Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 14 - Exterior Walls
Section 1406 - COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ON THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF EXTERIOR WALLS
Subsection 1406.2 - Combustible exterior wall coverings

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 1406.2

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

Combustible exterior wall coverings shall comply with this section.

Exception: Plastics complying with Chapter 26.

1406.2.1 Ignition resistance. Combustible exterior wall coverings shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 268.

Exceptions:

1 Wood or wood-based products.

2. Other combustible materials covered with an exterior covering other than vinyl sidings listed in Table 1405.2.

3. Aluminum having a minimum thickness of 0.019 inch (0.48 mm).

4. Exterior wall coverings on exterior walls of Type V construction.

1406.2.1.1 Fire separation 5 feet or less. Where installed on exterior walls having a fire separation distance of 5 feet (1524 mm) or less, combustible exterior wall coverings shall not exhibit sustained flaming as defined in NFPA 268.

1406.2.1.2 Fire separation greater than 5 feet. For fire separation distances greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), an assembly shall be permitted that has been exposed to a reduced level of incident radiant heat flux in accordance with the NFPA 268 test method without exhibiting sustained flaming. The minimum fire separation distance required for the assembly shall be determined from Table 1406.2.1.2 based on the maximum tolerable level of incident radiant heat flux that does not cause sustained flaming of the assembly.

TABLE 1406.2.1.2 MINIMUM FIRE SEPARATION FOR COMBUSTIBLE VENEERS

FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) TOLERABLE LEVEL INCIDENT RADIANT HEAT ENERGY (kW/m2) FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) TOLERABLE LEVEL INCIDENT RADIANT HEAT ENERGY (kW/m2)

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

12.5

11.8

11.0

10.3

9.6

8.9

8.3

7.7

7.2

6.7

6.3

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

5.9

5.5

5.2

4.9

4.6

4.4

4.1

3.9

3.7

3.5

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

1406.2.2 Type I, II, III and IV construction. On buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction, exterior wall coverings shall be permitted to be constructed of wood in accordance with Section 1405.5, or other equivalent combustible material, complying with the following limitations:

1. Combustible exterior wall coverings shall not exceed 10 percent of an exterior wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less.

2. Combustible architectural trim shall be limited to 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade.

3. Combustible exterior wall coverings constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2 for exterior installation shall not be limited in wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less and shall be permitted up to 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade regardless of the fire separation distance.

1406.2.3 Location. Where combustible exterior wall covering is located along the top of exterior walls, such trim shall be completely backed up by the exterior wall and shall not extend over or above the top of exterior walls.

1406.2.4 Fireblocking. Where the combustible exterior wall covering is furred from the wall and forms a solid surface, the distance between the back of the covering and the wall shall not exceed 15/8 inches (41 mm). Where required by Section 717, the space thereby created shall be fireblocked.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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