Interpretation #7509

Published June 15, 2015

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Original Request

Code Version
2014
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section
706.4.1
Topic
Intumescent Coating for Fire Resistance

Question

I would like to use a fire retardant paint to treat the plywood on the 4 foot underside of the roof to meet the fire resistance requirement on each side of the exterior dividing wall. Will this comply with the code requirement?

Answer Published 06/15/2015 at 8:41 AM

No. Please see the attached commentary for additional
information.

Commentary

The code requires fire retardant treated wood. Treated wood is defined as - "wood and wood based materials that use vacuum-pressure impregnation processes to enhance fire retardant or preservative properties." According to the code, painting an intumescent coating on a piece of plywood would not meet the strict definition of treated wood, the building official should be careful if accepting this using 104.11.