ASTM E2957-15

5.1 The test method described herein monitors the fire characteristics and the ability of eave overhangs and other projections to resist exterior fire penetration from underneath under the specified fire exposure conditions.

5.2 Representative joints and other characteristics of the eave overhang or projection shall be included in the test specimen when these details are representative of the end-use construction.

5.3 The test method does not apply to vents or perforated materials used to enclose or cap eaves, soffits, and other projections.

5.4 The test method is devised for eave overhangs and other projections independent of the materials covering the building envelope.

5.5 The test method does not necessarily represent the expected performance of eave overhang and projections under all actual fire conditions, but it does provide a basis for comparing eave overhang and projections materials when subjected to the test procedure described herein.

5.6 In this procedure, the test specimen is subjected to specific laboratory fire test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it is not known whether it is possible by use of this test to predict changes in the performance characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are strictly valid only for the fire test conditions and construction tested.

5.7 The test method does not provide any basis for determining the fire resistance characteristics of eave overhangs or projections when exposed to a fire originating in the building.

5.8 The test method does not address interior or exterior flame spread.

1.1 This fire-test-response standard prescribes a method for qualitatively assessing the resistance to fire penetration of eave overhangs and other projections, such as the soffits of roof eaves and cantilevered floor projections, when exposed to direct flame impingement from a simulated external wildfire exposure, such as encountered in a “Wildland Urban Interface” scenario. This test method provides data suitable for comparing the relative performance of materials, which are used as the exposed underside surfaces of eave overhangs and other projections.

1.2 This test method measures the ability of eave overhangs and other projections to resist fire penetration from the exterior into the wall cavity or unexposed side of the test specimen under the conditions of exposure.

1.3 This test method is applicable to eave overhangs and other projections such as the soffits of roof eaves and cantilevered floor projections intended for use with either combustible or noncombustible building envelopes.

1.4 Limitations of the test method are listed in Section 5.

1.5 The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as the standard. Values in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.8 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (including those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.