Fire Tests for Exterior Wall Materials: Fire Transmission Over Building Facades: Fid-Bau Portal

Fire Tests for Exterior Wall Materials: Fire Transmission Over Building Facades

S. B. Martin / R. G. McKee

This report describes an investigation of the possible requirements and criteria for evaluating fire hazards due to fire propagation over exterior building materials, particularly between windows (or other openings) in the same building. Exploratory full-scale tests undertaken to define the conditions for which exterior siding makes an important contribution to the rate, extent, and likelihood of fire propagation are discussed. Technical factors that were considered in developing a valid test method for exterior siding are analyzed, including flame extensions from windows in burning rooms and fire-initiating conditions in the receptor compartment. Results of a series of 17 tests are reported; horizontal fire spread is determined to be much less important to exterior fire propagation than vertical transport carried by the convection of plume of flames and hot gases. Finally, a prototype test method is described. Reported experiential data fail to reveal the siding's important contribution to the fire; test data suggest that other factors may dominate in most circumstances. Recommendations for the evaluation of the relative fire hazards of exterior wall-covering products are offered. Three tables, 18 figures, and 17 references are included.