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June 4, 2009
Ipe deck not up to code??
Last question for the day - my expediter/engineer told me that ipe wood decks are not actually up to fire code in NYC, and that a sharp inspector may fail you if the deck does not have a perimeter of 3 feet of concrete or other flame-retardent material. I know several people here have made use of ipe for decks, but the fear of re-doing and failing a C of O insepction is giving me second thoughts.
Comments
Likely. The 3' on both sides in my case is steel grate. But I used PT, not Ipe.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 4, 2009 2:58 PM
Ipe is a "class a" fire rated material. However I have also heard that as of recent the building department does not consider it a non combustible material in a deck application. I think it may be a gray area, because I know of projects where it has been used without problem. It may be that it was overlooked. Technically if there were an "MEA #" for the product you would be clear, this appears to be that proof:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/409-03-m.pdf
but you would have to buy that product and the mea document claims that it needs to have a testing agency compliance report......
maybe call the manufacturer, diamond hardwoods?
Posted by: jp2 at June 4, 2009 3:13 PM
The code requires non-combustible material within three feet of a property line. Non-combustible isn't the same thing as flame-retardant; ipe is combustible and not applicable in that use.
Posted by: Smokychimp at June 4, 2009 3:16 PM
3-5 years ago, IPE was a clearly approved material rated class a for fire.
Agree with jp2 the expeditor that this has evolved/downgraded/entered grey zone.
safe bet is to add 3' steel grate at perimeter.
Posted by: No one at June 4, 2009 4:00 PM
It's not a grey issue. Yes, Ipe is rated class A for fire, but it's still combustible. Fire rating classes indicate resistance to flame spread and smoke generation, not combustibility, and furthermore fire class rating does not pertain to the section of code governing the issue, c26-313. Non-combustible means that a material does not burn. The choices available in this case would be concrete, or steel.
Posted by: Smokychimp at June 4, 2009 4:39 PM
Don't run foul of the DOB, I think they're under pressure to hand out as many fines as possible.
Posted by: bohuma at June 4, 2009 4:41 PM
There is an MEA Number. It's 220-01-E TIMBER HOLDINGS, LTD. Timber Holdings is the manufacturer of Iron Woods Brand Ipe and other woods. So technically only their Ipe is approved. I have heard rumors either online or by my expeditor (I can't remember) that the DOB reversed their decision on this but I can't find any documentation of such a decision. We had Ipe installed on a recent project involving a roof terrace and didn't have any objections about it from the DOB so I don't think they care about it too much.
Posted by: wilso26941 at June 9, 2009 9:31 AM
In our MEA book it is filed under "Lumber & Plywood: Fire-retardant Treated" so I interpret that to mean it is approved for use anywhere fire treated wood is allowed. If you are using it as a deck just limit it to 20% of the roof area and you'll be safe.
Posted by: wilso26941 at June 9, 2009 9:37 AM
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