UL SUBJECT 2582

Abstract

This Outline of Investigation covers requirements intended to evaluate the fire and wind-driven rain performance of roof hip or ridge vents. These requirements are intended to evaluate a hip or ridge vent's resistance to: <br>a) Flame spread due to exposure to fire sources external to a building; <br>b) Flame penetration resulting in flaming droplets; and <br>c) Resistance to water infiltration to the interior attic space. <br>Class A hip or ridge vents are considered effective against severe fire test exposures. Under such exposures, shingles of this class, afford a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not sip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands. <br>Class B hip or ridge vents are considered effective against moderate fire test exposures. Under such exposures, shingles of this class, afford a moderate degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands. <br>Class C hip or ridge vents are considered effective against light fire test exposures. Under such exposures, shingles of this class, afford a light degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands. <br>Fire tests conducted in accordance with these requirements are intended to demonstrate the performance of hip or ridge vents during the types and periods of exposure involved, but are not intended to determine the acceptability of hip or ridge vents for use after exposure to fire. These fire test methods do not provide a basis to compare expected performance under all actual fire conditions but they do provide a basis for comparison of the response of hip or ridge vents when subjected to fire sources that are described herein. <br>Hip or Ridge vents complying with the requirements for wind-driven rain are not expected to withstand the wind forces of tornadoes, cyclones, or hurricanes. <br>Hip or Ridge vents are required to comply also with the requirements for construction, material specifications, and performance as applicable to specific types, designs, sizes, and arrangements. All such applicable additional requirements are not considered to be within the scope of these requirements for fire and wind-driven rain tests, but are included in the applicable standards covering the material in question.