FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES

A major goal of preservation technology is to preserve the beauty and the historical elements of the architecture of the past. A goal of present day building codes is to insure the safety of the building occupants and to protect the structure from destruction by fire, earthquake, structural collapse, or other disasters. Both goals reflect positive social policies. Unfortunately under current building regulatory systems these goals are not always compatible. The Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies can be a useful tool in preserving a building's historic value without sacrificing life safety and property protection in the event of fire.