Codes and Compliance
Vulcan Vents are the new standard in Fire and Ember Safe Vents!
We have been protecting people’s homes for over a decade. We’ve written this in depth guide to help our customers better understand the building codes in their area, how those codes might apply to them, and their homes.
Whether it’s new construction, retro-fitting an existing home, remodeling, or adding a new addition, Vulcan Vents are your #1 choice for fire & ember safe vents.
Here’s what you need to know
Every state has their own building codes and every jurisdiction within that state will have their own modifications to that code. Some codes are mandated at the state level, but other parts may be adopted and modified depending on the area that you live in and what jurisdiction has authority. Always check with your county building department for the codes that are in affect for your county.
California
California has some of the strictest building codes in the country, and the fire code is even stricter. California sees some of the most extreme wildfires in the nation. Vulcan Vents have been protecting homes for over a decade.
Does this apply to you?
This primarily depends on where you’re located. We will look at the building code in more detail, but first, let’s summarize:
If you are in an area deemed to be at risk for wildfire, for new construction or modifications requiring a permit, many building types must resist the intrusion of flames or burning embers. Let’s start with the areas where this is applicable. Chapter 7A states that: New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or any Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency, constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of the Chapter.
Are you in the zone?
Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ)
Fire Hazard Severity Zones and WUI zones are mapped out by joint governmental state agencies
California’s State Fire Marshal has developed a great tool for determining what areas are at risk and their risk level. These areas are called Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
California Building Code (CBC): Chapter 7A
Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure
It’s purpose is to establish minimum standards for the protection of life and property by increasing the ability of a building located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within State Responsibility Area or any Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Area to resist the intrusion of flames or burning embers
What is a WUI Vent?
A WUI Vent, or Chapter 7A compliant vent, is a vent that has been tested to a strict set of standards defined by the ASTM International. In this case it’s ASTM E2886. The listing service must be an accredited and approved listing agency such as ICC, or Cal Fire’s BMl listing service. Vulcan Vents are approved for use in the Wildland Urban Interface for the State of California and beyond!
Chapter 7A Regulations for Vents
Ventilation openings shall be covered with Wildfire Flame and Ember Resistant vents approved and listed by the California State Fire Marshal, or WUI vents tested to ASTM E2886 and listed, by complying with all of the following requirements.
Requirements
- There shall be no flaming ignition of the cotton material during the Ember Intrusion Test.
- There shall be no flaming ignition during the Integrity Test portion of the Flame Intrusion Test.
- The maximum temperature of the unexposed side of the vent shall not exceed 662°F (350°C).
Vulcan Vents meet and exceed these regulations.
Vulcan Vents meet Chapter 7A requirements and have been tested and listed to ASTM E2886.
International Code Council Listings:
1 Hour Burn Test
ICC-ESL: 1299
Chapter 7A
ICC-ESL: 1300
California's Office of the State Fire Marshal Listings:
Vents for Wildland Urban Interface (W.U.I) - Vulcan Technologies: 8165-2192-(0500,0501,0502,0503)
What about custom vents?
California’s building code (CBC 1.11.2.4) allows local officials and other enforcing agencies to “approve” alternative materials, designs or methods of construction provided the proposed design complies with the intent of the provisions of Chapter 7A, and provides equivalent effectiveness as prescribed by the code.
Austin, Texas
Like many cities in Texas, Austin is also known as an area prone to wildfires. More than 94,000 residences in the city are identified as facing moderate to high risk from wildfires, which is why the city enforces strict WUI regulations in the state.
What Fire Codes Apply to Your Property in Austin?
Austin, ranking 5th among U.S. metro areas for homes at risk of wildfire damage, is the first major Texas city to adopt a strict 2015 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC). In June 2019, the Austin Public Safety Commission recommended implementing this strict wildfire protection standard for new constructions between the city’s wildlands and urban areas.
Additionally, on September 1, 2021, Austin adopted the new edition of the International Fire Code, enhanced by local amendments. Adherence to these standards, known as the “Fire Building Code,” is compulsory for all construction projects considering fire-related hazards. This includes home hardening measures to reduce wildfire risk.
Does IWUIC Apply to Your Zone?
To determine if the IWUIC (International Wildland-Urban Interface Code) applies to your property in Austin, Texas, you must ascertain your property’s distance from the nearest wildland area. Properties within 50 feet of the wildland fall into WUI Proximity Class A, those between 50 and 150 feet are in Class B, and those between 150 feet and 1.5 miles are in Class C.
Identify your class by measuring the distance from your property to the wildland, and then check local regulations to see what specific rules apply to your class for your property and other wildfire prevention measures. Moreover, you can consult your local municipality for the newest standards and recent variances.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Class 1 Austin Building Code outlines stringent measures for building ventilation systems to enhance fire resistance. According to Section 504.10.1, all ventilation openings must be equipped with vents that have undergone testing by ASTM E2886. This testing ensures that the vents meet several critical criteria, including the prevention of flaming ignition from cotton materials during the Ember Intrusion Test, maintaining integrity without flaming ignition during the Flame Intrusion Test, and keeping the temperature of the vent’s unexposed side below 662°F (350°C). These requirements are crucial for reducing the risk of fire spread through ventilation systems.
Section 504.10.2 of the code specifies these ventilation openings’ size and material requirements. Each vent must not exceed 144 square (0.0929 m²) inches and should be covered with a non-combustible, corrosion-resistant mesh with openings no larger than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm). The code also prescribes specific locations for these vents to prevent ember and flame penetration, such as avoiding placement in soffits, eave overhangs, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of property lines when positioned in gable ends and dormers.
To Learn More, Click on Class 1 Austin Building Code
Class 2 of the Austin Building Code specifies regulations for ventilation openings in various parts of buildings, including enclosed attics, under eaves, and crawl spaces. These openings must conform to Section 505.10.1 or Section 505.10.2 to prevent fire ignition from burning embers and flames. Section 505.10.1 focuses on performance requirements, stipulating that all ventilation openings be covered with vents that have been tested and listed according to ASTM E2886. These vents must meet specific criteria, including no flaming ignition of cotton during tests and a maximum temperature limit of 662°F (350°C) on the vent’s unexposed side.
Meanwhile, Section 505.10.2 outlines prescriptive requirements, dictating that each ventilation opening, such as those in attics, foundations, or roofs, should not exceed 144 square inches (0.0929 m²). The openings must be covered with a fireproof, corrosion-resistant mesh no larger than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) or designed in an approved manner to prevent flame or ember penetration. Adhering to these detailed specifications ensures that buildings are safeguarded against the risks posed by external fires, aligning with safety and regulatory standards.
To Learn More, Click on Class 2 Austin Building Code
Class 1 is stricter than Class 2 because it applies to areas with a higher risk of wildfires. The materials and construction methods used in Class 1 structures are more fire-resistant, offering greater protection. While the overall code and compliance between the two are similar, Class 1 is especially required for exterior materials and defensible space. In contrast, Class 2 allows for more flexibility and is designed for areas with slightly lower wildfire risk.
To learn more about Class 1 Austin Building Code – Click Here
To learn more about Class 2 Austin Building Code – Click Here
International Building Code and Local Amendments
Chapter 5 of the International Building Code sets minimum standards for designing and constructing buildings in areas prone to wildfires. These standards protect lives and properties by considering proximity to wildland areas, terrain slopes, and surrounding vegetation. The code requires buildings in high-risk areas to use materials that resist ignition for critical parts such as eaves, vents, and exterior walls. It specifies fire-resistance requirements for additional structures like decks and external doors to improve safety in wildland-urban interface zones.
Our ASTM-tested and ICC-Listed Vents
The Austin Fire Department lists our ASTM-tested vents, including the Foundation, Dormer, Gable, Soffit, and Eave. These vents undergo complete evaluations to ensure fire safety and performance under extreme conditions. Specifically, they are assessed according to ASTM E2886, which resists the entry of wildfire embers and direct flame impingement, and ASTM E119, which ensures they maintain structural strength with a one-hour fire resistance rating. Moreover, our vents are also listed by the ICC to ensure your property’s safety and compliance.
Austin Fire Department WUI Code Product List
Our vents are not only compliant with different local or international safety standards but also made with durable and heat-resistant materials. Whenever you talk about the safety of your house during wildfires in Austin, we are your preferred choice and listed by the Austin Fire Department.
WUI Code Product List
Terminology
Live Outside of California?
Every state has their own set of adopted codes and standards. Many states in the U.S. follow the International Building Code (IBC), or the International Residential Code (IRC). Vulcan Vents is extremely proud of the ICC listings that our products carry because many states and countries look to the ICC Listings to meet their building code requirements.
Canada
Vulcan Vents are now CSA Certified and compliant in Canada!
CSA A93-19 Certified!
With our patented, advanced wildfire defense technology, our products are now rated and listed by ICC.
Vulcan Vents have achieved a 1 hour fire rating and equivalency to the following standard:
ULC Standard: Fire Endurance Test of Building Construction and Materials, CAN / ULC-S101-14 [ICC-ESL 1445]
Check with your local municipality for updated Standatas and the latest variances, as there are many exciting developments already in the works!
What is the WUI?
W.U.I. stands for Wildland Urban Interface. This is where building developments, i.e., homes, have encroached into undeveloped lands. There are different levels of this classification depending on how rural the land is. This can be important to understand for meeting certain regulations, but wildfire does not follow regulations:
What is ASTM E2886?
This is the Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Ability of Exterior Vents to Resist the Entry of Embers and Direct Flame Impingement.
ASTM International, developed this standard as a fire test response comprised of two individual test methods to evaluate the ability of gable end, crawl space (foundation vents) and other vents that mount on a vertical wall or in the under-eave area (soffit vents) to resist the entry of flames, embers and radiant heat through the vent opening of your home.
To meet various building codes in California and beyond, it is often required that vents are tested to this standard and listed by a recognized listing agency. This listing can be through the internationally recognized ICC, or alternatively through Cal Fire’s BML program.
Vulcan Vents are listed by both of these agencies.