N.C.F.R.® HOMASOTE

DESCRIPTION
N.C.F.R.® Homasote is a fire rated structural building board and substrate which offers constant insulation against air, moisture and noise penetration, and is protected against termites, rot and fungi. N.C.F.R.® Homasote has the following fire ratings:

• Fire Hazard Classification: Flame Spread, 25; Fuel Contribution, 0; Smoke Development, 20
• Tested in accordance with: ASTME 84 and UL-723
• Federal Specification SS-S-118A: Class "25"
• UL: Report No. R 5268
• BSA New York City; Calendar No. 540-72-SM
• UL MH 12093 - wall/floor component
• UL Listed 91G7 - WALL SHIELD

N.C.F.R. Homasote is a tackable, structurally strong, weather-resistant panel which is used for interior or exterior application. It qualifies for use in educational, institutional, museum, or any publicly-attended facility. N.C.F.R. Homasote is ideal as a tackable wall and ceiling paneling, as a decorative or functional display wall and tack board or as a tackable substrate for other fire-rated wall coverings. It can be used as a structural component such as wall sheathing or noise-deadening, resilient carpeting underlayment. It is used similarly in residential, mobile and commercial building, and as soffit board, fire rated garage interiors, marina interiors and exteriors and as interior or exterior siding for horse barns and other animal shelters – anywhere flame rating is a factor.

CODE COMPLIANCES
BSA Approval, New York City, Calendar No. 540-72 SM
BOCA Research Report No 73-87
UL Report No. R-5268
Federal Spec. SS-S-118A; Class "25"
ICBO No 1016
SBC – Report 8653
UL Canada File No. CR909

ADVANTAGES
Fire rated N.C.F.R.® Homasote is relatively lightweight, easy to work and handle. It can be cut, shaped and made to follow moderate bends without cracking or splintering. It can be attached to conventional framing with nails or by glue-nailing. The larger size panels will reduce application time and costs.

SIZES (nominal)
Thickness: 1/2"
Width: 4'
Lengths: 4', 8', 10', 12'
Weight lb./sq. ft.: 1.5
Finish: natural or primed white
Width: 8'
Lengths: 12'
Weight lb./sq. ft.: 1.5
Finish: natural only

MATERIAL COMPOSITION
Fire rated N.C.F.R.® Homasote is made with 100% recycled, all wood fiber material completely impregnated with fire retardant chemical ingredients, treated for protection against termites, rot, fungus, and moisture absorption, and compressed into high density, structural exterior building board.

PHYSICAL DATA
Density, lb./ft.³ – 34-40
Tensile parallel to surface, psi (min.) – 400-700
Transverse M.O.R., psi (min.) – 600-950
Hardness, lbs. (Janka Ball) (min.) – 275
Water absorption by vol. (max.)
(2 hrs. immers.) – 5%
(24 hrs. immers.) – 14%
Expansion from 50%-90%
rel. hum. (max.) – 0.30%
Noise Reduction Coefficient – 0.20
R-value – 0.85

ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATION (short form)
All _____ as shown on drawings shall be Class A Fire Rated N.C.F.R.®. Homasote panels, natural or primed white, as manufactured by The Homasote Company, West Trenton, N.J., and installed in accordance with current Homasote instructions.

GENERAL APPLICATION DATA

Job Conditions – Temperature and humidity conditions closely approximating those which will exist when building is occupied shall be maintained before, during and after the application of N.C.F.R.® Homasote Panels. Installations shall not be made when building is excessively cold, hot and/or damp.
Building Site Storage – Protect N.C.F.R.® Homasote, as any valuable building product, from inclement weather by storing on a dry platform under shelter. Keep protected in weather-capped shipping units until ready for use. If no shelter is available, and panels must be stored at ground level, stack on skids 8" above grade and cover with polyethylene film or similar device. Provide for ventilation to prevent condensation. Rain or snow will not normally damage weather-resistant N.C.F.R.® Homasote, but panels must be installed in a dry condition only.

Preparation for Use – Precondition panels 4' x 8' or smaller by separating and allowing them to stand exposed to normal environmental humidity for 24 hours before application. Panels larger than 4' x 8' should be lightly sprinkled with water and stacked overnight, wet side up. N.C.F.R.® Homasote, as any quality wood building material, will expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Gap butt joints and trim joints 3/16" as instructed in application instructions.

To prevent condensation damage within walls, it is good building practice to install a vapor barrier in buildings where the January mean temperature falls below 40°F.

GENERAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Continuity of Fire-Rating – N.C.F.R.® Homasote is a Low Fire Hazard substrate for a variety of exterior or interior finishes. Any component added to or structurally combined with N.C.F.R.® Homasote when used as a siding, paneling, or underlayment should be Fire Hazard Classification rated to maintain continuity. N C.F.R.® Homasote as a substrate, is available with the following decorative finish facings: Burlap, Cork, and Polyester. The total component paneling maintains a Class "A" Fire Hazard Rating, also available prime coated on one side with white acrylic latex paint with Class A rating.

Exteriors – Panels may be applied over wood sheathing or direct to framing by glue-nailing or with nails only. All exposed joints must be gapped 3/16" and sealed with caulking and covered with battens. See Homasote Installation Instructions H-8-252-5 for glue-nailing or nailing procedure and joint details.

Interiors – Apply direct to framing or solid furring by glue-nailing or with nails only. Panels may be applied to old masonry walls by glue-nailing provided old walls are flat and solid. Butt joints must be gapped 3/16" with 3/8" gaps at floor, ceiling and abutting framing. See Homasote Installation Instructions H-8-252-5 for glue-nailing or nailing procedure and joint details.

Finish Panellng, or Siding – Any wood or hardboard finish paneling, or metal or vinyl siding to be applied over N.C.F.R.® Homasote must be installed with nails of sufficient length to penetrate through the Homasote and anchor into framing 1" minimum.

Underlayment on Wood Sub-Flooring – Where used as underlayment, fire rating can only be maintained when fire rated carpet and pad are used.
Sub-floor must be flat (not cupped), dry, level and securely fastened to joists. Shim or sand sub-floor as necessary to provide a flat surface continuity for N.C.F.R.® Homasote panels. Panels may be applied with APA approved decking adhesive and nails, or with nails only. Gap all abutting edges 3/16" and keep edges 3/8" from all walls and partitions to avoid damage from expansion or contraction.

See Homasote form H-8-252-5 for underlayment installation and floor covering application instructions.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR 440 HOMASOTE® AND N.C.F.R.® HOMASOTE

FOR USE AS:

INTERIOR
• CARPET BOARD UNDERLAYMENT
• SOUND-A-SOTE™ WALL PANELS
• FABRIC WRAPPED WALL PANELS

EXTERIOR
• WALL SHEATHING
• BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING
• SOFFITS and CEILINGS

SIZES (nominal)
Thickness: 440 Homasote® – 1/2"
Width: 4'
Length: 4', 8', 10', 12'
Weight: 1.2 lbs./sq. ft.
Flame Spread: Class III (or C)

Thickness: 440 Homasote® – 5/8"
Width: 4'
Length: 4', 8', 10', 12'
Weight: 1.5 lbs./sq. ft.
Flame Spread: Class III (or C)

Thickness: NCFR® Homasote – 1/2"
Width: 4'
Length: 4', 8', 10', 12'
Weight: 1.5 lbs./sq. ft.
Flame Spread: Class I (or A)

Also available in sizes up to 8' x 12' on special order.

PACKAGING, STORAGE AND PROTECTION
All Homasote products having a maximum 4' width come to the job site in weather-resistant, plastic covered units. However, all materials should be stored flat at job site above ground on wooden pallets and covered by waterproof tarpaulins. Packaging material is not intended for exterior job site protection.

INTERIOR APPLICATIONS
General Requirements – Temperature and humidity conditions closely approximating those which will exist when building is occupied shall be maintained before, during and after the application of panels. Installation shall not be made when building is excessively cold, hot and/or damp. All panels shall be removed from plastic covered units and separated not less than 24 hours prior to installation to allow material to acclimate.

APPLICATIONS AS A CARPET UNDERLAYMENT
During installation, all panels must be spaced 3/8" from all walls and partitions to allow for expansion and contraction. On runs over 50', provide 1/2" expansion joint. All panel joints must be staggered regardless of panel size.

Over Wood Sub-floor – Wood sub-floor must be flat (not cupped), dry lumber, level and securely fastened to joists. Shim or sand sub-floor as necessary to provide flat surface continuity for carpet underlayment.

A. INSTALLATION FOR USE WITH CARPET AND PAD (USE 4' x 4' AND 4' x 8' SIZES ONLY)

1. 1/2" thick by 1-1/2" wide wood nailers shall first be nailed and/or glued to wood sub-floor at all locations where tackless strips are to be used.

2. Apply a 3/8" bead of APA approved sub-floor adhesive meeting APA AFG-01 specification to carpet underlayment, holding back 3/4" from panel edge.

3. Turn carpet underlayment over and place adhesive side down to sub-floor.

4. Follow immediately with nailing of carpet underlayment to sub-floor, from the center out, using annular threaded nails of sufficient length to penetrate a minimum of 1" into sub-floor. Nail carpet underlayment additionally in any areas that are not lying down flat into adhesive.*

5. Follow with next panels leaving 3/16" expansion space between sheets at all times.

6. After a minimum of 48 hours for adhesive to set, nail tackless strips to the top of wood nailers, followed by the installation of carpet and pad.

*NOTE: If adhesive is omitted, panels must be nailed 6" o.c. along panel edges and 10" o.c. throughout the field of the board.

B. INSTALLATION FOR USE WITH ADHERED CARPETS (NOT RECOMMENDED FOR RUBBER OR FOAM BACKED CARPETS OR CARPET TILES) (USE 4' x 4' SIZE ONLY)

1. Follow 2, 3 and 4 of "Installation for use with Carpet and Pad."

2. Follow with next panels leaving 1/8" expansion space between sheets during installation.

3. After a minimum of 48 hours, fill 1/8" spacing between panels with a quality interior floor patch.

4. Apply carpet adhesive and carpet to carpet underlayment following manufacturer’s instructions.

C. INSTALLATION FOR USE WITH VINYL, WOOD PARQUET, WOOD STRIP FLOORING AND CERAMIC TILE (USE 4' x 4' AND 4' x 8' SIZES ONLY)

1. Follow 2, 3, 4 and 5 of "Installation for use with Carpet and Pad."

2. After a minimum of 48 hours, apply 1/4" or greater thickness plywood of suitable underlayment grade* over carpet underlayment.

3. Attach plywood over carpet underlayment, assuring that plywood joints do not coincide with the carpet underlayment joints, following the manufacturer’s recommended method and pattern of attachment, making sure that mechanical fasteners are of sufficient length to go through carpet underlayment into the sub-floor a minimum of 1".

4. After a minimum of 48 hours, install finish floor covering in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

*NOTE: Must be suitable thickness and grade acceptable to finish flooring manufacturer also.

Over Concrete Sub-floor – Concrete sub-floor must be dry and integrally waterproofed unless suspended. Carpet underlayment is not recommended for application in areas where moisture is present. Using maximum 4' x 4' size panels, install carpet underlayment following appropriate category in "Over Wood Sub-floor," based on the finish flooring to be used, substituting concrete nails or fasteners for annular threaded nails.

APPLICATIONS AS A WALL PANEL
(USE 4' x 8', 10' AND 12' SIZES ONLY)

Panels should be applied vertically to the framing with blocking or plates at top and bottom of panel. All edges of panel must fall on framing at all times. Framing for 1/2" thick panels must not exceed 16" o.c. Framing for 5/8" thick panels must not exceed 24" o.c. During installation, all panels must be installed leaving 1/8" expansion and contraction space between sheets and 1/4" space at floor, ceiling and around window and door frames, etc. Do not fill or tape panel joints.

A. INSTALLATION FOR USE AS SOUND PANEL (BEHIND SHEETROCK OR OTHER PANELING) – To enhance sound attenuation, attention must be given to apertures in walls for conduits, pipes, ducts, electrical junction boxes and any openings for other devices. Avoid back-to-back coincidence of such apertures on opposite sides of a wall. When the purpose of the apertures has been completed, open spaces must be packed with mineral wool, or otherwise caulked, and sealed with a good grade acoustical sealant to assure an airtight closure. After application of Type X Gypsum Board, the entire floor-ceiling wall perimeter must be caulked with acoustical sealant. Doorstops should be gasketed and dropseals installed at door bottoms.

To Wood Framing
1. Apply a 3/8" bead of APA approved paneling adhesive to studs in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations. (A double bead of adhesive is necessary on studs where adjoining panels fall).

2. Apply wall panels to adhesive and framing, applying hand pressure where adhesive is located to insure positive contact, and nail 12" o.c. along edges and 24" o.c. along all intermediate framing. Nails should be of sufficient length to penetrate 3/4" into framing. Hold nails 3/8" back from panel edges.

3. Follow with application of Sheetrock or other paneling over wall panels, installing so panel joints do not coincide and following manufacturer’s recommendations, securing to wood framing behind wall panels.

NOTE: If adhesive is omitted, nail panels 6" o.c. along all edges and 12" o.c. along intermediate framing.

To Metal Framing
Follow installation instructions in "To Wood Framing," substituting mechanical fasteners where nails are required.

To Masonry Walls
1. Install wood furring strips, not exceeding recommended spacing under "APPLICATIONS AS A WALL PANEL."

2. Apply wall panels following instructions in "To Wood Framing."

B. INSTALLATION FOR USE AS FABRIC WRAPPED PANEL – Homasote® panels have a different texture on each side. One is a smoother linen texture and the other a rougher screen texture. Select side to apply fabric that best suits your needs. Also notice at this time, due to the nature of the product, that the surface of Homasote® panels is not perfectly flat. Make determination as to the suitability of Homasote® panels as substrate for your fabric prior to application of fabric. (Apply fabric to small sample, if necessary, to make determination).

To Wood or Metal Framing
1. Apply fabric to Homasote® panels using adhesive recommended by fabric manufacturer for application to wood fiber board. Wrap fabric and glue around long edges and continue for 2" on back side of board.

2. Lay panels flat for time necessary to allow adhesive to fully set.

3. Attach metal frame clips to long edges of panel every 12" o.c.

4. Apply a 3/8" bead of sub-floor adhesive meeting APA AFG-01 specification to intermediate studs in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Apply wall panels to adhesive and framing, applying hand pressure from the center of panel out to the ceiling and floor where adhesive is located to insure positive contact, and screw panels 6" o.c. to plates or blocking at floor and ceiling. Screws should be of sufficient length to penetrate 3/4" into framing. Hold screws 3/8" back from edge of panels. Screw clips to framing and brace panels for a minimum of 24 hours for adhesive to set.

To Masonry Walls
1. Install wood furring strips to masonry walls, not exceeding recommended spacing under "APPLICATIONS AS A WALL PANEL."

2. Apply wall panels following instructions to "To Wood or Metal Framing."

To Finished Walls
1. Apply wall panels following instructions in "To Wood or Metal Framing" putting adhesive to back of wall panels instead of on wood framing in 3/8" beads 16" o.c. and at perimeter, holding adhesive back 3/4" from edge. Panels must be aligned such that panel edges would fall on framing behind finished wall. Panels must be fastened to framing behind finished wall.

EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS

General Requirements – Panel sizes wider than 4 feet should be preconditioned by sprinkling with water and stacked wet side up overnight. When nailing to panels, always use corrosion-resistant, ring shank nails.

APPLICATIONS AS SIDEWALL PANEL
Provide support for all edges and throughout the panel field not to exceed 16" o.c. for 1/2" thick panels and 24" o.c. for 5/8" thick panels.
Panels should be applied vertically to the framing with blocking or plates at top and bottom of panel. Otherwise, install cross blocking at horizontal joints to provide a solid nailing base. Leave 3/16" space at all panel side joints and leave 1/4" space at all panel end joints. Panels must be kept a minimum of 8" above grade at all times.

A. INSTALLATION FOR USE AS BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING

To Wood Framing
1. Apply panels directly to the proper framing.

2. Keep nails back 1/2" from all edges. Nail panel 4" to 6" o.c. along panel edges and 10" to 12" o.c. at intermediate framing.

3. Nail from center of panel out to edges. Use corrosion-resistant 6d nails for 1/2" thick panels and corrosion-resistant 8d nails for 5/8" thick panels, see detail below.

4. Apply wood, vinyl or metal battens over each joint and paint panels with a quality latex paint.

To Metal Framing
Follow installation instructions in "To Wood Framing" substituting mechanical fasteners where nails are required.

B. INSTALLATION FOR USE AS SHEATHING

1. Follow 1, 2 and 3 of "To Wood Framing" under "Installation for use as Board and Batten Siding."

2. Follow immediately with the application of finish siding following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

NOTE: Wood sidings must be nailed through sheathing to framing behind. Wood shingles and shakes and aluminum and vinyl sidings may be nailed directly to sheathing using corrosion-resistant nails long enough to penetrate 1" into sheathing.

APPLICATIONS AS SOFFIT OR CEILING

Provide framing or furring at maximum 16" o.c. regardless of panel thickness. All panel edges must fall on framing members. Allow 3/16" expansion and contraction space at all edges and joints. Nail panels using corrosion-resistant nails of sufficient length to penetrate a minimum of 3/4" into framing. Nail panels 4" to 6" o.c. along panel edges and 10" to 12" o.c. at intermediate supports. Cover panel edges and joints with battens or molding and paint panels using a quality latex paint.

homasote
COMPANY
P.O. Box 7240
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0240
1-800-257-9491
Ph: (609) 883-3300
Fax: (609) 530-1584