N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 720: Section BC 720: Thermal- and Sound-Insulating Materials

720.1 General.

Insulating materials, including facings such as vapor retarders and vapor- permeable membranes, similar coverings, and all layers of single and multilayer reflective foil insulations, shall comply with the requirements of this section. Where a flame spread index or a smoke-development index is specified in this section, such index shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723. Any material that is subject to an increase in flame spread index or smoke-development index beyond the limits herein established through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric conditions shall not be permitted.

Exceptions:

1. Fiberboard insulation shall comply with Chapter 23 of this code.

2. Foam plastic insulation shall comply with Chapter 26 of this code.

3. Duct and pipe insulation and duct and pipe coverings and linings in plenums shall comply with the New York City Mechanical Code.

4. Exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS) shall comply with Chapters 14 and 26 of this code.

720.1.1 Noncombustible construction.

Insulating materials used in noncombustible construction must either: Satisfactorily pass a test for determining noncombustibility of elementary materials, based on the test procedures of ASTM E 136; or Have a flame spread index not greater than 25, a smoke-development index not greater than 50, and be without evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.

720.1.2 Combustible construction.

Insulating materials used in combustible construction shall have a flame spread index not greater than 25, a smoke-development index not greater than 450, and be without evidence of continuous progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.

720.2 Concealed installation.

Insulating materials, where concealed as installed in buildings of any type construction, shall comply with Sections 720.1, 720.1.1 and 720.1.2. Concealed insulation shall be separated from the building interior by a thermal barrier consisting of at least 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) thick gypsum wallboard or approved equivalent.

Exception: Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation complying with the requirements of Section 720.6 shall only be required to meet a smoke-development index of not more than 450, when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2, provided such insulation has a smoke-development index that complies with the requirements of Section 720.2 or 720.3, as applicable, and Section 720.6 of this code.

720.2.1 Facings.

Where such materials are installed in concealed spaces in buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, the flame spread and smoke-development limits do not apply to facings, coverings, and layers of reflective foil insulation that are installed behind and in substantial contact with the unexposed surface of the ceiling, wall or floor finish.

Exception: All layers of single and multilayer reflective plastic core insulation shall comply with Section 2614.

720.3 Exposed installation.

Insulation materials, where exposed as installed in buildings of any type of construction, shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-development index of not more than 50.

Exception: Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation complying with the requirements of Section 720.6 shall not be required to meet a flame spread index requirement but shall be required to meet a smoke-development index of not more than 50 when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2.

720.3.1 Attic floors.

Exposed insulation materials installed on attic floors shall have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.12 watt per square centimeter when tested in accordance with ASTM E 970.

720.4 Loose-fill insulation.

Loose-fill insulation materials that cannot be mounted in the ASTM E 84 apparatus without a screen or artificial supports shall comply with the flame spread and smoke-developed limits of Sections 720.2 and 720.3 when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2.

Exception: Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation shall not be required to meet a flame spread index requirement when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2, provided such insulation has a smoke-development index that complies with the requirements of Section 720.2 or 720.3, as applicable, and Section 720.6.

720.5 Roof insulation.

The use of combustible roof insulation not complying with Sections 720.2 and 720.3 shall be permitted in any type of construction provided it is applied on top of roof decking or slab and that such insulation is covered with approved roof coverings directly applied thereto.

720.6 Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation and self-supported spray-applied cellulosic insulation.

Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation and self-supported spray-applied cellulosic insulation shall comply with CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1209 and 1404. Each package of such insulating material shall be clearly labeled in accordance with CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1209 and 1404.

720.7 Insulation and covering on pipe and tubing.

Insulation and covering on pipe and tubing shall comply with the requirements of the New York City Mechanical Code, the New York City Plumbing Code, and the New York City Energy Conservation Code.