While we have always produced our architectural fiberglass (FRP) in a class one fire rated material, this often required us to demonstrate how to review an architectural FRP application with a code official. The application of the code was often a difficult and time consuming process since FRP was not specifically addressed as a specific material for many of the architectural applications. Decorative cornice applications, for example, were addressed in the code, but the cornice material was under a different section. FRP was identified as a plastic material used for signage and that section did not really apply to the application we were having reviewed. Throughout this process of explanation and interpretation, we felt our efforts were sometimes viewed with suspicion when we asked for a compliance review. This all changed in 2009 after years of effort, the architectural FRP industry proposed and got included our own section of the building code specifically for FRP.
The American Composite Manufacturers Association –Architectural Division http://www.acmanet.org/index.cfm collectively developed, funded and argued for the addition of Section 2612 of the 2009 IBC building code to include architectural fiberglass (FRP) in its own section. This has been a tremendous step forward for our industry, but also for our customers, our architects and ultimately the building owners. This now opens up the market to a new set of possible solutions to building ornamentation. This was so significant to the construction industry that Construction Specifier Magazine did a front page article covering this development http://www.kenilworth.com/publications/cs/de/200908/pageflip.html.
Our efforts now will be to continue to educate the building industry about the code change, encourage all the manufacturers to comply with the new standards and to show the architectural community the benefits of architectural fiberglass FRP, Cornicestone and Woodgrain FRP.
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