TOPIC: Basement Wall Insulation Fire Ratings

Let's try the pics again--I finally got around to shrinking them

Hi Bob,

Where are you located?  That might help with ID'ing things/issues you happen to find...

Most guys in MN use just the clear poly as the vapor barrier.  I'd say that any plastic is going to melt or burn at some temperature (see Jay's post "Real Solar Power"!).  Only thing would be to sheetrock to provide a firebreak.  Looks like they really stuffed in the insulation; have a hard time imagining how they'll sheetrock behind the plumbing in the picture!

Casey-

Thanks for taking a look - Someday I'll get around to updating my info for everbody.  I'm in Denver, and this stuff common in the newer basements--My background is in materials, and my best guess is that this is a titanium dioxide-loaded PVC film--it's fairly soft so there also must be some plasticizers in it, which made me think it might not be so flame-resistant.  I guess when I thought about it, I wonder why the kraft paper vapor barrier guys always print all over their vapor barrier to warn you it will burn, while it seems these guys, as well as your clear poly folks, don't tell you anything at all about their stuff.  That's what prompted the question about whether or not there may be a vapor barrier flammability requirement somewhere that might be being overlooked by most builders--certainly wouldn't be the first time.  As far as finishing the basement, I'll bet they will closet around the plumbing--and typically make the access so small they won't be able to service anything inside--Oh well...

Bob - that same stuff is used around here.  Even in my house!  It is left uncovered in an unfinished basement, but the plastic and fiberglass are integrated, not a separate add on.  It can burn, but more dangerous are the toxic fumes created by flames.  Here is a discussion you can refer to:

www.naima.org/pages/resources/faq/faq_fiber.html

Thanks Jay,

I never thought of trying NAIMA.  They mention a "flame-resistant" facing for basemwnt walls in the link you sent me, but I might just contact them to see what else they may know.  Thanks for the info--I think it will help and will post a response for everybody if I learn something.

DrBob