Spray Foam and 2009 IRC codes? Your interpretation?

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Permalink Reply by Sean Lintow Sr on May 1, 2012 at 5:27am

I would recommend you check this post/blog out http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profiles/blogs/codes-ignition-barrier... to get a better handle on the who, what, when, options, etc...

With that said, I don't know of any in my area that check much less enforce it 

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Permalink Reply by Caleb Simon on May 1, 2012 at 6:03am

Thanks for the links. It appears that they come to the same conclusion. We are in SW VA and here several inspections departments are enforcing this code.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Renz on May 1, 2012 at 9:16am

I do not have a full cavity foaming rig, but when I do I sub the work out to a subcontractor.  He carries a full cavity open cell spray foam product that is fire rated and does not need to have an ignition barrier on it.  The product is Gaco Firestop I can not say that i am an expert in it but i have used it a few times in areas where the homeowner was not interested in dry walling and finishing the space.  It cost a little more than common open celled spray foams but the lack of need to spend days on the site easily makes up for that.

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Permalink Reply by Cory Chovanec on May 4, 2012 at 5:42pm

Watch out for thermal barrier requirements in addition to your ignition barrier concerns. If a crawlspace is open or has access to a basement their may be code enforcement issues with some crawlspaces. To deal with this the choice is to not use foam or make sure there is a thermal barrier seperating the basement and crawlspace. Some foam does get used on ductwork but it must be the fire rated formula. The fire rated stuff looks identical to the standard foam most use. You would need to get your hands on the technical data sheet (easy to find online). Similar foam but slightly different density, R value and cost. Hope that helps you.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Renz on May 14, 2012 at 6:41am

When we use this product we place a laminated technical data sheet in the given area and give the home owner a copy to keep with their receipt to show any one that may ask what the product is and that it does not need to be covered with a fire barrier.  It can be deceptive and when with out the data sheets there would be no way to know that the foam is fire rated.

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Permalink Reply by Robert DV on May 11, 2012 at 1:41pm

Cory is right, watch out for thermal barrier requirements as well.  In it's simplest form if you can walk up to it on any given day it will require a thermal barrier.  if it is harder to get to you will need an ignition barrier.  The FS /SD numbers from the E-85 teat are not enough.  Foam plastic has it's own section in the IRC.

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Permalink Reply by Caleb Simon on May 11, 2012 at 5:49pm

Thanks. The foam plastic section of the IRC 2009 code has specific exemptions for attics and crawlspaces that allows the ASTM E-85 qualified foams to be sprayed without a thermal or ignition barrier, as long as the spaces are not accessed for any reason other than equipment maintenance and they require an access point by IRC code.

HOWEVER...It really all comes down to the individual inspectors interpretation. This is how our local inspectors are interpreting it in one county but not in the next one over, so to be safe most contractors are spraying an ignition barrier on all spray foam products now, which continues to drive up the cost of the quality contractors work

I do like the thermal barrier qualifier you noted, that really simplifies it when you are teaching this section. If you can walk up to it, then yes to the thermal barrier. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Robert DV on May 14, 2012 at 5:45am

Caleb,

The E-84 only test has was removed from the IRC between the 2003 & 2006 code cycle.  The exceptions you are speaking of are for THERMAL barriers not ignition!  You need an ignition barrier unless the specific foam you are using has passed either the NFPA 286, FM 4880, UL 1040, UL 723 or UL 1715 test.  NOT E-84.  This test (corner crib) has been modified in AC 377 for ignition barrier only.    Other than passing one of these tests the foam must be covered by at minimum a ignition barrier.  Please read IRC 2009 R316.5.3 & R316316.5.4  Both section require attics or crawl spaces with limited access to be protected by an ignition barrier.

The only true exception is for sill plates and headers IRC R316.5.11

I do not see how this could be "interpreted" any other way that written.

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