In the past few years, Arkansas has gotten stricter with its fireproofing requirements for commercial spaces in particular. This not only beneficial for the safety of building occupants, but it also reduces liability for building owners as well. 

However, with regulations evolving, it can be tricky to know exactly what your building needs. As experienced fireproofing contractors, it’s our job to stay on top of building codes, rules, and regulations, and we’re breaking it all down for you.

Arkansas Fireproofing Requirements 

In Arkansas, commercial buildings are required to have fireproofing measures. While fireproofing foam is not always required, many other fireproofing measures are. In January 2023, Arkansas started enforcing a new Fire Prevention Code, which means that all commercial new construction and major renovations must comply with two specific codes: 

1. 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) — a comprehensive code that regulates fire prevention, protection systems, emergency planning, and hazardous materials in buildings. 
2. 2021 International Building Code (IBC) — a code for the design and construction of new buildings. For commercial fireproofing, the most pertinent aspects of this code include structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and egress systems.   

With these codes now being enforced, all commercial construction in Arkansas must comply with new fire-resistance standards. These standards are enforced during permitting and inspections. 

Codes for New Buildings 

There are multiple standards under the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and UL (Underwriters Laboratory)  that are cited in these new codes. These are both organizations that dictate standards for materials So what does this new code entail for fire safety? 

Fire Resistance Ratings 

New construction must meet 1- to 3-hour fire resistance ratings for walls and floors. Structural steel must also be fireproofed with spray-applied fireproofing or intumescent paint. In addition, fire walls and barriers must be constructed with materials tested by Underwriters Laboratories to ensure it maintains its rating in cases of fire. 

Foam Plastic Insulation

Spray insulation must meet specific standards for performance under fire: 

• ASTM E84 or UL 723 test:
  • Flame spread index ≤ 75
  • Smoke-developed index ≤ 450
• Thermal barrier required:
  • Foam must be separated from interior spaces with:
    • ½″ gypsum board, or
    • A tested alternative thermal barrier system
• Exceptions allowed only if the foam is:
  • Installed in a UL/FM-approved assembly
  • Protected by specific coatings or encapsulants (also tested)
  • Applied in concealed spaces and meets certain area limitations

Protection of Openings and Exits

To suppress fire, it’s important to reduce its ability to spread, which means openings must be protected. In addition, it’s important that exits remain accessible. 

These areas must be enclosed with fire-resistance-rated assemblies, including self-closing, fire-rated doors, and approved firestop systems. 

Fire Detection and Suppression 

In addition to fireproofing, detection and suppressing systems like automatic sprinklers, fire alarms, and standpipe systems must also be used. The size of your building will dictate these specific requirements. 

When Existing Buildings Are Affected 

Existing buildings are only subject to the new fire codes in specific circumstances. If a building is going to undergo substantial work like a renovation, addition, or repair that impacts safety systems, the fireproofing must be updated to current code. 

If the building is changing in occupancy or use — like from a warehouse to a multi-use retail space, the update in classification may require updates to the current code. 

Finally, if a building is no longer in safe condition and is considered a fire hazard, retroactive upgrades may be required.

Where Fireproofing is Required in Commercial Properties

Fireproofing is required in these areas of your commercial building: 

Structural elements like beams, columns, joints, and trusses. These must be protected to ensure structural integrity in case of a fire. 

Exit stairwells and elevator shafts, including walls, doors, and penetrations (where something passes through a wall, floor, or door) must be enclosed in fire-resistance-rated assemblies to allow occupants to exit safely.  

Corridors and egress pathways also protect occupants when exiting, and must be 1-hour fire-rated. 

Fire walls, barriers, and partitions are responsible for keeping the fire contained, typically between tenant spaces, mixed-use areas, or around hazardous material storage. These areas must be fireproofed with a resistance rating of 1-3 hours. 

Anywhere with foam plastic insulation, such as ceilings, walls, crawlspaces, attics, requires a thermal barrier to provide fire resistance.  

Concealed spaces, basements, and areas with mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment may require non-combustible material, fire stopping materials, or fire separation to ensure fires are contained. 

Anywhere that houses hazardous materials must also have fire separation measures to prevent explosions or accidents due to flammable materials igniting. 

Roofs and exterior walls near property lines or other buildings require fire-resistance-rated sheathing or construction so fire can’t spread from one building to another. 

Types of Fireproofing Foam and Benefits

Fireproofing foam is one type of fireproofing material. It seals gaps and penetrations in constructions and helps prevent the spread of both fire and smoke. This foam is typically spray applied, and is typically a cost-effective choice for fireproofing in commercial buildings. 

Intumescent fireproofing is another material used as fireproofing foam. Intumescent paint is often used to coat structural elements, like steel beams. This paint expands rapidly when exposed to heat and flames, forming a layer that insulates the beams or other structural elements. This prevents it from heating up, burning, and potentially losing structural integrity. 

While it’s not foam, rigid-board fireproofing can be used in areas where spraying is not possible. 

All of these fireproofing materials provide benefits to your building. By delaying fire spread and protecting structural elements, occupants of your building will have a chance to evacuate. 

Through a combination of these fireproofing methods, your building will be safe, protected, and compliant with Arkansas’ standards. 

Get Started with Your Commercial Fireproofing Project in Arkansas

If you have a commercial construction project, work with experts to ensure your fireproofing is up to the highest standards. 

In addition to fireproofing, Oaks Brothers Inc is also a full-service exterior contractor. Whether you just need a fireproofing contractor, or you need something to help with insulation and exteriors as well, our comprehensive service can deliver high-quality results that are fully compliant with all of Arkansas’ building codes. 

To learn more about our process, get in touch today for a free consultation.