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IBC Section 1201 — General Interior Finishes Requirements

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Establishes flame-spread and smoke-development ratings for interior wall, floor, and ceiling finishes.

Section 1201 requires that interior finishes meet flame-spread and smoke-development ratings determined by ASTM E84 standard tests. Class A finishes have flame spread 0-25 and smoke development 0-450. Class B finishes have flame spread 26-75 and smoke development 0-450. Class C finishes have flame spread 76-200 and smoke development 0-450. Corridors and enclosed spaces must use Class A or B finishes in certain occupancies. Sprinklered buildings may permit Class C finishes in some areas. Foam plastics and insulation materials face additional flammability testing per standards. Interior wall finishes include paints, wallpapers, and other surface coverings. Ceiling finishes include suspended ceiling tiles and paint. Floor finishes include carpet, vinyl, and wood. All interior finishes must contribute to fire safety during the early stages of fire development.

TAGS
ibcchapter-12interior-finishesfire-safety
DETAILS
section
1201
category
Interior Environment
code body
IBC
code year
2021
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