NFPA 285 Explained: Wall Assemblies, WRBs, and Code Compliance

Watch on Demand featuring Peter Barrett

NFPA 285 is a code-required fire safety test for exterior wall assemblies, but it can be confusing as to which building materials and designs need to comply with the testing standard.

 

Webinar Summary:

High-performance buildings require insulation, high-quality air- and water-resistive barriers (WRBs), and cladding to achieve air tightness and maximize thermal performance. All of these envelope materials are combustible, and therefore need to comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 285 fire testing standard. 

Although NFPA 285 has been a part of the International Building Code (IBC) for several years, the relationship between WRBs and NFPA 285 compliance is often misunderstood. In this on-demand webinar, Dörken’s Product Manager and DELTA® expert Peter Barrett provides clarity on NFPA 285 testing and compliance.

 

In this on-demand webinar, you will learn about:

  • The basics of NFPA 285
  • The basics of building code in regards to WRBs
  • The basics of test wall designs, including cladding and insulation
  • How WRBs are analyzed for engineering evaluations

Watch On Demand

 


About Peter Barrett

Peter Barrett is the Product Manager for Dörken Systems Inc., and has been with the company for over 13 years. His involvement with the design community and building materials industry spans over 25 years. Peter 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 the Audit Committee. Peter has also contributed to The Construction SpecifierConstruct CanadaTunnel Business, and Masonry Magazine.