Flammability Of Attic Insulation

Which is impressive in comparison to traditional insulation which are more prone to fires and contribute to the fire spread.

Flammability of attic insulation.

This therefore acts as a great substance to reducing the rate of flames spreading. The main issue that arises is that many people will apply vapor retardant to the surface and the vapor retardants that are commonly used are flammable. Insulation flammability isn t an issue with all recessed lighting fixtures though. The small insulation particles are predominantly made using recycled paper with a fire retardant.

But it is combusible which means capable of being ignited. While mineral based insulation materials are non combustible or low in combustibility the paper or foil backing surrounding the insulating material may be flammable. Also referred to as loose fill cellulose insulation the small cellulose particles are flammable and can ignite if they re directly exposed to an overheated recessed can or electrical spark. Cellulose smolders slowly when it starts to burn and if installed too close to an ignition source like a gas flue or recessed light fixture will eventually ignite and can spread to start a larger fire in nearby materials that are more flammable.

The most flammable insulation materials is cellulose. As previously stated it takes 30 minutes for icynene spray foam to become flammable. Fiberglass is an inorganic material and as such is a noncombustible insulation material that is not flammable. If a fixture isn t rated for insulation contact no insulation should come within 3 inches of the fixture and.

Many manufacturers make it clear that their radiant barrier material has a class a fire rating meaning that their radiant barrier insulation meets the fire and smoke safety requirements of building codes. If you ve got spray foam insulation in an attic for example it s probably already separated from the living space by a thermal barrier. Insulation such as icynene spray foam is fire retardant. If a home has spray foam insulation in an attic or crawl space the building code requires using materials or assemblies that offer some fire resistance but not as much as is required for a thermal barrier.