I have a client that wants to include a requirement for a Class C rated clear finish for both the wood flooring and the interior wood trim on the project. I have not found any paint/coatings manufacturers data indicating this information and have only seen some reference in the ICC code for some state codes via google. Is there a statement anywhere that would confirm the conditions where an interior wood surface would comply with the Class C rating requirement?
The IBC does not require that floor finishes comply with surface burning characteristics as tested by ASTM E 84 or UL 723. As a matter of fact, wood flooring is exempt from the requirements for floor finishes in Chapter 8 of the IBC. See the exception to Section 804.1.
Any combustible trim, which includes wood trim, must have a minimum Class C rating and cannot exceed 10% of the wall area in which it is attached. Many wood species have flame spread and smoke developed indices that comply with Class B or C requirements (See http://awc.org/publications/DCA/DCA1/DCA1.pdf). If the wood species does not, there are finish products that can reduce the flame spread index to comply with either Class B or A.
I would add that the specific requirements will depend on occupancy and whether the building is sprinklered.
Thanks, this confirms what I thought was the case. I will pass this along to the Architect so we can redirect the Owners requirements for this condition.
The project is establishing a set of guide specs for a regional restaurant chain and typically they would be sprinkled.