 Image displays effected systems of a home.
New fire hardening code may impact your upcoming projects in Louisville
You are receiving this email because you are a permitted contractor operating in the City of the Louisville. Spring is here, and we know that work on new construction and existing structures such as decks, fencing, and roofs is ramping up. As a reminder, these projects require a building permit, and Louisville's fire hardening code has new requirements that must be met.
What does the fire hardening code apply to?
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New construction (residential or commercial)
- For existing buildings, the replacement of effected systems (e.g. if roof, deck, fencing or siding is replaced)
What does the fire hardening code require?
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Fencing. Fencing within 5 feet of the home or commercial building must be Class A per ASTM E84 standard, meaning it has a Flame Spread Index of 25 or less, or use an ignition resistant material such as metal, masonry, or stone.
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Decks. Deck surfaces and railings must be Class A per ASTM E84 standard meaning it has a Flame Spread Index of 25 or less. Metal railings are acceptable. Areas below decks 6 feet or lower to the ground must also be covered with gravel placed over 6 mil plastic, or concrete slab to prevent growth of vegetation.
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Roof coverings. Roof coverings or shingles must be Class A per ASTM E108 or UL 790 standard.
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Roof, attic, and foundation vents. Vents must be covered with metal mesh with1/8-inch or smaller openings.
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Gutters. Gutters must be metal (vinyl not allowed) and the must include gutter guards to prevent to accumulation of debris.
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Siding and eave materials. Siding and eave material must be either cementitious siding (e.g. James Hardie Siding, Nichiha fiber cement), stone, or stucco, or any composite material Class A per ASTM E84 standard, meaning it has a Flame Spread Index of 25 or less.
Remember, a building permit is required to replace decks, fencing, roof, or siding and eave materials. If you are replacing vents and gutters with a roof replacement, those elements must be brought up to code as well.
For questions about the fire hardening building code, please contact us via email at Building@LouisvilleCO.gov or call (303) 335-4584.
The City's Municode website will be updated with these requirements in the near future. In the meantime, you can read the full code requirements, including exemptions, on our website.
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