N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1407: Section BC 1407: Metal Composite Materials (MCM)

1407.1 General.

The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, construction and quality of metal composite materials (MCM) for use as exterior wall coverings in addition to other applicable requirements of Chapters 14 and 16.

1407.1.1 Plastic core.

The plastic core of the MCM shall not contain foam plastic insulation as defined in Section 202.

1407.1.2 Prohibited locations.

The use of MCM in exterior wall coverings is subject to the following limitations:

1. MCM is prohibited in exterior wall coverings in Type IV construction utilizing cross-laminated timer (CLT) or structural composite lumber (SCL) complying with Section 602.4.

2. MCM is prohibited in exterior wall coverings at exterior balconies in accordance with Section 1406.3.

1407.2 Exterior wall finish.

MCM used as exterior wall finish or as elements of bay and oriel windows to provide cladding or weather resistance shall comply with Sections 1407.4 through 1407.16.

1407.3 Architectural trim and embellishments.

MCM used as architectural trim or embellishments shall comply with Sections 1407.7 through 1407.14.

1407.4 Structural design.

MCM systems shall be designed and constructed to resist wind loads as required by Chapter 16 for components and cladding.

1407.5 Approval.

Results of approved tests or an engineering analysis shall be submitted to the commissioner to verify compliance with the requirements of Chapter 16 for wind loads.

1407.6 Weather resistance.

MCM systems shall comply with Section 1403 and shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and rain in accordance with this section and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

1407.7 Durability.

MCM systems shall be constructed of approved materials that maintain the performance characteristics required in Section 1407 for the duration of use.

1407.8 Fire-resistance rating.

Where MCM systems are used on exterior walls required to have a fire-resistance rating in accordance with Section 705, evidence shall be submitted to the commissioner that the required fire-resistance rating is maintained.

Exception: MCM systems not containing foam plastic insulation, which are installed on the outer surface of a fire-resistance-rated exterior wall in a manner such that the attachments do not penetrate through the entire exterior wall assembly, shall not be required to comply with this section.

1407.9 Surface-burning characteristics.

MCM shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450 when tested as an assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723.

1407.10 Thermal barriers.

MCM shall be separated from the interior of a building by an approved thermal barrier consisting of 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard or equivalent thermal barrier material that will limit the average temperature rise of the unexposed surface to not more than 250°F (12 1°C) after 20 minutes of fire exposure in accordance with the standard time-temperature curve of ASTM E 119 or UL 263. The thermal barrier shall be installed in accordance with criteria established by testing in accordance with UL 1715, where the thermal barrier shall remain in place for 20 minutes.

1407.11 Full-scale tests.

All MCM systems shall be tested in accordance with, and comply with, the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285. Such testing shall be performed on the MCM system with the MCM in the maximum thickness intended for use, including any required fireblocking. Approved NFPA 285 tested assembly design documentation of the MCM system shall be included on the submitted construction documents complying with Section 1401.2 of this code. Deviation from the NFPA 285 tested design shall be approved by the registered design professional and additional documentation shall be provided if requested by the department.

1407.12 Reserved.

1407.13 Foam plastic insulation.

MCM systems containing foam plastic insulation shall also comply with the requirements of Section 2603.

1407.14 Labeling.

MCM shall be labeled in accordance with this code and Section 28-113 of the Administrative Code.

1407.15 Special inspection.

MCM shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with Chapter 17.

1407.16 Fireblocking.

MCM installations shall be fireblocked in accordance with Section 718.2.6.1.