Aug 18 2015
Introduced in January 2015 as the game-changer in decking, the AZEK Deck Vintage Collection has reinvented decking yet again. Along with redefining the beauty and aesthetics of capped PVC decking, AZEK's Vintage Collection has now achieved a Class "A" Flame Spread Index.
The rating is based on results of testing per ASTM E84, which is recognized by the International Building Code (IBC) as a standard method for testing flame spread.
The designation of a Class "A" Flame Spread Index, one of the best ratings possible, means these materials are among the lowest in terms of flame spread. This designation comes at a time when droughts are causing a rash of wildfires nationwide, and concerns are higher than ever about building homes with safer materials. From January to July 2015, there were 29,374 wildfires in the U.S., which burned 3,111,481 acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. This is an increase of 2 million acres over the same period in 2014.
"With unrivaled beauty and high performance, the AZEK Deck Vintage Collection has revolutionized capped PVC decking," said Jason Grommon, President, CPG Building Products. "Now, with a Class "A" Flame Spread Index, Vintage exceeds the requirements for Wildland Urban Interface areas (WUI) in California and for those communities requiring the more stringent Class A flame spread rating), as well as offer peace of mind for homeowners."
In WUI areas, extensive vegetation is mixed with numerous structures and their inhabitants. Researchers at the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have found these areas very vulnerable, since brush fire embers blown by the wind lead to the most fire damage. Their study also found that homes less than 15 feet apart are more likely to burn in clusters, as fires spread through combustible fences and decks connected to houses. All AZEK Deck products had previously been included on the California Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) approved list of building products, and the Vintage Collection will soon be added with its Class "A" Flame Spread index.