UL Safety Certification Program for Exterior Wall Systems and Components

UL's certification for exterior wall systems and components provides architects and building contractors the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance to code requirements for:

• Fire propagation resistance to NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components
• Water penetration resistance to ASTM E331, Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference"
• Air leakage resistance to ASTM E2357, Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies

The value of the UL safety certification program

Architects, building consultants and contractors strive to design and build exterior wall systems that are attractive, innovative, cost and energy efficient, air and water resistant, and fire safe.  They want the flexibility to select from many wall system options and the confidence that the systems meet code requirements.  By specifying and selecting exterior wall systems safety certified by UL to NFPA 285 requirements, they gain the flexibility and confidence needed to address design needs as well as safety and code compliance. 

Key benefits to manufacturers

• UL certification demonstrates compliance of exterior wall systems to NFPA 285 as required by the 2012 International Building Code (IBC)
• The UL Mark eliminates the time and effort associated with submitting individual test reports to every customer. Point your customers to your UL certification information on UL's online directories
• Ready acceptance of exterior wall systems by architects, contractors and code authorities due to the nearly universal acceptance of the UL Mark
• Combined testing and certification in a single process, thereby reducing time and effort for code compliance
• Tout the water penetration and air leakage resistance benefits of products through UL's certification

Key benefits to architects, contractors and code officials

• Added confidence that exterior wall systems and combustible components meet the rigorous testing requirements of NFPA 285 and applicable 2012 IBC code requirements
• Easy access to UL certified exterior wall systems and components in UL's Online Certifications Directory
• Easy access to UL's code correlation database that directly connects UL certifications with specific code sections, to assist code authorities in their code compliance decisions and acceptance of certified products. Additionally, the database allows architects and building contractors to easily find code-compliant products.

For more information on this service, please call 877.854.3577 or email FireSafetyQuote@ul.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exterior wall systems and components are covered?

Exterior non-load-bearing wall systems that incorporate combustible components and are used in the exterior walls of construction types I, II, III and IV are required to show compliance with NFPA 285.  Examples of components that would apply include  air barriers, water resistive barriers, exterior laminates, composite panels and foamed plastic insulation.

Why is compliance with NFPA 285 critical?

As exterior wall systems are designed using new, innovative components to meet the energy efficiency goals of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), code authorities, architects, design consultants and manufacturers recognize the need to eliminate the potential for fire growth on the exterior surface of building structures. 

The 2012 International Building Code (IBC) requires that all exterior wall systems installed higher than 40 feet above grade in type I, II, III and IV buildings and containing combustible components must comply with NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components.  NFPA 285 requires use of the intermediate-scale multi-story apparatus (ISMA) for testing exterior wall systems. 

What is the intent of the NFPA 285 test method?

NFPA 285 is the recognized test method for determining the fire propagation of exterior, non-load-bearing wall systems that contain combustible materials.  The test method is intended to simulate the fire performance of an entire multi-story exterior wall assembly to assess that the wall does not spread flames over the surface, through the core of the wall and from the compartment of fire origin to adjacent compartments.  To comply, a wall assembly must demonstrate limited fire spread vertically and horizontally away from the window opening.  The extent of fire spread is determined visually and by temperature rise measured by thermocouples placed throughout the wall assembly.

What does UL's safety certification of exterior wall systems cover? 

The UL certification of exterior wall systems applies to complete assemblies that have been successfully evaluated by UL to NFPA 285. The illustrated designs within the UL certification reflect the precise dimensions and condition of the sample assembly subjected to the fire test. A UL certified wall system must be constructed to the specifications within the illustrated design and the details included in the associated text to achieve the anticipated performance. Individual components cannot be interchanged between assemblies, but are designated for use in a specific design in order to achieve system performance. Substituting or eliminating required system components can only be done if specifically permitted in the individual system or in the general guidelines.

What does UL's safety certification of exterior wall system components cover?

UL certified components for exterior wall systems such as air barriers, air barrier systems, water-resistive barriers, insulation and substrates are designated for use in specific assemblies covered as UL certified exterior wall systems. Information concerning these exterior wall assembly details is described in the individual systems. Exterior non-load bearing wall assemblies incorporating the components are successfully evaluated in accordance with NFPA 285.