Hello all,
At the risk of starting another discussion on the choices of living in a wildfire zone, I’m looking for info on the 2007 California code regarding roofs and wildfires. Does anyone know what the code recommends? I’d like to adopt as many of its requirements in my new roof as possible.
For example, I believe it recommends woven valleys rather than metal flashing, and requires screened penetrations that won’t allow embers in. Is there any change to my plumbing vents? My roof doesn’t have soffit ventilation since it’s a cathedral style roof built of tongue in groove 2x6s.
Also, if anyone has a link to a summary of the code, that would be MOST helpful.
Thanks in advance
Tightwad (in the Oregon Cascades)
Replies
Give me some time. I'll look up some things that came up in the Laguna fires of '97 I think. Alot of great things to keep in mind. To be continued.....
I tried looking it up online and only came up with references to Chapter 7 and Chapter 15 of the Ca. code.
Looks from what I read that Chapter 15 is taken out of the UBC though.
Found one site by looking under Ca. fire zone buildings codes.
Not much help but this might keep the thread alive until someone else steps up for you.
I don't remember hearing anything about metal valleys being bad - not sure why they would be (metal doesn't burn). I do know that besides the extra attention to foliage and defensable space, a key aspect is fireproof eaves. They are covered with stucco or cement board with very tiny soffit vents. No pretty exposed woodwork unless it is actually painted cement.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.
Interesting read, and from none other than...
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuilding/how-to/articles/fire-resistant-details.aspx
Not only the roof needs attention.
Edited 5/15/2008 1:33 pm ET by johnzee
Edited 5/16/2008 12:07 am ET by johnzee
Okay, tightwad, you asked for it. Below are the requirements of the State Fire Marshal's requirements for new construction in interface zones. Sorry if it's more than you were looking for, but at least it will give you a lot you can incorporate into your plans.
704A.1 Roofing.
704A.1.1 General.
Roofs shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 7A and Chapter 15. Roofs shall have a roofing assembly installed in accordance with its listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
704A.1.2 Roof coverings.
Where the roof profile allows a space between the roof covering and roof decking, the spaces shall be constructed to prevent the intrusion of flames and embers, be firestopped with approved materials or have one layer of No. 72 ASTM cap sheet installed over the combustible decking.
704A.1.3 Roof valleys.
When provided, valley flashings shall be not less than 0.019-inch (0.48 mm) (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage) corrosion-resistant metal installed over a minimum 36-inch-wide (914 mm) underlayment consisting of one layer of No. 72 ASTM cap sheet running the full length of the valley.
704A.1.4
Reserved.
704A.1.5 Roof gutters.
Roof gutters shall be provided with the means to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter.
704A.2 Attic ventilation.
704A.2.1 General.
When required by Chapter 15, roof and attic vents shall resist the intrusion of flame and embers into the attic area of the structure, or shall be protected by corrosion-resistant, noncombustible wire mesh with 1/4-inch (6 mm) openings or its equivalent.
704A.2.2 Eave or cornice vents.
Vents shall not be installed in eaves and cornices.
Exception: Eave and cornice vents may be used provided they resist the intrusion of flame and burning embers into the attic area of the structure.
704A.2.3 Eave protection.
Eaves and soffits shall meet the requirements of SFM 12-7A-3 or shall be protected by ignition-resistant materials or noncombustible construction on the exposed underside.
704A.3 Exterior walls.
704A.3.1 General.
Exterior walls shall be approved noncombustible or ignition-resistant material, heavy timber, or log wall construction or shall provide protection from the intrusion of flames and embers in accordance with standard SFM 12-7A-1.
704A.3.1.1 Exterior wall coverings.
Exterior wall coverings shall extend from the top of the foundation to the roof, and terminate at 2-inch (50.8 mm) nominal solid wood blocking between rafters at all roof overhangs, or in the case of enclosed eaves, terminate at the enclosure.
704A.3.2 Exterior wall openings.
Exterior wall openings shall be in accordance with this section.
704A.3.2.1 Exterior wall vents.
Unless otherwise prohibited by other provisions of this code, vent openings in exterior walls shall resist the intrusion of flame and embers into the structure or vents shall be screened with a corrosion-resistant, noncombustible wire mesh with ¼- inch (6 mm) openings or its equivalent.
704A.3.2.2 Exterior glazing and window walls.
Exterior windows, window walls, glazed doors, and glazed openings within exterior doors shall be insulating-glass units with a minimum of one tempered pane, or glass block units, or have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes, when tested according to ASTM E 2010, or conform to the performance requirements of SFM 12-7A-2.
704A.3.2.3 Exterior door assemblies.
Exterior door assemblies shall conform to the performance requirements of standard SFM 12-7A-1 or shall be of approved noncombustible construction, or solid core wood having stiles and rails not less than 13/8 inches thick with interior field panel thickness no less than 1¼ inches thick, or shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 20 minutes when tested according to ASTM E 2074.
Exception: Noncombustible or exterior fire-retardant treated wood vehicle access doors are not required to comply with this chapter.
704A.4 Decking, floors and underfloor protection.
704A.4.1 Decking.
704A.4.1.1 Decking surfaces.
Decking, surfaces, stair treads, risers, and landings of decks, porches, and balconies where any portion of such surface is within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the primary structure shall comply with one of the following methods:
1. Shall be constructed of ignition-resistant materials and pass the performance requirements of SFM 12-7A-4, Parts A and B.
2. Shall be constructed with heavy timber, exterior fire-retardant-treated wood or approved noncombustible materials.
3. Shall pass the performance requirements of SFM 12-7A-4, Part A, 12-7A-4.7.5.1 only with a net peak heat release rate of 25kW/sq-ft for a 40-minute observation period and:
a. Decking surface material shall pass the accelerated weathering test and be identified as exterior type, in accordance with ASTM E 84 and;
b. The exterior wall covering to which it the deck is attached and within 10 (3048 mm) feet of the deck shall be constructed of approved noncombustible or ignition resistant material.
Exception: Walls are not required to comply with this subsection if the decking surface material conforms to ASTM E-84 Class B flame spread.
The use of paints, coatings, stains, or other surface treatments are not an approved method of protection as required in this chapter.
704A.4.2 Underfloor and appendages protection.
704A.4.2.1 Underside of appendages and floor projections.
The underside of cantilevered and overhanging appendages and floor projections shall maintain the ignition-resistant integrity of exterior walls, or the projection shall be enclosed to the grade.
704A.4.2.2 Unenclosed underfloor protection.
Buildings shall have all underfloor areas enclosed to the grade with exterior walls in accordance with Section 704A.3.
Exception: The complete enclosure of under floor areas may be omitted where the underside of all exposed floors, exposed structural columns, beams and supporting walls are protected as required with exterior ignition-resistant material construction or be heavy timber.
704A.5 Ancillary buildings and structures.
704A.5.1 Ancillary buildings and structures.
When required by the enforcing agency, ancillary buildings and structures and detached accessory structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
You going to post chapter 15 too? I couldn't find it online.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
No way will I post all of Chapter 15. If you're familiar with the IRC, the majority of it is similar to R905 (material requirements, slopes, underlayment, etc.). There are a few items covering different ratings required in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or other State Responsibility Areas (where Cal Fire has jurisdiction).
Basically, if you're in a VHFHSZ, you need a Class A roof assembly. If it's any other SRA, it needs to be Class B.
SECTION 1505 FIRE CLASSIFICATION1505.1 General. Roof assemblies shall be divided into the classes defined below. Class A, B and C roof assemblies and roof coverings required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790. In addition, fire-retardant-treated wood roof coverings shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 2898. The minimum roof coverings installed on buildings shall comply with Table 1505.1 based on the type of construction of the building. Exception: Skylights and sloped glazing that comply with Chapter 24 or Section 2610.
1505.1.1 Real coverings within very high fire hazard severity zones. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class A. Exception: The requirements shall not apply in any jurisdiction that adopts the model ordinance approved by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 51189 of the Government Code or an ordinance that substantially conforms to the model ordinance and transmits a copy to the State Fire Marshal.
1505.1.2 Real coverings within state responsibility areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class B. Exception: Areas designated as moderate fire hazard severity zones.
1505.1.3 Roof coverings within all other areas. The entire roof covering of every existing structure where more than 50 percent of the total roof area is replaced within any one-year period, the entire roof covering of every new structure, and any roof covering applied in the alteration, repair or replacement of the roof of every existing structure, shall be a fire-retardant roof covering that is at least Class C.
1505.1.4 Roofing requirements in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area. Roofing requirements for structures located in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area shall also comply with Section 704A.1.
1505.2 Class A roof assemblies. Class A roof assemblies are those that are effective against severe fire test exposure. Class A roof assemblies and roof coverings shall be listed and identified as Class A by an approved testing agency. Class A roof assemblies shall be permitted for use in buildings or structures of all types of construction. Exception: Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tile, exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets.
1505.3 Class B roof assemblies. Class B roof assemblies are those that are effective against moderate fire-test exposure. Class B roof assemblies and roof coverings shall be listed and identified as Class B by an approved testing agency. Exception: Class B roof assemblies include those with coverings of metal sheets and shingles.
1505.4 Class C roof assemblies. Class C roof assemblies are those that are effective against light fire-test exposure. Class C roof assemblies and roof coverings shall be listed and identified as Class C by an approved testing agency.
1505.5 Nonclassified roofing.Nonclassified roofing is approved material that is not listed as a Class A, B or C roof covering.
1505.6 Fire-retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes. Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles are wood shakes and shingles complying with UBC Standard 15-3 or 15-4 which are impregnated by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process with fire-retardant chemicals, and which have been qualified by UBC Standard 15-2 for use on Class A, B or C roofs. Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles shall comply with ICC-ES EG107 and with the weathering requirements contained in Health and Safety Code Section 13132.7(j). Each bundle shall bear labels from an ICC accredited quality control agency identifying their roof-covering classification and indicating their compliance with ICC-ES EG107 and with the weathering requirements contained in Health and Safety Code Section 13132.7(j). Health and Safety Code Section 13132.7(j). No wood roof covering materials shall be sold or applied in this state unless both of the following conditions are met: (1) The materials have been approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal as complying with the requirements of this section. (2) The materials have passed at least five years of the 10-year natural weathering test. The 10-year natural weathering test required by this subdivision shall be conducted in accordance with standard 15-2 of the 1994 edition of the Uniform Building Code at a testing facility recognized by the State Fire Marshal.
1505.7 Special purpose roofs. Special purpose wood shingle or wood shake roofing shall conform with the grading and application requirements of Section 1507.8 or 1507.9. In addition, an underlayment of 0.625-inch (15.9 mm) Type X water-resistant gypsum backing board or gypsum sheathing shall be placed under minimum nominal 0.5-inch-thick (12.7 mm) wood structural panel solid sheathing or 1-inch (25 mm) nominal spaced sheathing.
Thanks, you hit the highlights and that was what I was looking for. I can dig out my old UBC and it will be close I bet. Not doing a project that I need it for, just learning is all.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
WOW! WOOHOO! Thanks - that is exactly the type of info I needed. I can give this to a contractor and roofer and begin discussing the best way to implement it. My neighborhood in the central Oregon Cascade mountains has required wood shakes (sad but true) up till now. Our County just adopted defensible space requirements. Better late than never. We've been working for a couple of years to improve our defensible space - the decks will be fixed next, after the roof. That is, if we don't get divorced over this project ... :) - and the house doesn't burn down this summer.
Tightwad