Understanding Fire Building Codes: The Need for Change to Accommodate Euroshield Roofing Products in Class A Fire Zones
Fire building codes are essential for ensuring the safety of structures and the people within them. They dictate the materials, construction methods, and safety measures necessary to mitigate fire hazards. However, as technology and materials evolve, these codes can become outdated and hinder the use of innovative solutions that enhance safety and sustainability. One such solution is Euroshield roofing products, which deserve consideration for inclusion in Class A fire zones in both the USA and Canada.
How Fire Building Codes Are Written:
Fire building codes are typically developed by local, state, or provincial authorities, often guided by national standards. In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) are two key organizations that play a significant role in creating these codes. In Canada, the National Building Code (NBC) and provincial codes establish the standards for fire safety.
Research and Development: Codes begin with extensive research into fire behavior, materials, and construction practices. This research informs best practices and identifies materials that can withstand fire.
Stakeholder Input: Fire codes are created through a collaborative process involving architects, engineers, fire marshals, building officials, and the public. Input from these stakeholders helps ensure the codes are practical and effective.
Testing and Standards: Materials are subjected to testing to determine their fire-resistance ratings. Only materials that meet specific criteria can be classified as Class A, indicating the highest level of fire resistance.
ASTM E108 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings:
- Purpose: Similar to UL 790, this ASTM standard evaluates the fire performance of roofing materials.
- Procedure: The roofing assembly is subjected to flame exposure, and the spread of flame is observed.
- Classifications: Materials are classified into Class A, B, or C based on performance criteria related to ignition, spread of flames, and burning brands.
ASTM E108 is a standardized test method used to evaluate the fire performance of roofing materials by assessing their ignition resistance and flame spread. The testing process involves preparing roofing specimens installed on a simulated roof deck and exposing them to a controlled gas burner flame for a specified duration, typically 10 minutes. Observers monitor the materials for ignition, flame spread, and other fire performance characteristics. Based on their performance, materials are classified into Classes A, B, or C, with Class A indicating the highest fire resistance. Data collected during the test, including flame spread distance and temperature measurements, are compiled into a detailed report, ensuring that roofing materials meet safety and performance standards.
Adoption and Enforcement: Once codes are developed, they are adopted by local authorities. Enforcement is typically the responsibility of local building departments, which ensure compliance through inspections.
The Case for Euroshield Roofing Products:
Euroshield roofing products are made from recycled rubber, designed to mimic traditional roofing materials while offering enhanced durability and sustainability. They are engineered to provide fire resistance and are a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. However, many jurisdictions still classify them outside Class A fire zones, limiting their use.
Although Euroshield products are considered Class C here are some photos of real-life applications on a few houses where a fire occurred with the Euroshield’s roofing products on the roof. Testing for fire rating is in a controlled laboratory environment where in the real world there are multiple different factors that determine how severe a house fire can be. The ability of the roof covering to conceal the fire to one structure or possibly limit the overall damage to both the home and the neighboring houses is crucial to creating and developing building standards.
Looking at this photo we can clearly see within the center of this house fire there are still fully intact Euroshield panels, the heat has warped the panels but has not caused them to fully burn compared to asphalt or shake shingles. You can also see how the flame spreads. If this was an asphalt roof it is highly likely that this flame could and would have engulfed the remainder of the roof. A cedar shingle, being a wood material, is highly flammable. It not only burns hot and fast but also produces embers which can damage neighboring homes.
Due to the rubber material’s ability to contain the fire to one structure, no neighboring homes were affected and the outside structure of the house did not fully collapse. The center of the home collapsed due to the framing being compromised, however the Euroshield shingle remains intact where most shingle products would be burned and have been thoroughly damaged. Real life examples like this are why Euroshield is striving to be included in Class A fire zones.
Depicted above is a Euroshield Vermont Slate Roof next to a burned asphalt roof. The photo on the left shows melted and deformed vents due to the heat of the asphalt roof burning next door. This is yet another example of durability and why the fire rating for Euroshield products must be changed. Embers from the asphalt roof landed on the Euroshield product, however, it did not cause the product to ignite or start another house fire. With any other composite roofing material, due to the elevated temperature from the burning asphalt shingles, it could have potentially led to a second house fire.
Fire classification for building materials began to develop in the USA in the 1940’s with Canada following shortly after in the 1950’s. We are currently operating under fire classifications developed in 1980 … forty years later, it is time for an upgrade. The Euroshield Rubber Roofing product has many advantages to being allowed to sell and install in Class A fire markets:
1. Innovative Fire Resistance
Euroshield products have undergone extensive testing to demonstrate their fire-resistance capabilities. They can resist flames, prevent ignition from flying embers, and minimize the spread of fire, making them suitable for Class A zones. Updating codes to reflect this innovation would allow builders to utilize advanced materials without compromising safety.
2. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, sustainable building materials are essential. Euroshield products reduce waste by repurposing rubber and plastic, aligning with environmental goals in both the USA and Canada. Encouraging their use in fire-prone areas supports sustainable development while maintaining safety.
3. Economic Considerations
Allowing Euroshield roofing products in Class A fire zones can stimulate the economy by allowing many homeowners that have had to be turned away due to the product being a Class C to upgrade to the roof one they truly want and believe will protect home from hail, wind and fire. Additionally, homeowners and builders would benefit from reduced insurance costs due to the fire-resistant and hail proof properties of these materials.
How do we change the way codes are written:
Changing fire codes for roofing materials involves a multi-step process that begins with identifying the need for change through research and stakeholder engagement. Advocates must gather data showcasing the benefits of new materials, such as fire-resistant rubber shingles, and draft a detailed proposal outlining the objectives and technical specifications. This proposal is then submitted to relevant code development organizations, such as the International Code Council (ICC) in the U.S. or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in Canada, along with public input and feedback to address any concerns.
Once submitted, the proposal undergoes public review and hearings, where advocates can present their case and garner support from stakeholders. If approved, the changes are adopted into the building code and communicated to industry professionals through training and resources. Finally, monitoring and feedback collection post-implementation ensure that the changes positively impact fire safety and building practices, allowing for the incorporation of innovative materials while enhancing overall safety standards.
As fire safety standards evolve, it’s crucial that building codes adapt to include innovative materials like Euroshield roofing products. By allowing their use in Class A fire zones, both the USA and Canada can enhance fire safety, promote sustainability, and support economic growth. Advocating for changes in fire building codes is not just about adopting new materials; it’s about embracing a safer, more sustainable future for communities. The path to change begins with awareness and action, urging local authorities to reconsider outdated regulations in light of modern innovations in building materials.
