A common question regarding Starrco offices is "Do they meet building codes?" Unfortunately, the four current national building codes (UBC-Uniform Building Code, SBC-Southern Building Code, IBC-International Building Code & BOCA National Building Code) do not specifically address interior modular construction.
Starrco has tried to design our offices to meet the sections of the codes that most closely apply to interior structures. Listed below are the criteria we used in the design of our offices and the appropriate building code sections:
- All Starrco offices are designed to resist a 5 pound per square foot lateral load applied evenly to the office system. This means our office systems are structurally sound enough to handle the day to day stress and strain of a factory environment.
(1999 BOCA section 1606.9; 1997 UBC table 16-B line 5) - Starrco's DL wall panels are manufactured with V2" vinyl faced gypsum board laminated to a 1 lb density polystyrene core. The gypsum board creates a thermal barrier that protects the polystyrene foam during a fire. This keeps the foam from generating smoke or possibly melting.
(1999 BOCA section 2603.4; 1997 UBC section 2602.4) - Starrco's DL wall panel was tested for flame spread resistance by Factory Mutual Testing Laboratory in accordance to ASTM-E-84. The panel was found to be completely non-combustible with a flame spread of less than 25 and also had a very low smoke development. Copies of the FM test results are available upon request.
(1999 BOCA section 803.2 & .4; 1997 UBC tables 8-A & 8-B)
Please be aware that the local building code official has the final say as to whether or not our office system meets the local code requirements. The information above should help the official when reviewing our design. Starrco can also provide stamped engineering drawings if required by the local municipality. Contact the factory for the cost of this service.
Competitive Note: Be aware of modular office manufacturers who offer a panel constructed of steel, laminated directly to a polystyrene core. This panel construction will NOT meet building codes. The steel does not offer a thermal barrier and will not protect the polystyrene core from the heat of a fire.
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