# Noncombustible Material: Building Code Definition

> How the IRC 2009 define noncombustible material, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/noncombustible-material/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IRC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IRC 2009 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 41 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Noncombustible material is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Materials that pass the test procedure for defining noncombustibility of elementary materials set forth in ASTM E 136.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 41 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009), Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Noncombustible Material** — IRC 2009, Definitions:

> Materials that pass the test procedure for defining noncombustibility of elementary materials set forth in ASTM E 136.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Noncombustible Material: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/noncombustible-material/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IRC 2009 define noncombustible material, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Noncombustible Material** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:

> Materials that pass the test procedure for defining noncombustibility of elementary materials set forth in ASTM E 136.

## Where noncombustible material is used in the code

The term appears in 41 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Fire and Smoke Protection Features](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-and-smoke-protection-features.md) | IBC 2009 | 27 |
| [Flammable Finishes](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md) | IFC 2009 | 23 |
| [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 19 |
| [General Requirements](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/general-requirements.md) | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) | IRC 2009 | 13 |
| [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| [Masonry](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/masonry.md) | IBC 2009 | 10 |
| [Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/roof-assemblies-and-rooftop-structures.md) | IBC 2009 | 10 |
| [Interior Finishes](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/interior-finishes.md) | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| [Building Planning](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/building-planning.md) | IRC 2009 | 9 |
| [Exhaust Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/exhaust-systems.md) | IMC 2009 | 7 |
| [Chimneys and Fireplaces](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/chimneys-and-fireplaces.md) | IRC 2009 | 7 |

_29 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about noncombustible material, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material as determined in accordance with Section 703.4.1 with a surfacing not more than 0.125 inch (3.18 mm) thick that has a flame spread index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 shall be acceptable as noncombustible materials.

— [IBC 2009 §703.4.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-and-smoke-protection-features.md)

> Dip tanks, including drain boards, shall be constructed of noncombustible material and their supports shall be of heavy metal, reinforced concrete or masonry.

— [IFC 2009 §1505.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md)

> Carport floor surfaces shall be of approved noncombustible material.

— [IBC 2009 §406.1.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md)

## Noncombustible Material: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IFC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)
- [Construction Documents: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/construction-documents.md)
- [Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/registered-design-professional.md)
- [Dwelling Unit: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dwelling-unit.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of noncombustible material?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Materials that pass the test procedure for defining noncombustibility of elementary materials set forth in ASTM E 136.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on noncombustible material?

In this corpus the term is used across 41 chapters, led by Fire and Smoke Protection Features in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

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