Fire safety is and has always been a concern in the construction industry—especially when it comes to materials.
And to make sure that all buildings are constructed with the best fire-safe building materials around, the construction team and building engineers often pay attention to one thing: ASTM E84.
What is ASTM E84?
ASTM E84 is a widely recognized test that evaluates the surface burning characteristics of building materials. However, it’s been particularly used to measure the fire resistance of building insulation.
Why ASTM E84 Compliance Matters in Construction
ASTM E84, also known as the "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials," is a benchmark for fire safety in construction.
The test assesses how materials behave when exposed to fire by measuring two key indices: the Flame Spread Index (FSI) and the Smoke Developed Index (SDI).
How FSI and SDI Classify Building Materials
These measurements help classify materials into three categories—Class A, B, or C—based on their FSI and SDI values. These classifications determine where and how materials can be safely used in buildings, with Class A being the highest rating for flame resistance.
Once materials are classified, their compliance with building codes becomes a critical consideration.
Meeting Building Codes with ASTM E84
Compliance with ASTM E84 is mandated under various building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC).
And for many construction developers, choosing materials that pass ASTM E84 testing means both meeting legal requirements and providing safe, long term performance for buildings.
However, failing to comply with these building codes can have severe consequences, which we will explore next.
Risks of Non-Compliance with ASTM E84
Non-compliance with ASTM E84 standards can have serious repercussions for construction projects, including:
The cause of significant safety hazards
The cause of personal injury
The increased risk of fire
The possibility of legal consequences
The possibility of fines or lawsuits
Moreover, non-compliance can result in costly delays, and if a building material does not pass ASTM E84 testing, it may need to be replaced or re-engineered to meet the necessary standards, which could disrupt the entire project’s timeline.
These delays can also harm the developer's reputation and make it more challenging to secure future projects.
How Does The ASTM E84 Testing Process Work?
ASTM E84 testing uses the Steiner Tunnel to assess how materials burn.
A 24-inch by 24-foot sample of material is exposed to flames from two burners, and over 10 minutes, the test measures flame spread index (FSI) and smoke production index (SDI).
Here’s an even deeper description of how the ASTM E84 test works step by step:
Material Conditioning
Before testing, materials must be conditioned to stabilize their moisture content, which helps them achieve consistent and accurate results.
Test Setup
The sample is securely mounted in the tunnel to ensure that there are no gaps that could affect airflow or flame spread.
Precision in the calibration of equipment, such as gas flow meters and thermocouples, maintains the test's integrity.
The sample is then placed on the ceiling of the tunnel, which simulates the conditions of a material installed in a building.
Measurement and Results
During the test, the FSI is calculated by observing how quickly the flames travel along the sample.
Simultaneously, the SDI is measured using a photometer that tracks the density of smoke produced.
Class A materials, which have the lowest FSI (0-25) and SDI (0-450) values, are considered the safest and are often used in hospitals, schools, and high-occupancy buildings.
Rmax Insulation: Leading Fire Safety with Thermasheath® and Durasheath®
At Rmax, we produce polyiso insulation that meets ASTM E84 requirements and ensures reliable fire safety and thermal performance. Through advanced technology and sustainable practices, we continuously improve our products so that they help you deliver safety and efficiency.
Rmax's High-Performance Insulation Products
Thermasheath®
Thermasheath® is designed for use in both residential and commercial projects. It meets ASTM E84 standards, offering excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation, making it a dependable choice for developers focused on safety and energy efficiency.
Durasheath®
Another top-performing product, Durasheath® meets ASTM E84 requirements and provides reliable protection against flame spread and smoke production.
Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from wall assemblies to roof systems, where fire safety and thermal performance are critical.
At Rmax, our commitment to sustainability, which is only demonstrated by our partnership with Sika Corporation. As a result, we constantly work to ensure that our insulation products not only meet high performance standards but also contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon footprints.
Use with Rmax ASTM E84 Building Insulation
Rmax is your partner in building safe, reliable, and sustainable construction projects.
And our polyiso insulation products are designed to meet the stringent requirements of ASTM E84, which ensure that your buildings are protected against fire hazards and maximize efficiency.
Interested in learning more?