Air Barriers Meet NFPA 285 – Burning Issues (2020 Convention)

The relationship between the air barrier/water-resistive barrier and NFPA 285 (Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components) compliance is often misunderstood. We propose to add clarity by going beyond the standard misconception that one must consider NFPA 285 requirements only if the building is taller than 40 feet. While not necessarily new, the issues are broadly misunderstood, and assemblies not compliant with the building code are too often specified unknowingly.

Based on the authors’ in-depth synthesis and analysis of information from a wide array of sources and experts, they will examine in detail the effects of insulation and cladding choices as they relate to selection of the water-resistive barrier (WRB), as well as the membrane’s location within the wall system. This will be supported using real project detail drawings and specifications. In addition, manufacturer NFPA 285 compliance documentation, which can be difficult to interpret, will be examined for design and field use.

Peter Barrett

Dörken Systems, Inc. | Beamsville, ON, Canada

Peter Barrett is the product manager and marketing manager for his company, where he has been employed for over a decade. His involvement with the design community and building materials industry spans over 25 years. Barrett holds a BA (Hons.) from Queen’s University and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and on its Audit Committee. He has also contributed to The Construction Specifier, Construct Canada, Tunnel Business, and Masonry Magazine.

Marcus Jablonka

Dörken Systems, Inc. | Beamsville, ON, Canada

Marcus Jablonka has been vice president of his firm for nearly 10 years. He is a voting member of the ABAA Technical Committee and the ASTM E06 Committee on Performance of Buildings. He is also a member of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and the Building Enclosure Technology and Environmental Council. Until December 2016, he served as president of the Building Envelope Moisture Management Institute (BEMMI). He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Paderborn, as well as a graduate degree in business administration from the University of Bochum, Germany. Jablonka has contributed to many industry publications, including Interface.