Successful Wildland - Urban Interface Testing for California

Abodo's Vulcan Cladding has achieved another breakthrough - passing California's strict fire regulations for Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones.

The effects for global warming have amplified the risk of wild fires around the world. California is one area where wild fire risk is immense - with a dry climate and vast areas of flammable flora.

Construction in California has it's own set of requirements, designed to mitigate this risk. When used in the WUI combustible siding or cladding materials need to be tested to meet the state mandated tests.

Combustible siding must meet the requirements of the State Fire Marshall (SFM) - each product approval and listing is based upon an evaluation of test results that include an analysis of required product performance and reliability features.

All manufacturers that want to list sidings in California must have those products tested to SFM 12 -7A - 1

Abodo's own Vulcan Cladding was recently tested at Intertek to SFM 12 -7A - 1.

In this test, designed to mimic a wildfire, full size 4' x 8' panels are prepared and exposed to a flame of 150 Kw for ten minutes, Thereafter the panels are left for 60 mins to observe further flaming. This process is repeated three times, in order accumulate an accurate result.

A pass is achieved if:

1. There is an absence of flame penetration through the wall assembly

2. There is an absence of glowing combustion on the interior of the assembly after 70 minutes.

A test for siding in both a horizontal and vertical orientation is required to be sure of performance.

Abodo's Vulcan passed for both orientations, and will soon be listed with The Office of the State Fire Marshal in California.