ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of different tests used to evaluate fire performance of thermal barriers. Nevertheless, to assist in evaluation of the efficiency of fire retardants used during formulation of Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), some tests, for example ASTM E-84, are also performed on the SPF layer alone. To assist in this evaluation, temperatures of unexposed surfaces of floors, roofs, walls, and other partitions are measured. Fire safety is the main consideration for roof protective coverings. The SPF and the coating are tested as a composite system under conditions of a fire simulated outside of the roof. To extend the time at which the foam would reach its auto-ignition temperature should a fire originate from other sources, building codes require that SPF and other cellular plastics be protected by thermal barriers. All elastomeric coatings designed for SPF roofs have good adhesion to the polyurethane foam, and medium to high weathering resistance.
