Roof & Deck Fire-Test Methods

Grounded in the retrieved California Wildland-Urban Interface Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CWUIC § 12-7 High relevance — show source text

  504.8

  12-7A-3: Horizontal Projection Underside. A fire resistance test standard consisting of a 300 kW intensity direct flame exposure for a 10-minute duration

  504.3, 504.7, 504.7.1

  12-7A-4: Decking. A two-part test consisting of a heat release rate (Part A) deck assembly combustion test with an under deck exposure of 80 kW intensity direct flame for a 3-minute duration, and a (Part B) sustained deck assembly combustion test consisting of a deck upper surface burning ember exposure with a 12 mph wind for 40 minutes using a 2.2 lb (1kg) burning “Class A” size 12" × 12" × 2.25" (300 mm × 300 mm × 57 mm) roof test brand

  504.7.3.2

  12-7A-4A: Decking Alternate Method A. A heat release rate deck assembly combustion test with an under deck exposure of 80 kW intensity direct flame for a 3-minute duration

  504.7.3.2

  State Fire Marshal’s Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State Highways and Freeways, May 1988

  404.8

  UL UL LLC, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096

  9—2009: Fire Tests of Window Assemblies—with Revisions through March 2020

  504.8

  10B—2008: Fire Tests of Door Assemblies—with Revisions through May 2020

  504.9

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  REFERENCED STANDARDS

  10C—2016: Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies—with Revisions through May 2021

  504.9

  94—2023: Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances

  504.9.2

  263—2011: Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials—with Revisions through March 2022

  501.3, 504.3, 504.3.1, 504.5, 504.7, 504.7.1

  723—2018: Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

  202, 501.4.1, 503.2.4, 504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3

  790— 2022 : Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings

  504.2, 504.2.1.2, 504.11.6

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  CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

  APPENDIX A – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• CWUIC § 12-7 High relevance — show source text

  12-7A-4.8 PART B. Burning brand exposure.

  12-7A-4.8.1 Equipment.

  1. Wind tunnel. The wind tunnel shall have the capability of providing 12 mph (5.4 m/s) airflow over the deck assembly.
  2. Anemometer. Device for measuring airflow across the deck.
  3. Burner. Gas-fueled burner for brand ignition.

  12-7A-4.8.2 Test system preparation. See Figure 2. The ASTM E108 “A” brand roof test apparatus is to be used, with the following modifications:

  1. Deck support. The deck shall be supported horizontally with the center 60 inches (150 mm) from the front opening of the wind tunnel and the joists parallel to the airflow and resting on two transverse metal supports. The top surfaces of these supports, no more than 3 inches (75 mm) wide, are at the same height as the floor of the wind tunnel.
  2. Fragments. Burning fragments shall be free to fall to the floor of the room.

  12-7A-4.8.3 Conduct of tests.

  1. Number of tests. Conduct the test on three replicate assemblies.
  2. Moisture content. Measure the moisture content of the wooden members of the assembly using a moisture meter (ASTM D4444).
  3. Procedure. Adhere to ASTM E108 “Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings” (burning brand test, “A” brand), with apparatus modified as described above in “Test system preparation” and the following procedure: 3.1. The air velocity shall be calibrated using the 60-inch (1.5 m) framework spacing, with a smooth noncombustible calibration deck at a 5-inch (127 mm) per 12-inch (305 mm) horizontal incline positioned 60 inches (1.5 m) from the front opening of the wind tunnel. All other measurement details shall be followed as specified in Sections 4.4.2, 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 of ASTM E108. Although ASTM E108 specifies calibration to be conducted with the 33-inch (840-mm) framework spacing used for the intermittent flame test set up, tests have shown that at the nominal 12 mph

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  MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE

  setting, there was not difference in measured velocity between the 33- and 60-inch (838 mm and 1524 mm) framework spacing. 3.2. Mount the test specimen at a zero horizontal incline positioned 60 inches (1.5 m) from the front opening of the wind tunnel.

  3.3. Ignite the “A” brands as specified in Section 9.4 of ASTM E108 as reprinted here:

  1. Each 12- x 12-inch (300 x 300 mm) face for 30 seconds.
  2. Each 2.25- x 12-inch (57 x 300 mm) edge for 45 seconds.
  3. Each 12- x 12-inch (300 x 300 mm) face again for 30 seconds. 3.4. Center the burning brand laterally on the deck with the front edge 2.5 inches (64 mm) from the entering air edge of the deck.
• CWUIC § 504.9 High relevance — show source text

  E2707—2022: Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Penetration of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Direct Flame Impingement Exposure

  504.5, 504.9, 504.9.3

  E2726/E2726M—2012a(2017): Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Fire Test Response of Deck Structures to Burning Brands

  504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3, 504.7.3.3.2

  E2768—11(2018): Standard Test Method for Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (30 min Tunnel Test)

  503.2.4

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  REFERENCED STANDARDS

  E2886/E2886M—20: Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Ability of Exterior Vents to Resist the Entry of Embers and Direct Flame Impingement

  504.10.1

  E2957—2017 : Standard Test Method for Resistance to Wildfire Penetration of Eaves, Soffits and Other Projections

  504.3, 504.7, 504.7.1, 504.7.2

  G155—2021: Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Materials

  504.9.2

  ICC International Code Council, Inc., 200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20001

  CBC—2025: California Building Code

  1.1.7.3.1, 1.11.2.1.2, 1.11.3.4, 1.11.6 – 1.11.10, 101.3.1, 102.8, 105.1, 105.3, 106.3, 202, 404.10.3, 501.1, 501.3, 503.1, 503.2.2, 503.2.3, 504.2.1.2, 504.3, 504.3.1, 504.5, 504.5.2, 504.6, 504.7, 504.7.3.2, 504.8, 504.11, 504.11.1

  CEBC—2025: California Existing Building Code

  1.11.3.4, 102.8, 201.3

  CFC—2025: California Fire Code

  1.11.3.4, 1.11.9, 1.11.10, 102.8, 105.1, 201.3, 202, 402.1.1, 402.1.2, 402.2.1, 402.2.2, 403.2.4, 404.2, 404.4, 404.5, 404.10.3, 606.1, 606.2

  CRC—2025: California Residential Code

  1.1.7.3.1, 102.8

  NFPA National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471

• CWUIC § 504.1 High relevance — show source text

  � SECTION 504—IGNITION-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

  504.1 General. Ignition-resistant construction shall be in accordance with Sections 504.2 through 504.11.6 .

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  SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

  504.2 Roof assembly. Roofs shall have a roof assembly that complies with a Class A fire classification when tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790.

  Exceptions: The following assemblies are exempt from testing and shall be considered as equivalent to the Class A fire classification:

  1. Roof assemblies with coverings of brick, masonry or an exposed concrete roof deck.
  2. Roof assemblies with ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile or slate installed on noncombustible decks or ferrous, copper or metal sheets installed without a roof deck on noncombustible framing.
  3. Roof assemblies with minimum 16 oz/sq ft (0.0416 kg/m [2] ) copper sheets installed over combustible roof decks. 4. Roof assemblies of slate roof covering installed over ASTM D226, Type II underlayment over combustible decks.

  504.2.1 Roof covering voids. Where there is a void under the roof covering it shall comply with Section 504.2.1.1 or 504.2.1.2.

  504.2.1.1 Airspace under roof covering. Where the roof covering is installed over a combustible deck and the roofing profile creates an airspace under the roof covering, the installation shall comply with the following: 1. A 72 lb. (32.7 kg) cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 Standard Specification for “Asphalt Rolled Roofing (Glass Felt) Surfaced with Mineral Granules,” shall be installed over the roof deck.

  Exception: Cap sheet is not required where not less than 1 inch of mineral wool board or other noncombustible material is located between the roofing material and wood framing or deck. 2. Bird stops shall be used at the eaves where the profile fits, to prevent the entry of debris at the eave. 3. Hip and ridge caps shall be mudded in to prevent intrusion of fire or embers.

  504.2.1.2 Roof underlayment. A listed and labeled roof underlayment that has been tested as part of the roof assembly in accor- dance with ASTM E108 or UL 790 for Class A fire classification shall be installed in accordance with the underlayment manufacturer’s installation instructions and listing. Bird stops shall be used at the eaves when the profile fits, to prevent the entry of debris at the eave. Hip and ridge caps shall be mudded in to prevent intrusion of fire or embers.

  Exception: Where the roof sheathing is fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complies with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code, the underlayment shall not be required to comply with a Class A fire classification.

• CWUIC § 5.3. High relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 43

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  MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE

  5.3. Continued combustion. If penetration does not occur, continue observation for an additional 30 minutes or until all combustion has ceased.

  Note: An infrared thermometer has been found to be useful to detect the increase of temperature on the back side of the eaves and as an aid to identify the areas of potential combustion. 6. Observations. Note the time, location and nature of flame penetration.

  12-7A-3.9 Report. The report shall include a description of the eaves material, details of the construction of the eaves, moisture content of the framing and wood-based soffit elements as applicable, and point of flame penetration. Provide details on the time and reasons for early termination of the test.

  12-7A-3.10 Conditions of Acceptance. Should one of the three replicates fail to meet the Conditions of Acceptance, three additional tests may be run. All of the additional tests must meet the Conditions of Acceptance.

  1. Absence of flame penetration of the eaves or horizontal projection assembly at any time.
  2. Absence of structural failure of the eaves or horizontal projection subassembly at any time.
  3. Absence of sustained combustion of any kind at the conclusion of the 40-minute test.

  FIGURE 1 — EAVES TEST ASSEMBLY

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  MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE

  DECKING

  SFM STANDARD 12-7A-4

  12-7A-4.1 Application. The minimum design, construction and performance standards set forth herein for unloaded decks are those deemed necessary to establish conformance to the provisions of these regulations. Materials and assemblies that meet the performance criteria of this standard are acceptable for use as defined in California Building Standards Code.

  12-7A-4.2 Scope. This standard evaluates the performance of decks (or other horizontal ancillary structures in close proximity to primary structures) when exposed to direct flames and brands. The under-deck flame exposure test is intended to determine the heat release rate (HRR) and degradation modes of deck or other horizontal boards when exposed to a burner flame simulating combustibles beneath a deck. The burning brand exposure test is intended to determine the degradation modes of deck or other horizontal boards when exposed to a burning brand on the upper surface.

  12-7A-4.3 Referenced document.

  1. ASTM D4444, Test Methods for Use and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters.

  2. ASTM E108, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.

  3. California Building Code, Chapter 7A.

  4. UL 790, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.

  12-7A-4.4 Definitions.

  1. Deck boards. Horizontal members that constitute the exposed surface of the ancillary structure.
  2. Deck surface area. The test specimen area defined by the overall specimen length and width after assembly.
  3. Heat release rate. The net rate of energy release as measured by oxygen depletion calorimetry.

  **12-7A-4.5 Test assembly.

• CWUIC § 12-7 High relevance — show source text

  12-7A-4.8.4 Report. The report shall include description of the deck board material, and the time of any degradation (accelerated combustion, board collapse, flaming drops or particles falling from the deck).

  12-7A-4.8.5 Conditions of Acceptance. Should one of the three replicates fail to meet the Conditions of Acceptance, three additional tests may be run. All of the additional tests must meet the Conditions of Acceptance:

  1. Absence of sustained flaming or glowing combustion of any kind at the conclusion of the 40-minute observation period.
  2. Absence of falling particles that are still burning when reaching the burner or floor.

  FIGURE 1 — DECK TEST ASSEMBLY (UNDER DECK-FLAME)

  FIGURE 2 — DECK TEST ASSEMBLY (BURNING-BRAND)

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  MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE

  DECKING ALTERNATE METHOD A

  SFM STANDARD 12-7A-4A

  12-7A-4A.1 Application. The minimum design, construction and performance standards set forth herein for unloaded decks are those deemed necessary to establish conformance to the provisions of these regulations. Materials and assemblies that meet the performance criteria of this standard are acceptable for use as defined in the California Building Standards Code.

  12-7A-4A.2 Scope. This standard evaluates the performance of decks (or other horizontal ancillary structures in close proximity to primary structures) when exposed to direct flames and brands. The under-deck flame exposure test is intended to determine the heat release rate (HRR) and degradation modes of deck or other horizontal boards when exposed to a burner flame simulating combustibles beneath a deck. The burning brand exposure test is intended to determine the degradation modes of deck or other horizontal boards when exposed to a burning brand on the upper surface.

  12-7A-4A.3 Referenced document.

  1. ASTM E108. Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.
  2. California Building Code, Chapter 7A.

  12-7A-4A.4 Definitions.

  1. Deck boards. Horizontal members that constitute the exposed surface of the ancillary structure.
  2. Heat release rate. The net rate of energy release as measured by oxygen depletion calorimetry.

  12-7A-4A.5 Test assembly.

  1. Size. The overall size of the test deck shall be nominally 24 x 24 inches (610 x 610 mm) unless width variation of deck boards requires an increase in overall deck width (i.e., the direction of joists) in order to meet the overall dimensions. The length of individual deck boards shall be 24 inches (610 mm).
  2. Joists. The deck is supported by two nominal 2 x 6 Douglas-fir joists running perpendicular to the deck boards, and constructed with a 16-inch (406 mm) center-to-center spacing. A comparable species that may be more commonly used for structural framing of decks in a given region can be substituted for Douglas-fir.
  3. Deck board spacing and fastening. Edge-to-edge spacing and method of attachment shall conform to the manufacturer’s installation recommendations.
• CWUIC § 501.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  501.3, 504.3, 504.3.1, 504.5, 504.7, 504.7.1

  E136— 2024a : Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C

  501.4.1

  E1354— 2023 : Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

  503.2.4.3.2, 503.2.4.3.3

  E2632—2020: Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Under-Deck Fire Test Response of Deck Materials

  504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3, 504.7.3.3.1, 504.7.3.4

  E2652—2022: Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C

  501.4.1

  E2707—2022: Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Penetration of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Direct Flame Impingement Exposure

  504.5, 504.9, 504.9.3

  E2726/E2726M—2012a(2017): Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Fire Test Response of Deck Structures to Burning Brands

  504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3, 504.7.3.3.2

  E2768—11(2018): Standard Test Method for Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (30 min Tunnel Test)

  503.2.4

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  REFERENCED STANDARDS

  E2886/E2886M—20: Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Ability of Exterior Vents to Resist the Entry of Embers and Direct Flame Impingement

  504.10.1

  E2957—2017 : Standard Test Method for Resistance to Wildfire Penetration of Eaves, Soffits and Other Projections

  504.3, 504.7, 504.7.1, 504.7.2

  G155—2021: Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Materials

  504.9.2

  ICC International Code Council, Inc., 200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20001

  CBC—2025: California Building Code

• CWUIC § 4.882 Medium relevance — show source text

  Chapter 9 also provides requirements for roof drainage, flashing, above-deck thermal insulation, rooftop-mounted photovoltaic systems and recovering or replacing an existing roof covering.

  SECTION R901—GENERAL

  R901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the design, materials, construction and quality of roof assemblies.

  SECTION R902—FIRE CLASSIFICATION

  R902.1 Roof assemblies. Roof decks shall be covered with materials as set forth in Section R904 or with roof coverings as set forth in Section R905. A minimum Class A, B or C roofing shall be installed in areas designated by this section or where the edge of the roof deck is less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a lot line. Where Class A, B or C roof assemblies are required, they shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790. Where required, the roof assembly shall be listed and identified as to class by an approved testing agency.

  Exceptions:

  1. Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry and exposed concrete roof deck.

  2. Class A roof assemblies include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible roof decks or ferrous, copper or metal sheets installed without a roof deck on noncombustible framing.

  3. Class A roof assemblies include minimum 16 ounces per square foot (4.882 kg/m [2] ) copper sheets installed over combustible roof decks.

  4. Class A roof assemblies include slate installed over underlayment over ASTM D226, Type II underlayment over combustible decks.

  R902.1.1 Roofing requirements within Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area. Roofing require- ments for structures located within Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area shall also comply with Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

  R902.1.2 Roof coverings in all other areas other than Fire Hazard Severity Zones or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class C fire classification.

  R902.2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes. Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles are wood shakes and shin- gles complying with UBC Standard 15-3 or 15-4 which are impregnated by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process with fire-retardant chemicals, and which have been qualified by UBC Standard 15-2 or ASTM E108 or UL 790 for use on Class A, B or C roofs. Fire-retardant- treated wood shakes and shingles shall comply with ICC-ES EG107 and with the weathering requirements contained in Health and Safety Code Section 13132.7 (j). Each bundle shall bear labels from an ICBO accredited quality control agency identifying their roof-covering classification and indicating their compliance with ICC-ES EG107 and with the weathering requirements contained in Health and Safety Code Section 13132.7 (j).

• CWUIC § 504.2.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  504.2.1.1 Airspace under roof covering. Where the roof covering is installed over a combustible deck and the roofing profile creates an airspace under the roof covering, the installation shall comply with the following: 1. A 72 lb. (32.7 kg) cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 Standard Specification for “Asphalt Rolled Roofing (Glass Felt) Surfaced with Mineral Granules,” shall be installed over the roof deck.

  Exception: Cap sheet is not required where not less than 1 inch of mineral wool board or other noncombustible material is located between the roofing material and wood framing or deck. 2. Bird stops shall be used at the eaves where the profile fits, to prevent the entry of debris at the eave. 3. Hip and ridge caps shall be mudded in to prevent intrusion of fire or embers.

  504.2.1.2 Roof underlayment. A listed and labeled roof underlayment that has been tested as part of the roof assembly in accor- dance with ASTM E108 or UL 790 for Class A fire classification shall be installed in accordance with the underlayment manufacturer’s installation instructions and listing. Bird stops shall be used at the eaves when the profile fits, to prevent the entry of debris at the eave. Hip and ridge caps shall be mudded in to prevent intrusion of fire or embers.

  Exception: Where the roof sheathing is fire-retardant-treated wood labeled for exterior use and complies with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code, the underlayment shall not be required to comply with a Class A fire classification.

  504.2.2 Roof valleys. Where provided, valley flashings shall be not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage) corrosion-resistant metal installed over a minimum 36-inch-wide (914 mm) underlayment consisting of one layer of 72-pound (32.4 kg) mineral-surfaced, nonperforated cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 running the full length of the valley.

  504.3 Protection of enclosed eaves. The exposed underside of enclosed roof eaves and soffits shall be protected on the exposed underside by one or more of the following:

  1. Noncombustible materials.

  2. Ignition-resistant building materials. 3. Materials approved for not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction on the exterior side, as tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.

  4. 2-inch (51 mm) nominal dimension lumber . 5. 1-inch (25 mm) nominal fire-retardant-treated lumber or [3] / 4 -inch (19.1 mm) nominal fire-retardant-treated plywood, identified for exterior use and complying with Section 2303.2 of the California Building Code . 6. Boxed-in roof eave soffit assemblies with an underside that meets the performance criteria in Section 504.7.2 when tested in accordance with the test procedures set forth in ASTM E2957. 7. Boxed-in roof eave soffit assemblies with an underside that meets the performance criteria in accordance with the test proce- dures set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-3.

• CWUIC § 1.8 Medium relevance — show source text

  403.1.8, 1273.10

  ASTM ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959

  D638—2022: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics

  504.9.1

  D2898—10(2017): Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing

  503.2.4.3.1

  D3909/D3909M— 2022 : Standard Specification for Asphalt Roll Roofing (Glass Felt) Surfaced With Mineral Granules

  504.2.1.1, 504.2.2

  D6662—22: Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards

  503.2.4.3.3

  D7032—21: Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite and Plastic Lumber Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards, and Handrails

  503.2.4.3.2

  E84— 2023d : Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

  202, 501.4.1, 503.2.4, 504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3

  E108—20a: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings

  504.2, 504.2.1.2, 504.11.6, G101.2.1

  E119— 2022 : Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials

  501.3, 504.3, 504.3.1, 504.5, 504.7, 504.7.1

  E136— 2024a : Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C

  501.4.1

  E1354— 2023 : Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

  503.2.4.3.2, 503.2.4.3.3

  E2632—2020: Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Under-Deck Fire Test Response of Deck Materials

  504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3, 504.7.3.3.1, 504.7.3.4

  E2652—2022: Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C

  501.4.1

  E2707—2022: Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Penetration of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Direct Flame Impingement Exposure

  504.5, 504.9, 504.9.3

  E2726/E2726M—2012a(2017): Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Fire Test Response of Deck Structures to Burning Brands

  504.7.3.2, 504.7.3.3, 504.7.3.3.2

• CWUIC § 503.2.5 Medium relevance — show source text

  503.2.5 Surface treatment protection. Use of paints, coatings, stains or other surface treatments are not an approved method of protection as required in this chapter.

  503.3 Standards of quality. Building material, systems, assemblies and methods of construction shall be tested in accordance with the standards specified in Chapter 5.

  503.3.1 Qualification by testing. Material and material assemblies tested in accordance with the requirements of Section 503 shall be accepted for use when the results and conditions of those tests are met. Product evaluation testing of material and material assemblies shall be approved or listed by the State Fire Marshal or identified in a current report issued by an approved agency.

  503.3.2 Approved agency. Product evaluation testing shall be performed by an approved agency in accordance with Section 1703 of the California Building Code. The scope of accreditation for the approved agency shall include building product compliance with this code.

  503.3.3 Labeling. Material and material assemblies tested in accordance with the referenced standards shall bear an identification label showing the fire test results. That identification label shall be issued by a testing and/or inspecting agency approved by the State Fire Marshal.

  1. Identification mark of the approved testing and/or inspecting agency.

  2. Contact and identification information of the manufacturer.

  3. Model number or identification of the product or material. 4. Pretest weathering specified in this chapter. 5. Compliance standard as described under Chapter 7.

  503.3.4 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes. Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes shall be approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal in accordance with Section 208(c), Title 19 California Code of Regulations.

  � SECTION 504—IGNITION-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

  504.1 General. Ignition-resistant construction shall be in accordance with Sections 504.2 through 504.11.6 .

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  SPECIAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

  504.2 Roof assembly. Roofs shall have a roof assembly that complies with a Class A fire classification when tested in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790.

  Exceptions: The following assemblies are exempt from testing and shall be considered as equivalent to the Class A fire classification:

  1. Roof assemblies with coverings of brick, masonry or an exposed concrete roof deck.
  2. Roof assemblies with ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile or slate installed on noncombustible decks or ferrous, copper or metal sheets installed without a roof deck on noncombustible framing.
  3. Roof assemblies with minimum 16 oz/sq ft (0.0416 kg/m [2] ) copper sheets installed over combustible roof decks. 4. Roof assemblies of slate roof covering installed over ASTM D226, Type II underlayment over combustible decks.

  504.2.1 Roof covering voids. Where there is a void under the roof covering it shall comply with Section 504.2.1.1 or 504.2.1.2.

• CWUIC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text

  DECKING

  SFM STANDARD 12-7A-4

  12-7A-4.1 Application. The minimum design, construction and performance standards set forth herein for unloaded decks are those deemed necessary to establish conformance to the provisions of these regulations. Materials and assemblies that meet the performance criteria of this standard are acceptable for use as defined in California Building Standards Code.

  12-7A-4.2 Scope. This standard evaluates the performance of decks (or other horizontal ancillary structures in close proximity to primary structures) when exposed to direct flames and brands. The under-deck flame exposure test is intended to determine the heat release rate (HRR) and degradation modes of deck or other horizontal boards when exposed to a burner flame simulating combustibles beneath a deck. The burning brand exposure test is intended to determine the degradation modes of deck or other horizontal boards when exposed to a burning brand on the upper surface.

  12-7A-4.3 Referenced document.

  1. ASTM D4444, Test Methods for Use and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters.

  2. ASTM E108, Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.

  3. California Building Code, Chapter 7A.

  4. UL 790, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.

  12-7A-4.4 Definitions.

  1. Deck boards. Horizontal members that constitute the exposed surface of the ancillary structure.
  2. Deck surface area. The test specimen area defined by the overall specimen length and width after assembly.
  3. Heat release rate. The net rate of energy release as measured by oxygen depletion calorimetry.

  12-7A-4.5 Test assembly.

  1. Size. The overall size of the test deck shall be nominally 24 x 24 inches (610 x 610 mm) unless width variation of deck boards requires an increase in overall deck width (i.e., the direction of joists) in order to meet the overall dimensions. The length of individual deck boards shall be 24 inches (610 mm).
  2. Joists. The deck is supported by two nominal 2 x 6 Douglas-fir joists running perpendicular to the deck boards, and constructed with a 16-inch (406 mm) center-to-center spacing. A comparable species that may be more commonly used for structural framing of decks in a given region can be substituted for Douglas-fir.
  3. Deck board spacing and fastening. Edge-to-edge spacing and method of attachment shall conform to the manufacturer’s installation recommendations. The front deck board shall be flush with the ends of the joists, and the rear deck board shall overhang the end of the joists by 1 inch (25 mm). 3.1. In the absence of recommended installation guidance, the edge-to-edge spacing shall be [3] / 16 inch (5 mm) with boards mechanically attached to the joists using deck screws. 3.2. If nominal 6-inch-wide (152 mm) deck boards are used, a total of 5 boards shall be used for each deck. Changing the board width could change the number of deck boards.

  12-7A-4.6 Materials.