Code Compliance
Fire Performance Data & Building Code Compliance
Plycem panels are classified as non-combustible per ASTM E136 testing criteria. The product has been tested and approved for use in UL fire-rated floor/ceiling assemblies. Complete IBC 2021 and California Building Code compliance documentation.
ASTM E-84 Surface Burning Characteristics
Plycem panels achieve a Class A (Class I) rating per ASTM E-84, the highest classification for interior finish materials. This qualifies the product for unrestricted use in all building types under IBC Section 803.
Flame Spread Index
0
Perfect score (UL R15140)
Smoke Development Index
0
Perfect score (UL R15140)
ASTM E-136 Non-Combustibility
Plycem panels are classified as non-combustible per ASTM E-136 testing criteria. This is the definitive test for determining whether a material qualifies as non-combustible under IBC Section 602 for Type I and Type II construction.
Non-combustible classification enables use in Type I (Fire Resistive) and Type II (Non-Combustible) construction without restrictions.
UL Fire-Rated Assemblies
Plycem panels are UL Classified under file number R15140 and approved for use in the following fire-rated floor/ceiling assemblies. Fire ratings are assembly-specific, not product-specific.
| UL Design | Fire Rating | Assembly Type | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| H502 | 1 Hour | Wood joist floor | Multifamily wood-frame construction |
| H504 | 2 Hour | Wood joist floor | Type V over Type I podium structures |
| H511 | 2 Hour | Steel joist floor | Commercial steel-frame buildings |
| U449 | 1 Hour | Wood joist floor | Light commercial / residential |
| U487 | 1 Hour | Steel joist floor | Commercial / industrial |
Important: Fire ratings are assembly-specific, not product-specific. The use of Plycem panels must follow the exact construction details specified in the UL Design documentation, including joist spacing, fastener schedule, ceiling membrane, and any required insulation or fire-stopping. Consult UL Online Certifications Directory or contact technical support for complete assembly details.
Consult UL Online Certifications DirectoryInternational Building Code (IBC) Compliance Matrix
Plycem High Performance Subfloor panels comply with the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) for use as non-combustible floor sheathing in Types I, II, III, and IV construction. USG Structo-Crete only references IBC 2012, 2015, and 2018 — Plycem documentation includes the current IBC 2024 edition.
| Code Section | IBC 2018 | IBC 2021 | IBC 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 602 (Construction Classification) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Section 711 (Floor and Roof Construction) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Section 803 (Wall and Ceiling Finishes) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Table 601 (Fire-Resistance Ratings) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Section 718 (Fire-Blocking) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Section 2304.10 (Wood Floor Sheathing) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ASTM E136 Non-Combustible Requirement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
IBC 2024 Compliance Advantage: USG Structo-Crete documentation only references IBC 2012, 2015, and 2018. Plycem provides explicit IBC 2024 compliance documentation for projects adopting the newest code edition.
Key Code Sections Addressed
Construction Classification
Qualifies as non-combustible construction material per ASTM E136. Required for Type I and Type II construction.
Floor and Roof Construction
Meets requirements for fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assemblies with 1-hour and 2-hour ratings.
Wall and Ceiling Finishes
ASTM E-84 Class A (I) rating with flame spread index 0 and smoke development index 0.
Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements
Suitable for 1-hour and 2-hour rated floor assemblies per UL designs H502, H504, H511, U449, U487.
Fire-Blocking and Draftstopping
Panel joints and penetrations can be fire-blocked per code requirements when installed per UL design.
California Building Code (CBC)
For California projects, Plycem panels meet the enhanced requirements of the California Building Code, including:
- CBC Chapter 7A: Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure (applicable when used in roof assemblies).
- CBC Section 420: Light-Frame Construction — compliance with Type III and V construction requirements.
- OSHPD Acceptance: California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development acceptance for healthcare facilities (when specified in approved assemblies).
CSI Specification Language
Ready-to-copy specification language for architectural documentation. CSI MasterFormat Section: 06 16 00 - Sheathing.
"Fiber cement subfloor panels shall be Plycem High Performance Subfloor as manufactured by The Plycem Company or approved equal. Panels shall be non-combustible per ASTM E136, classified per UL R15140 for use in designated fire-rated assemblies, and shall meet ASTM C1186-08 Type A, Grade I requirements. Panels shall achieve ASTM E-84 Class A rating with flame spread index of 25 or less and smoke development index of 40 or less. Thickness, dimensions, and edge profile as indicated on drawings. Install per manufacturer’s written instructions."
3-Part Spec Template Available: for complete Section 06 16 00 specification in CSI format including products, execution, and quality assurance requirements.
Testing and Quality Assurance Programs
UL Follow-Up Service
Plycem manufacturing facilities are subject to quarterly unannounced inspections by UL representatives to verify continued compliance with UL R15140 classification requirements.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management
Manufacturing processes audited annually by third-party certification bodies to ensure consistent product quality and traceability.
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management
Environmental impact monitoring including raw material sourcing, energy consumption, and waste management practices.
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Safety
Worker safety protocols and continuous improvement systems certified by international standards body.