DC315 HAS COMPLETED OVER 43 FULL SCALE ICC CERTIFIED THERMAL & IGNITION BARRIER TESTS OVER SPRAY POLYURATHANE FOAM (SPF).
All tests are full scale tests and meet the applicable requirements of 2006 IBC Section 803.2.1; 2009 IBC Section 803.2.1 and Section 2603.9; 2012 IBC Section 803.2.1 and Section 2603.10 Special Approval for Thermal Barrier Alternatives. DC315 also meets the requirement as an Ignition Barrier per AC 377, Appendix X at an incredible spread rate of 400 sq. ft. per gallon.
CLICK ON OUR WEB SITE BELOW TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR EASY TO UNDERSTAND TESTING MATRIX. ALL TESTS AND ES REPORT NUMBERS ARE EASY TO DOWNLOAD, WE CLEARLY STATE WFT AND DFT BY BRAND. PAINT TO PROTECT DC315 THE PROOF IS IN THE TESTING
TESTING HAS BEEN COMPLETED OVER MULITPLE BRANDS OF FOAM INCLUDING:
ARNETTE * BASF *BAY SEAL * DOW CHEMICAL * ICYNENE * LAPOLLA *NCFI * GACO WESTERN * CORBOND * JOHNS MANVILLE *QUADRANT * SWD * CERTAINTEED * HENRY * BioBASED
As an Industry we have an obligation to our end users safety. Intumescent coatings offer the SPF industry a more economical solution to “CODE REQUIRED” barriers, and a method to apply a barrier where access is difficult. Sorting through the codes on when and where an Ignition and Thermal barrier is required is hard enough, but buying a coating is simple if you remember to always lead with one simple question ,” Has your coating been tested on the foam I am using”. Understanding the answer is easy, as it is either Yes or NO! Please look at our easy to understand testing matrix below. It clearly states, what ICC code compliant testing DC315 has passed, on what brands of foam, what test, what date, with whom, WFT and DFT application rate and the certified full scale code required test number so you use your time spraying foam not arguing with code officials.
The use of an Intumescent coating as an alternative to thermal barrier and Ignition barrier often confuses even the savviest of the code official, architect, contractor and SPF applicator. The life safety of your clients, homeowners, fireman and woman and the desire to be code compliant should be your driving reason to sorting through the questions. While using a code compliant alternative may add a cost to your job, the code requires it, and on a personal level for the safety of your clients they deserve it. Every week we hear from customers who have applied a coating that has not been tested on an SPF used on the job and now a code official is making them strip the coating and reapplying a code acceptable alternative. This is a costly issue that must be absorbed by the contractor who is already working on thin margins. Any coating that has not been tested over the SPF that is being coated is a violation of building codes and creates a serious life safety issue.
SPF may be covered with alternative barrier coating system ONLY if a large-scale fire test 15 minute test, by an accredited fire testing facility of the foam brand and type has been performed and passed. Products that pass an ignition barrier tested under AC 377, Appendix X are not appropriate alternative thermal barriers and may not be used.
Ignition Barriers: Building codes allow an exception to the thermal barrier requirement in attics and crawlspaces where entry is made only for repairs or maintenance (IRC) or for the service of utilities (IBC). ACC 377, Appendix X limits alternative materials and assemblies in attic and crawlspaces. Intumescent coatings are an excellent choice as an alternative ignition barrier. The coating must be tested to ACC 377; Appendix X full scale modified NFPA 286 by an accredited testing facility
Key Points to remember:
1. A coating manufacturer must supply you full scale testing for Ignition and Thermal barrier for each foam brand. The easiest way to sort through the confusion is insist on seeing a copy of the full scale testing data on the foam you are coating.
a. Call your foam manufacturer ask them “What coatings passed testing on your foam.
2. There is substantial difference between open and closed cell foam, and all brands of foam.
a. Passing one test does not qualify a product to be used on any foam of your choice or just because some sales person tells you it is OK.
3. Passing an ignition barrier tests does not qualify a coating for thermal barrier use.
a. It does not matter how thick you apply the coating, if it only passed for Ignition Barrier it does not qualify as a Thermal Barrier.
Paint to Protect, DC 315 “THE PROOF IS IN THE TESTING”
