ICC-ES AC546
Full Name
ICC-ES AC546 – Acceptance Criteria for Spray-applied Foam Plastic Used to Maintain the Integrity of Wood Fireblocking
Scope
ICC-ES AC546 outlines the acceptance criteria for evaluating spray-applied foam plastic used to maintain the integrity of wood fireblocking in building construction. Fireblocking is a critical component of fire safety, preventing the spread of flames and smoke through concealed spaces within walls, floors, and ceilings.
The scope of AC546 covers several key aspects:
- Material properties: assessment of the physical and thermal properties of the spray-applied foam plastic, including its density, thermal resistance (R-value), and flame spread index, to ensure it meets fire safety requirements.
- Performance testing: conducting fire tests to evaluate the foam’s ability to resist flame spread and maintain the integrity of wood fireblocking under various fire scenarios.
- Adhesion and durability: assessment of the foam’s adhesion to wood and other building materials, as well as its durability over time, to ensure it remains effective in preventing fire spread.
- Application requirements: evaluation of the proper application techniques for the spray-applied foam, including thickness, coverage, and curing time, to achieve optimal fire resistance.
- Code compliance: verification that the foam product and installation methods comply with relevant building codes and standards, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
By meeting the criteria outlined in AC546, manufacturers can obtain an evaluation report from ICC-ES, which can be used to demonstrate code compliance and gain approval for use in building projects.
Resources
Keywords
spray-applied foam; fireblocking; fire resistance; thermal insulation; flame spread; smoke development; adhesion; durability