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Conquest Firespray - Flamebar Fire Rated Duct Systems

586.576.7600

New NYC Code Bulletin Concurs with Conquest Firespray

May 15, 2018 By admin

New NYC Code Bulletin Concurs with Conquest Firespray on Required Duct Testing and IBC Code Compliance  

Warren, MI – May 16, 2018 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that New York City, in an April 30, 2018 updated Building Bulletin, mandates testing for fire-rated duct to the ISO 6944 (1985) standard. The NYC Bulletin further states that fire-rated HVAC duct assemblies must comply with NYC Construction Codes, which exactly subscribe to the IBC and use the same section numbering system.

Conquest Firespray’s review of the NYC Building Code, which has the force of law, makes clear that under IBC Section 703.2.1, testing of fire-rated HVAC duct assemblies must be A) to either of both sides – inside and outside – of asymmetrical fire-rated duct assemblies, or, B) if a single test is conducted, then the fire-rated duct assemblies must be tested for its weakest “side,” which is invariably the inside of the duct.

As background, today’s fire-rated HVAC duct systems are often constructed of different materials, and the prevailing practice in NYC is to use ceramic insulation on the outside of duct assemblies and unwrapped metal on the inside. When exposed to fire, these different materials will fail at different times; hence NYC’s requirement that at least the duct’s weakest side (the inside) be tested for code compliance.

The cause for concern, and the reason NYC has issued a new Bulletin, is to make certain that the engineering community understands the importance of symmetry in the design of fire-rated duct systems. Ceramic wrapped ducts – widely used today – often do not meet the testing requirements of ISO 6944 because the ducts have not been tested to the “weak” (unwrapped) side. Accordingly, marketers of fire-rated duct assemblies that have only been tested to part of the ISO test standard do not satisfy NYC Construction Code Section 703.2.1. The code plainly states that ducts not tested on the weak side are not code-compliant products, and as such they are subject to costly code enforcement protocols.

“Don’t be fooled,” said John Pattillo, Conquest Firespray Partner. “Manufacturers’ claims about compliance with ISO 6944 standards under one duct test (wrapped on the outside) may not be disclosing the product’s limitations when exposed to for the required second test limitations (unwrapped inside). Making an error when specifying and installing fire-rated duct systems is not only costly, it endangers lives as well.”

Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

# # #

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Conquest Firespray, fire-rated duct systems, Flamebar, IBC code compliance, NYC code

Pacific Growth Investors Completes Strategic Investment in Conquest Firespray

April 13, 2018 By admin

Pacific Growth Investors Completes Strategic Investment in Conquest Firespray, Providing Capital to Fuel Conquest’s Remarkable Growth

PGI Takes a Position in Conquest Firespray as Conquest’s Breakthrough Growth Continues

Warren, MI – April 11, 2018 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that Pacific Growth Investors of Torrance, California has taken a position in Conquest Firespray through a strategic investment that closed this month. The Raleigh, NC-based management consulting and investment banking firm FMI served as a facilitator in the transaction. Terms of the deal remain confidential.

With this investment, PGI recognizes that Conquest Firespray is at an inflection point in its growth, with recent exceptional year-over-year gains in sales, fueled by rapidly increasing acceptance of Flamebar® coated systems. Flamebar continues to deliver an irrefutable value-proposition for commercial developers and contractors seeking IBC code-compliant, fire-rated HVAC systems, at low cost.

“In Conquest Firespray, we saw a company whose products are clearly superior to existing solutions for horizontal, vertical and grease duct applications. Flamebar systems require less space, install more quickly and at less cost, and unlike competitive systems, comply with applicable fire codes in both vertical and horizontal applications,” said Thomas Webster, co-founder and Managing Principal of PGI. “Conquest’s experienced team has done an excellent job positioning Flamebar as the leading code-compliant solution for fire-rated HVAC duct systems. With our experience in a range of markets, we see a strong future for the Company.”

Pacific Growth Investors is focused on entrepreneurially owned, lower-middle-market businesses. The principals of PGI have over fifty years of combined financial and operational experience across a variety of businesses. PGI partners with experienced owners, operators and founders of established businesses who seek flexible, patient capital solutions with an aim towards accelerating growth.

“After years of careful positioning, customer education, and product refinement, we are on the threshold of significant growth,” said James Miller, Conquest Firespray’s President. PGI understands our business and shares our values. We couldn’t be happier with this partnership.”

Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

About FMI

For 65 years, FMI has been the leading management consulting and investment banking firm dedicated exclusively to engineering and construction, infrastructure and the built environment. FMI serves all sectors of the industry as a trusted advisor. More than six decades of context, connections and insights lead to transformational outcomes for clients and the industry. FMI helps you build your foundation for tomorrow and optimize your business for today. Industry. Focus. Powerful Results. For more information, please visit www.fminet.com.

About Pacific Growth Investors

Pacific Growth Investors is a private equity investment firm headquartered in Torrance, California that completes structured growth equity investments as the sponsor of entrepreneurially owned, lower middle market businesses. PGI’s focus is to partner with experienced owners, operators and founders of established businesses who seek flexible, patient capital solutions and a value-added partner that can provide financial, operational and strategic assistance. PGI combines its industry knowledge and insights to guide owners through growth opportunities with an aim towards enhancing shareholder value. Learn more: www.pacificgrowthinvestors.com

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Conquest Firespray, FMI, Pacific Growth Investors

Conquest Firespray Is Supplying Flamebar® to A-List Developments Nationwide

November 14, 2017 By admin

Conquest Firespray Is Supplying Flamebar® Fire-Rated, Code-Compliant HVAC Ducts to A-List Developments Nationwide

Reducing Potential Liabilities for Fire-Rated Ducts, Conquest Firespray Has Supplied Code-Compliant Systems to Genentech, Novartis, and Marriott, Among Many Others

Warren, MI – November 14, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of Flamebar® coated fire-rated architectural and engineered HVAC duct systems, today announced that it has played a key role in preventing potential liability for non-compliance of IBC code for some of the world’s largest companies. These Conquest Firespray customers include Genentech, Novartis, and Marriott, among many others.

For a Genentech (NASDAQ: DNA) renovation in the San Francisco area, Genentech’s initial building design did not allow enough headroom to accommodate horizontal ducts to be installed with a fire-rated enclosure. Conquest Flamebar’s ducts preserved the head room, and helped ensure code-compliance.

For the Novartis (NYSE: NVS) headquarters, a fast-track construction schedule did not allow for interior shaft wall construction to separate hazardous exhaust from the balance of the HVAC risers within a common shaft. Building individual divider shaft walls would have added months to the schedule. Flamebar® eliminated the interior sub-shaft walls and allowed the contractor to install duct in 45-foot sections while the core was being erected.

In the Seaview Hotel in Middletown, Rhode Island, the contractor installed vertical risers but built them as an “un-rated assembly” that was not compliant with the IBC. The code authority having jurisdiction (“AHJ”) notified the contractor that certain exhaust risers needed to be installed within a rated enclosure. With insufficient space to install a rated shaft around the existing ductwork, the contractor called Conquest. The Flamebar® solution allowed risers to be installed within the existing non-rated walls, keeping the job on schedule.

Conquest recently supplied the custom Flamebar® two-hour-rated duct and fan enclosure systems used in the new 54-story Comcast Center (NASDAQ: CMCSA) in Philadelphia, PA. The Flamebar® systems used in the Comcast Center included two-hour-rated horizontal systems, vertical-shaft systems, and custom-engineered fan enclosures.

Conquest’s Flamebar® is now listed in the “master spec” for Marriott group projects (NASDAQ: MAR) requiring code compliant fire rated HVAC systems. Flamebar® has been used in 16 Marriott group hotels to date, with 37 more in design and development.

Flamebar® ducts and fan enclosures are manufactured to enhanced construction standards either in Conquest’s Michigan or Florida manufacturing plant, both UL and Intertek audited facilities. Ducts and fan enclosures are coated with Flamebar® BW11, a proprietary coating that allows systems to meet and exceed two-hour and four-hour test standards.

“Our Flamebar® ducts are increasingly specified in high-profile buildings, because Flamebar® provides assurance of IBC Compliance to specifiers, engineers, and architects of IBC, which can reduce their liability,” said John Pattillo, Conquest Principal. “The fact that Flamebar® systems are typically lower cost and also offer ease-of-installation and a lower profile are added reasons for our success.”

Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

# # #

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Conquest Firespray, Flamebar, HVAC fire-rated assemblies

Conquest Firespray Supplied Flamebar®to the New Comcast Center

September 27, 2017 By admin

Conquest Firespray Supplied Flamebar® Fire-Rated, Code-Compliant HVAC Ducts and Fan Enclosures to the New Comcast Center in Philadelphia 

Conquest Firespray Manufactured and Supplied Flamebar® Assemblies Offering Type A “Fire Outside” and Type B “Fire Inside” Protection. Assemblies Using Duct-Wrap Did Not Satisfy Code Requirements and Were Not Considered for Use.

Warren, MI – September 27, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of Flamebar® coated fire-rated architectural and engineered HVAC duct systems, today announced that it supplied the custom, two-hour-rated duct and fan enclosure systems used in the new 54-story Comcast Center in Philadelphia, PA.

The Flamebar® systems used in the Comcast Center included 1) two-hour-rated horizontal systems, 2) vertical-shaft systems, and 3) custom-engineered fan enclosures. The project required more than 2,400 assemblies, totaling nearly 100,000 square feet. The Flamebar® vertical shaft applications require less lateral space, allowing the owner to capture more useable space in the tower.

During the bidding phase for the Comcast Center, the mechanical engineer, BALA Engineering, developed a rigorous specification that required both “Type A” and “Type B” testing results, as required by the IBC code.  In order to ensure full code compliance, each bidder was required to provide proof of Type A “fire outside” and Type B “fire inside” testing compliance. Conquest’s Flamebar® system is tested for fire inside and fire outside in both vertical and horizontal configurations. Conquest Firespray won the Comcast Center business by demonstrating superior performance. (Fire-rated insulation systems do not provide the needed protection for “fire inside” conditions and were not considered for use.)

The Comcast Center owner / developer is Liberty Property Trust. The architects are Foster + Partners, New York and Kendall Heaton. The mechanical engineer is BALA Engineering. The construction manager is LF Driscoll, and the mechanical and sheet metal provider is Air Distribution Systems.

All Flamebar® ducts and fan enclosures were manufactured to enhanced construction standards in Conquest’s Michigan manufacturing plant, a UL and Intertek audited facility. Ducts and fan enclosures are coated with Flamebar® BW11, a proprietary coating that allows systems to meet and exceed two-hour and four-hour test standards. Conquest successfully completed the project in March, 2017.

“The specifying engineers on the Comcast Center project were committed to fully tested and code-compliant systems, in their fire-rated ducts and fan enclosures,” said John Pattillo, Conquest Principal. “That compliance plus space savings and ease-of-installation are why they chose our Flamebar® systems.”

Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

# # #

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Comcast Center, Conquest Firespray, Flamebar, HVAC fire-rated assemblies

New Jersey Division of Codes and Standards Concurs with Conquest Firespray

July 17, 2017 By admin

State of New Jersey Division of Codes and Standards Concurs with Conquest Firespray’s Position Concerning Horizontal Duct Applications

Warren, MI – July 17, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code has recently made a strong statement concerning the subcode that addresses fire-resistance ratings of assemblies that are not symmetrical, under Section 703.2.1.

This new development, published in the Summer 2017 Construction Code Communicator, Vol. 29 #2, cites N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.7, concerning “municipal approvals of alternative materials, equipment, or methods of construction, which applies to municipal approvals of alternative materials, equipment, or methods of construction.”

For fire-rated ductwork assemblies, the Construction Code Communicator states: “In the case of fire rated ductwork, fire test standards ISO 6944, ISO 6944-01, or ASTM E2816 where the fire rated ducts for ventilation are tested to fire exposures may be considered equivalent to the standard-time temperature curve, as set forth for ‘built-in’ assemblies in ASTM E119. Under all three of these ventilation duct fire resistance test standards, there are four conditions that are necessary for fully testing the assemblies:

  • Fire inside vertical
  • Fire inside horizontal
  • Fire outside vertical
  • Fire outside horizontal”

The State of New Jersey is now in agreement with Conquest Firespray, which recently made the provocative declaration that the industry-standard horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). That conclusion was reached, and confirmed, in the market during discussions with numerous state and local code officials, contractors and engineers over a twelve-month period. This work has revealed broad non-compliance. The recent statement by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code is consistent with Conquest’s findings.

“The State of New Jersey action follows a recent Florida Declaratory Statement and from the City of Houston, now a matter of law, that recognizes the need for testing of all types of ducts, vertical and horizontal,” said John Pattillo, a Conquest Principal and Head of Engineering. “All types of ducts must be tested, vertical and horizontal. This is a matter not just of liability but of life safety, and we’re pleased that the State of New Jersey has recognized this pressing issue.”

In response to this situation, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced an education program to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance. The program qualifies for continuing education credits and offers modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

Direct links to these essential code education modules:

  • Architects: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/architect/
  • Engineers: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/engineer/
  • Building Code Officials: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/codeofficial/
  • Fire Marshals: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/firemarshal/
  • Mechanical Contractors: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/mechanicalcontractor/
Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Conquest Firespray, fire-rated duct systems, HVAC fire-rated assemblies, new jersey division of codes

Codes Can Save Lives… But Are They Being Enforced?

June 28, 2017 By admin

With IBC Code Enforcement Lacking, and Inspectors Uninformed, Life and Fire Safety Issues Rise in Prominence

Codes Can Save Lives…..But Are They Being Enforced?

Many Industry-Standard Horizontal HVAC Fire-Rated Assemblies Are Not in Compliance with the International Building Code (IBC). Current Installation Practices Can Mask – and Even Accelerate – Hazards.

Warren, MI – June 28, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that its code experts have detected broad non-enforcement of the International Building Code (IBC), in part from a misinterpretation of the existing codes and/or lack of awareness of code requirements. That conclusion was reached, and reconfirmed, in the market during discussions with numerous state and local code officials, contractors, and engineers over a year-long period.

Conquest Firespray recently made the dramatic statement that most industry-standard horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). States such as Florida (and others soon to concur with Florida’s findings) are now in agreement with Conquest Firespray’s findings.

“The IBC and other applicable codes are not theories; indeed, they are prescriptive practices required for new construction based on lessons learned from past building failures,” said John Pattillo, a Conquest principal and head of engineering. “The codes are only as effective as code officials understanding and enforcing code provisions.”

“Perhaps even more dangerous than the non-compliance is that current practices of insulating non-compliant duct systems not only mask the problem, but accelerate system failure,” John Pattillo added. “This imperils the lives of occupants and first responders, and it really needs to be addressed through immediate enforcement of the codes.”

In response to this situation, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced an education program to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance. The program qualifies for continuing education credits and offers modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

Direct links to these essential code education modules:

  • Architects: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/architect/
  • Engineers: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/engineer/
  • Building Code Officials: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/codeofficial/
  • Fire Marshals: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/firemarshal/
  • Mechanical Contractors: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/mechanicalcontractor/
Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: code enforcement, Conquest Firespray, HVAC fire-rated assemblies, IBC Compliance, International Building Code

Head of Engineering Cites “Lack of Code Awareness” as Cause for Errors

May 30, 2017 By admin

Citing IBC Non-Compliance in Most Horizontal Assemblies, Conquest Firespray Head of Engineering Cites “Lack of Code Awareness” as Cause for Errors in Major US Projects

“No One Knew!” Declares Conquest Firespray Principal and Head of Engineering John Pattillo. “It Was Hard For Me To Believe, But Ceramic Fiber Duct-Wrap and Drywall Assemblies Used In Most Horizontal Applications Are Not IBC Compliant.”

Warren, MI – May 31, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that John Pattillo, a Conquest Principal and Head of Engineering, acknowledged that he, like most construction professionals throughout the U.S., had responsibility for projects that – through lack of code awareness – mistakenly installed non-compliant duct assemblies in the field for years.

Mr. Pattillo hopes to prevent the continued use of hazardous duct assemblies by acknowledging how easy it is to make the error. Mr. Pattillo is now committed to educating engineers, architects, code officials, fire marshals, and mechanical contractors on the non-compliance issue.

Conquest Firespray recently made the remarkable statement that industry-standard, horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). That conclusion was reached, and confirmed, in the market during discussions with numerous state and local code officials, contractors and engineers over a twelve-month period.

“Repeating dangerous errors that were made for years through lack of awareness of the code, many professionals are still designing and installing non-code-compliant duct configurations and enclosures,” said Mr. Pattillo, a former general contracting senior executive. “To my surprise and embarrassment, I learned that fire-rated assemblies react much differently in horizontal and vertical conditions. Vertical systems cannot simply be turned on their side for horizontal assemblies, and assemblies must be tested for fire inside and fire outside conditions. The reality is that people are choosing systems without understanding code requirements. The reason is simple: The industry is focused on the mechanical code and ignoring important provisions of the International Building Code.”

“Today’s ceramic fiber duct-wrap and drywall assemblies in horizontal applications represent a threat to life safety, and the problem needs to be addressed by insisting on evidence that assemblies are tested, and by confirming proper construction of these assemblies. Clearly, the industry needs to be educated in the proper design and construction of fire-rated HVAC assemblies. Conquest Firespray offers this necessary training at no cost,” Pattillo added.

In response to this awareness gap, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced comprehensive online training programs for fire-rated HVAC assemblies to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance. Conquest offers educational modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

Direct links to these essential code education modules:

  • Architects: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/architect/
  • Engineers: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/engineer/
  • Building Code Officials: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/codeofficial/
  • Fire Marshals: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/firemarshal/
  • Mechanical Contractors: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/mechanicalcontractor/
Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: ceramic fiber duct-wrap, Conquest Firespray, fire-rated duct systems, IBC Compliance, International Building Code

State of Florida Agrees with Conquest Firespray’s Position in “Declaratory Statement”

May 9, 2017 By admin

State of Florida Agrees with Conquest Firespray’s Position in “Declaratory Statement” Concerning Horizontal Duct Applications Not Compliant with IBC

The Department of Business & Professional Regulation Issued a “Declaratory Statement” Requiring Testing of Vertical & Horizontal Duct Configurations for “Fire Inside” & “Fire Outside” Conditions

Warren, MI – May 9, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that the State of Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation has issued an official “Declaratory Statement” concerning building code Chapter 7 (“Fire and Smoke buy injectable steroids online with credit card Protection Features”) sections 707.3.1, 713.4, 713.14, and 909.21.3. The Department affirmed that fire-rated HVAC duct systems must be tested for vertical and horizontal configurations for “fire inside” and “fire outside” conditions.

The “Declaratory Statement” comes after Conquest Firespray presented the matter of horizontal non-compliance in Broward County, Dade County, and others. These jurisdictions recognized the importance of compliance and trained their code officials in the proper enforcement of fire-rated duct systems. This Declaratory Statement is a matter of public record (link) and is now a matter of law in the State of Florida.

Conquest Firespray recently made the remarkable statement that, within Florida and elsewhere, industry-standard, horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). That conclusion was reached, and confirmed, in the market during discussions with numerous state and local code officials, contractors and engineers over a twelve-month period. This work has revealed broad non-compliance.

“There’s an enormous number of horizontal duct systems in place today that lack the proper testing and are therefore non-compliant with IBC. This creates not only a life safety hazard, but a potential liability to project architects, engineers, and contactors,” said John Pattillo, a Conquest Principal and Head of Engineering. “This Florida Declaratory Statement, now a matter of law, recognizes the need for testing of all types of ducts, vertical and horizontal.”

In response to this situation, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced a no-cost / no-obligation online education program to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance, with education modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

Direct links to the no-cost / no obligation code education modules:

  • Architects: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/architect/
  • Engineers: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/engineer/
  • Building Code Officials: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/codeofficial/
  • Fire Marshals: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/firemarshal/
  • Mechanical Contractors: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/mechanicalcontractor/
Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.Conquest-Firespray.com

# # #

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Conquest Firespray, fire ratings, IBC, International Building Code, vertical and horizontal duct configurations

Conquest Firespray Cites Broad Non-Compliance with IBC

April 11, 2017 By admin

Conquest Firespray Cites Broad Non-Compliance with International Building Code for Fire-Rated HVAC Assemblies

Ceramic Fiber Duct-Wrap and Drywall Assemblies Used In Most Horizontal Applications Are Not Compliant With International Building Code

Warren, MI – April 11, 2017 – Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced the results of a recent 10-month, multi-state market analysis which indicated that industry standard horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC).

This non-compliance involves projects that use ceramic fiber duct-wrap or drywall assemblies in horizontal applications. Fire-rated HVAC assemblies, as a fire-rated life safety system, are designed to protect occupants and first responders in the event of a fire by containing and exhausting flames and hot gases. Non-compliance with symmetry and continuity requirements of assemblies in IBC chapter 7 and 9 eliminate important fire protections that the IBC codes intend.

“Ceramic fiber duct wrap and drywall boxes, as used in horizontal ventilation applications, do not meet IBC code.”

In response to this situation, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced a no-cost / no-obligation online education program to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance, with education modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

“Every code jurisdiction that has met with us and reviewed our code analysis has agreed with our conclusions regarding the misuse of tested assemblies. Lack of awareness and enforcement of the IBC code are the issue,” said John Pattillo, a Conquest Principal and head of engineering. “Ceramic fiber duct wrap and drywall boxes, as used in horizontal ventilation applications, do not meet IBC code. At the request of blue-chip engineering firms, code authorities, and state oversight boards, our engineers are conducting code-specific educational training on how best to enforce IBC codes and test standards. State fire marshals, out of personal concern for first responders, are especially passionate about training to assure full compliance.”

Direct links to the no-cost / no obligation code education modules:

  • Architects: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/architect/
  • Engineers: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/engineer/
  • Building Code Officials: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/codeofficial/
  • Fire Marshals: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/firemarshal/
  • Mechanical Contractors: https://www.conquest-firespray.com/mechanicalcontractor/
Download this Press Release

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; . More info: www.Conquest-Firespray.com

# # #

Media Contact:
John D. Wagner
919.796.9984

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Conquest Fire Spray, drywall assemblies, fire-rate duct systems, IBC, International Building Code

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