ASCEND Composite Cladding has achieved a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, with a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less. Learn what a Class A fire rating means, how ASCEND is tested, and why a Class A surface-burning classification is different from a one-hour fire-resistance rating.
ASCEND Contractor Resource Center
What Is ASCEND's Fire Rating?
ASCEND Composite Cladding has earned a Class A surface-burning classification when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, the industry-standard tunnel test for evaluating flame spread and smoke development. Current manufacturer literature and ICC evaluation documents report a Flame Spread Index (FSI) of 25 or less and a Smoke Developed Index (SDI) of 450 or less, meeting the requirements for a Class A rating.1
A Class A rating is an important performance characteristic, but it is frequently misunderstood. It does not mean the product is fireproof, noncombustible, or capable of providing a one-hour fire-resistance rating by itself. Instead, it measures how the exposed surface behaves when subjected to a controlled fire test.
ASCEND Fire Performance at a Glance
- Fire Classification: ASTM E84 Class A
- Flame Spread Index: 25 or less
- Smoke Developed Index: 450 or less
- Referenced in: ICC-ES ESR-4449 and Intertek CCRR-0316
- Approved for: Code-recognized exterior wall cladding applications when installed as specified
- Not equivalent to: A one-hour fire-rated wall assembly
What Does a Class A Fire Rating Mean?
ASTM E84 measures how rapidly flame travels across the surface of a material and how much smoke is produced during testing. Materials that achieve a Flame Spread Index of 25 or less and a Smoke Developed Index of 450 or less receive a Class A classification—the highest surface-burning classification recognized under ASTM E84.2
The test evaluates surface-burning characteristics, not the structural fire endurance of an entire wall assembly.
ASTM E84 Measures
- Surface flame spread
- Smoke generation
- Relative performance compared with standardized reference materials
What ASTM E84 Does NOT Measure
ASTM E84 does not determine:
- How long a wall withstands fire
- Structural collapse resistance
- Fire penetration through a wall
- Whether a building meets fire-separation requirements
- Wildfire resistance
- Firefighter safety
Those characteristics are evaluated using different standards, including ASTM E119 and complete wall assembly testing.
Is ASCEND Fireproof?
No.
Neither the manufacturer nor ICC evaluation reports describe ASCEND as "fireproof." Instead, the product has demonstrated Class A surface-burning performance under ASTM E84 testing. Like virtually every exterior cladding material, ASCEND should never be represented as immune to fire or incapable of burning under all conditions.
Technically Correct Statement
"ASCEND Composite Cladding achieved a Class A surface-burning classification under ASTM E84 with a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less."
What About ASTM E119?
Many contractors confuse ASTM E84 with ASTM E119.
| ASTM E84 | ASTM E119 |
|---|---|
| Measures surface flame spread and smoke development. | Measures the fire endurance of complete wall, floor, or roof assemblies. |
| Class A, B, or C ratings. | One-hour, two-hour, and higher fire-resistance ratings. |
| Tests the exposed material surface. | Tests an entire constructed assembly. |
Some ASCEND wall assemblies have been approved for use in tested assemblies, but those ratings apply to the complete assembly—not the cladding by itself.3
Why Does Fire Rating Matter?
A Class A surface-burning classification provides architects, builders, inspectors, and homeowners with confidence that the cladding has been independently tested using one of the industry's most widely recognized fire-performance standards.
Combined with ASCEND's impact resistance, thermal performance, moisture resistance, and durability, its fire classification makes it a strong option for residential and light commercial projects where code-recognized exterior cladding is required.
Common Misconceptions
- Class A does not mean "fireproof."
- Class A does not mean "noncombustible."
- ASTM E84 is different from ASTM E119.
- A Class A product does not automatically create a one-hour fire wall.
- Building code compliance depends on the complete wall assembly.
The Bottom Line
ASCEND Composite Cladding has demonstrated excellent fire performance by achieving a Class A surface-burning classification under ASTM E84 testing. Current manufacturer literature reports a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less, while ICC-ES and Intertek recognize these performance characteristics in their published evaluation documents.4
The key distinction is that a Class A fire rating describes how the product's surface behaves during a standardized fire test—it is not the same as a one-hour fire-rated wall assembly or a guarantee that the product is fireproof.
Why Contractors Choose Suburban Wholesale & Supply
Suburban Wholesale & Supply provides contractors throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with ASCEND Composite Cladding, current technical literature, installation guidance, code resources, estimating assistance, and dependable local inventory. Our knowledgeable team helps builders understand manufacturer specifications so projects are completed correctly and confidently.
Contractor Notes
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Suburban Wholesale & Supply works with contractors, remodelers, builders, and property professionals across Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, and the wider Quad Cities. If What Is ASCEND's Fire Rating? | Class A ASTM E84 Explained affects a project you are pricing, our team can help compare product lines, confirm available options, and prepare a quote that fits the opening, exterior, or jobsite requirements.
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For current availability, contractor pricing, product literature, or help matching this topic to a real project, contact Suburban Wholesale & Supply or send the details through our quote form. We will help you move from product research to an accurate material order with fewer surprises.
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