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Foam plastics, where approved, shall have a smoke developed rating of not more than 450 when tested in accordance with ASTME 84-98. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than those of untreated wood burned under similar conditions.
The use of foam plastics in or on walls, ceilings or roof assemblies shall be permitted when there is compliance with requirements as follows:
(a) When the plastic foam is installed within an assembly, it shall be protected from the interior of the building by at least a 15-minute thermal barrier (such as 1/2 inch gypsum board) or a wythe of masonry and the foam shall have a flame spread not higher than 75.
(b) When the plastic foam is installed on the exterior of the building as part of an exterior insulation and finish system, it shall be protected by a synthetic stucco coating or an approved non-combustible finish and the foam shall have a flame spread not higher than 25.
(c) Foam plastic insulation having a flame spread rating of 75 or less when tested in a thickness of four inches may be used for temperature-control applications in thickness up to ten inches; if the total floor area does not exceed 500 square feet, and providing the insulation is covered with an approved thermal barrier of material having a finish rating of not less than 15 minutes. Thermal barriers shall be installed in a manner that will assure they remain in place for 15 minutes. Areas that exceed the 500 square feet limit shall, in addition, be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
(d) Foam plastic insulation having a flame spread rating of 25 or less when tested in a thickness of four inches, may be used for temperature-control applications up to a thickness of ten inches if the total floor area does not exceed 500 square feet, and providing the insulation is totally incased in a metal facing of not less than 0.032-inch aluminum or Number 26-gauge steel. Areas that exceed the 500 square feet limit shall, in addition, be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
(e) Foam plastics having a flame spread of 75 or less may be used within a curtain wall panel when fully enclosed by a metal facing of not less than 0.032-inch aluminum or 26-gauge steel, and complying with code requirements contained in Chapters 13-60 and 13-76, and the interior surface of the panel is covered with an approved thermal barrier of material having a finish rating of not less than 15 minutes.
(Prior code § 65-9; Amend Coun. J. 5-17-00, p. 32653, § 4)