Before any product is installed in a building, it should be reviewed and approved by the registered professional of record (architect or engineer). Just about any product in a building will be subject to some sort of code requirement, or even multiple. If you are unaware of the requirements you might be more susceptible to marketing buzzwords.
I often find products described as some variation of “fire rated” without clearly defining what this means. The reality is that it can mean a lot of different things, or nothing particularly useful at all depending on what is required in your scenario. Many building components are required to meet specific testing requirements as outlined in the applicable Building Code, so it is important to review the available product/system information for these tests. I have put together a short list of building components that need to be reviewed, and the applicable test referenced by the Building Code.
| Component | Test | Reporting Information |
|---|---|---|
| Noncombustible building components | CAN/ULC-S114 | Pass/fail |
| Flame-spread rating (FSR) Interior finishes Insulation | CAN/ULC-S102 | Value provided based on reference materials 0 – FSR of cement board 100 – FSR of red oak |
| Fire-resistance rating Assemblies – walls, floors, roofs, etc. | CAN/ULC-S101 | Duration in hours |
| Fire-protection rating Closures – doors, fire-protective glazing, dampers | CAN/ULC-S104 (doors) CAN4-S106-M (windows) CAN/ULC-S112 (dampers) | Duration in hours |
| Fire stop systems | CAN/ULC-S115 | F rating (hours) T rating (hours) – not always reported |
| Roof covering classification | CAN/ULC-S107 | Class A, B, or C |
| Fabrics (other than interior finishes) Awnings, tents, air-supported structures | CAN/ULC-S109 | Pass/fail |
Testing requirements for building components/systems are typically noted in project specifications, which can be a good place to start if you are unsure of what standards a product needs to meet.
The information on product data sheets needs to be backed by either a test report or certification (e.g. UL or Intertek) to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code requirements.
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Common Pitfalls
Here are some common pitfalls of reviewing building components:
Not checking the test results
A product data sheet might report that a product was tested, but not indicate the results.
Not using the applicable Canadian test
In Canada, you will often see products that provide testing information based on US code requirements. ASTM E84 is frequently referenced for flame-spread ratings. If you see a product sheet reporting a “Class A” flame spread, this is likely based on the ASTM E84 results and you should dig further for the CAN/ULC-S102 test results. While the tests are similar, they are not interchangeable.
Products made internationally need to be carefully reviewed. If the manufacturer is not marketing their products for use in Canada, they often do not have the required testing.
Approval request for an individual component, where it forms part of an assembly
Fire rated walls, floors, etc. and fire stop systems (see my post on fire stop systems) are examples of tested assemblies. The results are only valid for the complete assembly of all components. Installation instructions and limitations are usually provided in a listing (e.g. UL listing). Individual components do not achieve the rating. A common example of this pitfall is a contractor asking for approval of fire stop intumescent caulking but does not specify other components required in the listing, or specify where they intend to use the product.
Unfortunately, I have found it is often difficult to find useful information about products, as manufacturers all present the information differently. If you have come across any useful tips for reviewing products or finding product information, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
