During the past
several months, a team of SPFA member volunteers has worked diligently to
develop a significant revision to the current AY-126 document previously titled
“Thermal Barriers for the Spray Polyurethane Foam Industry”. Since its
last revision in 2005, there have been several major developments in our
industry…. First a new ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria AC-377 was adopted in 2008
exclusively for SPF to interpret the model building codes and assist in the
creation of Evaluation Service Reports. A year later in 2009, SPFA,
working with ICC-ES, successfully developed the Appendix X test method in
AC-377 to qualify alternate ignition barrier assemblies. This new
Appendix X can qualify assemblies including uncovered SPF or SPF covered with
intumescent coatings in both attics and crawlspaces with limited access.
This new AY-126 document clearly explains the requirements for both thermal and
ignition barriers, and the tests current accepted to qualify these materials.
These explanations are based upon careful review International
Residential Code® and International Building Code® and incorporates the recent
changes to AC-377. It is a must-read for any SPF contractor applying SPF
insulation, and will help explain these complex requirements to code officials,
design professionals, and most importantly, builders and homeowners.
