International Building Code Section 1406 – International Building Code 2006 Discussions

International Building Code 1406.1

General. Section 1406 shall apply to exterior wall coverings;
balconies and similar projections; and bay and oriel
windows constructed of combustible materials.

International Building Code 1406.2

Combustible exterior wall coverings. Combustible
exterior wall coverings shall comply with this section.
Exception: Plastics complying with Chapter 26.

Ignition resistance. Combustible exterior wall
coverings shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 268.
Exceptions:
1 Wood or wood-based products.
2. Other combustible materials covered with an exterior
covering other than vinyl sidings listed in
Table 1405.2.
3. Aluminum having a minimum thickness of 0.019
inch (0.48 mm).
4. Exterior wall coverings on exterior walls of Type
V construction.

Fire separation 5 feet or less. Where
installed on exterior walls having a fire separation distance
of 5 feet (1524 mm) or less, combustible exterior
wall coverings shall not exhibit sustained flaming as
defined in NFPA 268.

Fire separation greater than 5 feet. For fire
separation distances greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), an
assembly shall be permitted that has been exposed to a
reduced level of incident radiant heat flux in accordance
with the NFPA 268 test method without exhibiting sustained
flaming. The minimum fire separation distance
required for the assembly shall be determined from Table
1406.2.1.2 based on the maximum tolerable level of incident
radiant heat flux that does not cause sustained flaming
of the assembly.

Architectural trim. In buildings of Type I, II, III
and IV construction that do not exceed three stories or 40
feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane, exterior wall
coverings shall be permitted to be constructed of wood
where permitted by Section 1405.4 or other equivalent combustible
material. Combustible exterior wall coverings,
other than fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section
2303.2 for exterior installation, shall not exceed 10 percent
of an exterior wall surface area where the fire
separation distance is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less. Architectural
trim that exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above
grade plane shall be constructed of approved
260 2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
EXTERIOR WALLS
noncombustible materials and shall be secured to the wall
with metal or other approved noncombustible brackets.

Location. Where combustible exteriorwall covering
is located along the top of exterior walls, such trim shall
be completely backed up by the exterior wall and shall not
extend over or above the top of exterior walls.

Fireblocking. Where the combustible exterior
wall covering is furred from the wall and forms a solid surface,
the distance between the back of the covering and the
wall shall not exceed 1.625 inches (41 mm) and the space
thereby created shall be fireblocked in accordance with Section
717.

International Building Code 1406.2.1

International Building Code 1406.2.1.1

International Building Code 1406.2.1.2

International Building Code 1406.2.2

International Building Code 1406.2.3

International Building Code 1406.2.4

International Building Code 1406.3

Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and
similar projections of combustible construction other than
fire-retardant-treated wood shall be fire-resistance rated in
accordance with Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of
Type IV construction in accordance with Section 602.4. The
aggregate length shall not exceed 50 percent of the building’s
perimeter on each floor.
Exceptions:
1. On buildings of Type I and II construction, three stories
or less in height, fire-retardant-treated wood shall
be permitted for balconies, porches, decks and exterior
stairways not used as required exits.
2. Untreated wood is permitted for pickets and rails or
similar guardrail devices that are limited to 42 inches
(1067 mm) in height.
3. Balconies and similar projections on buildings of
Type III, IV and V construction shall be permitted to
be of TypeVconstruction, and shall not be required to
have a fire-resistance rating where sprinkler protection
is extended to these areas.
4. Where sprinkler protection is extended to the balcony
areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each
floor shall not be limited.

International Building Code 1406.4

Bay windows and oriel windows. Bay and oriel windows
shall conform to the type of construction required for the
building to which they are attached.
Exception: Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted
on buildings three stories or less of Type I, II, III and IV construction.