Building Code Glossary
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define sprayed fire-resistant materials, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
Direct answer
Sprayed fire-resistant materials is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Structural Tests and Special Inspections. The code's own words are: “Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials — IBC 2009, Structural Tests and Special Inspections:
Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials is defined once in this corpus, in the Structural Tests and Special Inspections chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.
Where sprayed fire-resistant materials is used in the code
The term appears in 6 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 | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 16 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Types of Construction | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire-resistance-rated Construction | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about sprayed fire-resistant materials, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM) shall comply with Sections 704.13.1 through 704.13.5.
Special inspections for sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be in accordance with Sections 1704.12.1 through 1704.12.6.
The required fire-resistance rating of fire-resistance-rated construction (including walls, firestops, shaft enclosures, partitions, smoke barriers, floors, fire-resistive coatings and sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to structural members and fire-resistant joint systems) shall be maintained.
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Structural Tests and Special Inspections | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 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 | Definitions (IBC 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
- Approved Agency: Building Code Definition
- Special Inspection: Building Code Definition
- Fabricated Item: Building Code Definition
- Mastic Fire-resistant Coatings: Building Code Definition
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of sprayed fire-resistant materials?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Structural Tests and Special Inspections as: “Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.” 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 sprayed fire-resistant materials?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 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.
What are fire-resistant building materials?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as sprayed fire-resistant materials, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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