N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1409: Section BC 1409: High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL)

1409.1 General.

The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, construction and quality of High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL) for use as exterior wall coverings in addition to other applicable requirements of Chapters 14 and 16.

1409.1.1 Prohibited locations.

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

1. HPL 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. HPL is prohibited in exterior wall coverings at exterior balconies and shall comply with Section 1406.3.

1409.2 Exterior wall finish.

HPL used as exterior wall covering or as elements of bay and oriel windows to provide cladding or weather resistance shall comply with Sections 1409.4 through 1409.16.

1409.3 Architectural trim and embellishments.

HPL used as architectural trim or embellishments shall comply with Sections 1409.7 through 1409.14.

1409.4 Structural design.

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

1409.5 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.

1409.6 Weather resistance.

HPL 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 instructions.

1409.7 Durability.

HPL systems shall be constructed of approved materials that maintain the performance characteristics required in Section 1409 for the duration of use.

1409.8 Fire-resistance rating.

Where HPL 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: HPL systems not containing foam plastic insulation that 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.

1409.9 Surface-burning characteristics.

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

1409.10 Thermal barriers.

HPL 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 (121°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 performed in accordance with UL 1715, where the thermal barrier shall remain in place for 20 minutes.

1409.11 Full-scale tests.

All HPL systems shall be tested in accordance with, and comply with, the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285. Such testing shall be performed on the HPL system with the HPL in the minimum and maximum thicknesses intended for use, including any required fireblocking. Approved NFPA 285 tested assembly design documentation of the HPL 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.

1409.12 Reserved.

1409.13 Foam plastic insulation.

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

1409.14 Labeling.

HPL shall be labeled in accordance with this code and Article 113 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code.

1409.15 Special inspection.

HPL shall be subject to the special inspection requirements of Chapter 17.

1409.16 Fireblocking.

HPL installations shall be fireblocked in accordance with Section 718.2.6.1.