombustible" may vary.

NFPA 13 is a standard referenced by the IBC in (10) separate IBC sections. NFPA 13 is part of the IBC "to the extent of the reference to the standard."

NFPA 13 references "noncombustible" in 3.3.129 which then references 4.10. 4.10 states that "noncombustible materials" is a "material, in the form in which it is used, and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat." This section also references ASTM E136. The Annex A further explains that "inherently noncombustible materials" (e.g. steel, concrete, masonry and glass) are not required to be tested.

The 2021 IBC 703.3.1 states materials required to be "noncombustible" are to be tested with ASTM E136 (Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C) and ASTM E2652 (Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C) using criteria per ASTM E136 (Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C).

Unless the jurisdiction has formally adopted NFPA 13, typically it is simply a standard that is referenced by an adopted Building Code (e.g. IBC). How that AHJ may determine the definition of "noncombustible" may be per the adopted Code and not per necessarily by the referenced standard.

Justin Milne

6/23/2021 11:51:28 am

The comment in the NFPA 13 code reference states, "concealed spaces of noncombustible and limited-combustible construction with minimal combustible loading having no access shall not require sprinkler protection."

There are questions here:
1. What defines noncombustible construction?
2. What defines limited-combustible construction?
3. What defines minimal combustible loading?

Noncombustible materials: Type I or II Construction
ASTM E136 material testing per IBC Section 703.5.1, typical.
ASTM E84 or UL 723 material testing per IBC Section 703.5.2.

Limited-combustible materials:
IBC commentary references Section 603.1
Exceptions 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25
IBC Section 718.5 Exceptions 1-6

Minimal combustible loading:
The fuel load will dictate whether a fire can grow beyond the capability of sprinklers to protect the space.

As an example,
Non-ASTM E84 tested insulation may require sprinklers.

The NFPA 13 technical committee was not able to draw the line regarding quantities of combustibles, but the IBC range provided for combustible densities of the space may provide a good frame of reference

See IBC Figure 706.2(2).

In the event fuel load densities exceed these quantities of combustible materials, is my opinion that sprinkler protection should be required.

John Galante

6/29/2021 04:10:48 pm

Review “ flame spread” requirements of the 13 code.

Print Britannia link

7/23/2021 01:17:15 am

Good content. From your content, I have got more information. Thanks for your content and I hope you will give this type of content in the future.

What is an XPS board? link

10/16/2022 04:36:15 am

What is an XPS board?
XPS board is an insulating board manufactured using completely biodegradable material. It is produced from foamed polystyrene, a material that does not depreciate. The cell structure in the board is constructed with very fine closed cells that give the product its outstanding physical and mechanical features.https://www.xpsboard.in/xps-A-in-delhi.php

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What is Considered Non-Combustible Insulation?

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