Flame Spread
Flame spread ratings are often confused with fire endurance ratings. Flame spread is solely a measure of the surface burning characteristics of a material. A low flame spread material will not necessarily improve the performance of a fire endurance assembly.
Building codes typically indicate flame spread requirements for interior finish materials. Different maximum flame spread rates are permitted depending on the building occupancy, location of the material, and presence of sprinklers. Flame spread ratings are determined by subjecting the material to the ASTM E84 test.
Generally, the building code flame spread classifications are as follows:
| Class |
Flame Spread |
Range Locations |
| I or A |
0-25 |
Enclosed vertical exits |
| II or B |
26-75 |
Exit access corridors |
| III or C |
76-200 |
Other rooms and areas |
For additional information, refer to Flame Spread Performance of Wood Products, Design for Code Acceptance, from the American Wood Council/American Forest & Paper Association.
Smoke Developed Index
A Smoke Developed Index has also been measured for various wood products. This Index has a value of 100 for Red Oak. In none of the products tested did the Smoke Developed Index exceed 450, a limiting value used in building code regulations.
Source: Southern Pine Council
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