Fire Testing

Fire Testing Fast Facts

Provided by the leader in fenestration and building-material performance testing to ensure proper test type based on material application.
Equipped to substantially reduce the time and cost of getting your products and systems approved.
Provides laboratory and environmental testing to ASTM standards.
Issues recognized third-party mark to certify products and processes of mass-produced products.

Value

Understanding how fenestration products and building materials perform when exposed to fire is critical in designing safe structures. Architectural Testing provides laboratory testing and industry-standard fire and burning tests for a variety of building materials and roof coverings. The resulting data helps determine fire rating and performance characteristics as required by architects, builders, fire inspectors, and manufacturers.

ISO 17025 Accredited Test Methods:

ASTM laboratory testing:

ASTM D635: Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position.
- Small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing the relative linear rate of burning or extent and time of burning, or both, of plastics in the form of bars, molded or cut from sheets, plates, or panels, and tested in the horizontal position.
- Of value in comparing the rate of burning or extent and time of burning characteristics, or both, of different materials, in controlling manufacturing processes, or as a measure of deterioration of change in these burning characteristics prior to or during use.
- This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances.
ASTM D1929: Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
- For comparing the relative ignition characteristics of different materials.
- Commonly referred to as Flash point, Spontaneous ignition, or Ignition temperature.
- Represents the lowest ambient air temperature that will cause ignition of the material under the conditions of this test.
- Test values are expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility under actual use conditions.
ASTM D2843: Standard Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decomposition of Plastics
- For comparing the relative smoke obscuration characteristics of plastics.
- Measures the smoke-producing characteristics of plastics under controlled conditions of combustion or decomposition.
- Measurements are made in terms of the loss of light transmission through a collected volume of smoke produced under controlled, standardized conditions.
ASTM E108: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings
- For testing roof coverings (specimens are tested as part of a system that may include combustible or non-combustible decks, insulation type and thickness, and fastening). This test method involves:
  - Intermittent flame exposure test Spread of flame test (for roof coverings that are restricted for use on non-combustible decks, only the spread of flame test is required.)
  - Burning brand test
  - Flying brand test
  - Rain test
ASTM E84: Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- For evaluating surface burning characteristics of building materials, such as wall coverings, acoustical tile, insulation, and other ceiling materials. This test method involves placing a 25-foot specimen in a tunnel for measuring spread of flame and smoke development.

Architectural Testing has contracts with major research fire facilities for the purposes of offering a broader array of services than currently offered within ATI’s facilities. Our partners allow you to utilize ATI as your one-stop shop and provide you the confidence that the job will be taken care of efficiently, easily, and correctly with little burden on you, the customer.

Some common methods utilized at our contracted facility include:

ASTM E119: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
NFPA 285: Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components
Many more...

Insights and Possibilities

Many variables affect the performance and service life of fenestration products and building materials. That’s why Architectural Testing offers a comprehensive range of laboratory, environmental, and field test programs. With Architectural Testing, you get the convenience of testing solar transmittance, thermal, durability, impact, and other performance parameters administered by one firm with facilities located on both coasts and in the Midwest.

Thanks to consistent Architectural Testing procedures, all data and reports are professionally compiled in standard forms, including:

Technical reports for performance evaluation of materials or components.
Statistical analysis of lab data.
Technical reports on problems, obstacles, or risks.

Our customers draw upon our expertise in over 700 test methods performed in accordance with ASTM, AAMA, ANSI, military, and international standards, including ICC. Also, we continue to develop procedures and apply new test methods to meet customer requirements.

Because Architectural Testing is directly involved in writing test standards, we provide accurate, unbiased information to give you a clear understanding of performance-test outcomes and causes of failure. We also offer educational seminars on the general design principles that affect test results.

Learn more about how the Architectural Testing Difference can help you or Contact Us today.