Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

[CCMC 13500-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

In most jurisdictions this document is sufficient evidence for approval by Canadian authorities.

Learn more about CCMC recognition Look for the trusted CCMC mark on products to verify compliance.

Compliance opinion

It is the opinion of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre that the evaluated products, when used as exterior decking in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this evaluation, comply with the following code:

National Building Code of Canada 2010

ID Code provision Solution type
09-03-02-09-00-0-009.3.2.9. Termite and Decay ProtectionAlternative
09-04-02-00-00-0-009.4.2. Specified LoadsAlternative
09-04-03-01-00-0-009.4.3.1. DeflectionsAlternative
09-08-09-01-00-0-009.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and RampsAlternative
09-23-15-05-00-0-009.23.15.5. Subfloor Thickness or RatingAlternative

Ontario Building Code

Ruling No. 12-17-287 (13500-R) authorizing the use of this product in Ontario, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Ruling, was made by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on 2012-10-11 (revised 2017-06-26) pursuant to s.29 of the Building Code Act, 1992 (see Ruling for terms and conditions). This Ruling is subject to periodic revisions and updates.

The above opinion(s) is/are based on the evaluation by the CCMC of technical evidence provided by the evaluation holder, and is bound by the stated conditions and limitations. For the benefit of the user, a summary of the technical information that forms the basis of this evaluation has been included.

Product information

Product names

  • Fiberon®Horizon Decking
  • Fiberon®Protect Advantage
  • Fiberon®Sancutary Decking
  • Fiberon®Symmetry™ Decking

Product description

The product is a wood thermoplastic composite lumber (WTCL) made primarily from equal parts of reclaimed hardwood sawdust and reclaimed/recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) with specifically engineered UV-resistant additives and colourants. The composite product is manufactured through a continuous co-extrusion process in planks of solid cross-section with a HDPE-based capping material for additional stain, fade and scratch resistance. The planks are grooved or solid, are manufactured in nominal dimensions of 24 mm × 135 mm, and are available in 3.66m, 4.88m, and 6.1m lengths.

The product is intended to be used as exterior decking to be installed over traditional structural wood framing spaced at 400 mm on centre (o.c.) and stair treads spaced at 230 mm o.c.

Isometric profile drawing of the deck boards installation details; the minimum end-to-end gapping, the deck boards, minimum width-to-width gapping, number of joists per plank, maximum joist spacing and fasteners.
Figure 1. Installation details for the product
  1. 1.5-mm to 4.7-mm minimum end-to-end gapping, depending on length of plank and temperature at installation
  2. Fiberon® Solid Decking Horizon, Symmetry™, Sanctuary and Protect Advantage
  3. 4.7-mm minimum width-to-width gapping, depending on temperature at installation
  4. minimum of 3 joists per plank
  5. maximum joist spacing of 400 mm o.c
  6. joist designed to support applicable loads
  7. two fasteners, 64 mm long, per support

Manufacturing plant

This evaluation is valid only for products produced at the following plant:

Product namesManufacturing plant
New London, NC, US
Fiberon®Horizon DeckingProduct evaluated by the CCMC
Fiberon®Protect AdvantageProduct evaluated by the CCMC
Fiberon®Sancutary DeckingProduct evaluated by the CCMC
Fiberon®Symmetry™ DeckingProduct evaluated by the CCMC

Product evaluated by the CCMC Indicates that the product from this manufacturing facility has been evaluated by the CCMC

  Conditions and limitations

The CCMC’s compliance opinion is bound by this product being used in accordance with the conditions and limitations set out below.

  • The product must be installed with supports spaced no greater than 400 mm o.c. Each plank must be supported by at least three supports.
  • The product must be fastened to the wood joists with fasteners specified by the manufacturer and conforming to Article 9.23.3.1., Standards for Nails and Screws, of Division B of the NBC 2010. The fasteners must have a corrosion protection coating or be made of stainless steel. The planks must be fastened with at least two 64-mm-long fasteners per support.Table footnote (1)
  • The product must be gapped end-to-end based upon the length of the plank and the temperature at installation. The end-to-end gapping must be 4.7 mm (3/16 in.) for installations below 7°C, 3.1 mm (1/8 in.) for installations between 7°C and 29°C, and 1.5 mm (1/16 in.) for installations over 29°C. The width-to-width gapping must be 4.7 mm (3/16 in.).
  • The product can be used where termite protection is required as per Article 9.3.2.9. of Division B of the NBC 2010.
  • The product can be used as stair treads at 230-mm (9 in.) o.c. spacing for SymmetryTM and 203-mm (8 in.) o.c. spacing for Sanctuary and Protect Advantage.
  • Slip-resistant strips shall be provided in accordance with Article 9.8.9.6, Finish for Treads and Landings, of Division B of the NBC 2010.
  • The product is not to be considered as an equivalent to dimensional lumber.

  Technical information

This evaluation is based on demonstrated conformance with the following criteria:

Evaluation requirements
Criteria number Criteria name
CCMC-TG-067314.01-10CCMC Technical Guide for Wood Thermoplastic Composite Lumber Exterior Decking

The evaluation holder has submitted technical documentation for the CCMC’s evaluation. Testing was conducted at laboratories recognized by the CCMC. The corresponding technical evidence for this product is summarized below.

Material requirements

Table 1. Results of testing of basic physical and mechanical properties of the product
Property Unit Requirement ResultFootnote (1) Footnote (2)
Dimensional change – coefficient of linear expansion (swelling) – oven-dry to vacuum pressure soak % ≤ 0.5, by 80% of specimens 0.01
Strength and stiffness – modulus of elasticity (MOE) – Symmetry™ MPa ≥ 750 3 301
Strength and stiffness – flexural rigidity (apparent MOE) – Sanctuary MPa ≥ 750 3 260
Strength and stiffness – flexural rigidity (apparent MOE) – Protect Advantage MPa ≥ 750 3 016
Strength and stiffness – modulus of rupture (MOR) – Symmetry™ MPa ≥ 9 24
Strength and stiffness – moment capacity (MOE) – Sanctuary MPa ≥ 9 18.42
Strength and stiffness – moment capacity (MOE) – Protect Advantage MPa ≥ 9 18.19
Strength and stiffness – creep, recovery and load duration % ≤ 25 for creep 30Footnote (3)
Strength and stiffness – creep, recovery and load duration % ≥ 75 for recovery 80
Strength and stiffness – creep, recovery and load duration % No failure Passed
Strength and stiffness after aging – weathering – impact resistance % ≥ 75 of non- weathered value 106.7
Strength and stiffness after aging – accelerated aging – MOE - Symmetry™ % ≥ 50 of non-aged value 112.6
Strength and stiffness after aging – accelerated aging – MOE - Sanctuary % ≥ 50 of non-aged value 94.8
Strength and stiffness after aging – accelerated aging – MOE - Protect Advantage % ≥ 50 of non-aged value 97.2
Strength and stiffness after aging – accelerated aging – MOR - Symmetry™ % ≥ 50 of non-aged value 101.9
Strength and stiffness after aging – accelerated aging – MOR - Sanctuary % ≥ 50 of non-aged value 102.0
Strength and stiffness after aging – accelerated aging – MOR - Protect Advantage % ≥ 50 of non-aged value 103.7
Strength and stiffness after aging – fastener holding capacity – nail withdrawal strength N ≥ 600 2 828
Strength and stiffness after aging – fastener holding capacity – lateral nail strength N ≥ 720 3 833
Strength and stiffness after aging – flame-spread for Protect Advantage – flame-spread rating for Symmetry™ – ≤ 200 70
Strength and stiffness after aging – flame-spread for Protect Advantage – flame-spread rating for Sanctuary & Protect Advantage – ≤ 200 85
Strength and stiffness after aging – flame-spread for Protect Advantage – smoke developed – capped – Report 390

Performance requirements

Table 2. Results of testing of performance under both concentrated static loads and impact loads
Property Requirement ResultFootnote (1)
Concentrated static load – decking at 50°C – minimum ultimate load (kN) ≥ 2.45 4.89
Concentrated static load – decking at 20°C – minimum ultimate load (kN) ≥ 2.45 5.56
Concentrated static load – decking at −35°C – minimum ultimate load (kN) ≥ 2.45 9.05
Concentrated static load – decking at 50°C – maximum deflection under 0.89-kN load (mm) ≤ 2.0 2.54
Concentrated static load – decking at 20°C – maximum deflection under 0.89-kN load (mm) ≤ 2.0 1.74
Concentrated static load – decking at −35°C – maximum deflection under 0.89-kN load (mm) ≤ 2.0 1.74
Following impact load of 102 N·m – decking at 50°C – minimum ultimate load (kN) ≥ 1.78 ≥ 1.78
Following impact load of 102 N·m – decking at 50°C – maximum deflection under 0.89-kN load (mm) ≤ 2.0 4.02Footnote (2)
Table 3. Results of testing of durability of the product
Property Requirement Result – SPF lumber Result – Horizon
Bending stiffness Mean percentage loss in bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) after ultraviolet (UV) exposure and accelerated aging must be less than or equal to spruce lumber –40% +1%
Bending strength Mean percentage loss in bending stress (MOR) after UV exposure and accelerated aging must be less than or equal to spruce lumber –24% +3%
Table 4. Results of testing of decay and termite resistance of the product
Property Requirement Result
Decay resistance – % loss in weight Mean percentage loss in weight and compressive strength after exposure to decay-causing fungi must be equal to or better than preservative-treated wood conforming to CAN/CSA-O80.1-M97, "Preservative Treatment of All Timber Products by Pressure Processes" Passed
Decay resistance – compressive strength Mean percentage loss in weight and compressive strength after exposure to decay-causing fungi must be equal to or better than preservative-treated wood conforming to CAN/CSA-O80.1-M97, "Preservative Treatment of All Timber Products by Pressure Processes" Passed
Termite resistance Rating must be equal to or better than preservative-treated wood conforming to CAN/CSA-O80.1 Passed
Table 5. Results of testing of performance under concentrated static load – stair tread
Property Requirement – minimum ultimate load (kN) Requirement – maximum deflection under 1 kN (mm) Result – applied ultimate load (kN)Footnote (1) Result – deflection under 1 kN (mm)Footnote (1)
Concentrated load – stair tread 5Footnote (2) 0.75 8.90 1.55Footnote (4)
Concentrated load – stair tread nosing 5Footnote (3) 0.75 7.04 1.55Footnote (4)

Additional performance data

(Data in this section does not form part of the CCMC's "Code compliance opinion".)

Table 6. Results of testing of additional performance data
Property Unit Reference value Result
Coefficient of linear expansion (thermal) – longitudinal cm/cm/°C ≤ 2 × 10−5 3.01 × 10−5Footnote (1)
Coefficient of linear expansion (thermal) – cross-sectional cm/cm/°C ≤ 2 × 10−5 6.5 × 10−5Footnote (1)
Impact resistance (Izod impact, notched) J/m ≥ 53.4 32.7Footnote (2)
Hardness (11.28-mm-diameter ball) kN ≥ 1.8 8.0
Slip resistance (average slip index) Sanctuary and Protect Advantage – dry condition – ≥ 0.5 ASTM F 1679-04, "Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)" 0.37Footnote (3)
Slip resistance (average slip index) Sanctuary and Protect Advantage – wet condition – ≥ 0.5 ASTM F 1679-04, "Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)" 0.36Footnote (3)
Slip resistance (average slip index) Symmetry™ – dry condition – ≥ 0.5 ASTM F 1679-04, "Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)" 0.38Footnote (3)
Slip resistance (average slip index) Symmetry™ – wet condition – ≥ 0.5 ASTM F 1679-04, "Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)" 0.33Footnote (3)

Administrative information

Use of Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) assessments

This assessment must be read in the context of the entire CCMC Registry of Product Assessments, any applicable building code or by-law requirements, and/or any other regulatory requirements (for example, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, etc.).

It is the responsibility of the user to confirm that the assessment they are using is current and has not been withdrawn or superseded by a later version on the CCMC Registry of Product Assessments.

Disclaimer

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has evaluated only the characteristics of the specific product described herein. The information and opinions in this evaluation are directed to those who have the appropriate degree of experience to use and apply its contents (such as authorities having jurisdiction, design professionals and specifiers). This evaluation is valid when the product is used as part of permitted construction, respecting all conditions and limitations stated in the evaluation, and in accordance with applicable building codes and by-laws.

This evaluation is provided without representation, warranty or guarantee of any kind, expressed or implied, and the NRC provides no endorsement for any evaluated product. The NRC accepts no responsibility whatsoever arising in any way from any and all use of or reliance on the information contained herein or the use of any evaluated product. The NRC is not undertaking to render professional or other services on behalf of any person or entity nor to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to another person or entity.

Language

Une version française de ce document est disponible.
In the case of any discrepancy between the English and French version of this document, the English version shall prevail.

Copyright

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the National Research Council of Canada, 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the CCMC.

CCMC recognition

The Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) assesses compliance with Canadian building, energy and safety codes. We are the only construction code compliance service supported and operated by the Government of Canada. Trusted by over 6,000 regulators across Canada.

Most Canadian authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) consider CCMC product assessments acceptable as evidence for product approval.

CCMC assessments are recognized by construction authorities across Canada:

The CCMC provides code compliance assessments to Canadian code requirements, consulting nationwide with construction regulators to elicit regional variations in code requirements as well as provincial and local interpretations. Users are advised to review the technical information presented in CCMC assessments when making approval decisions. Learn more about how the CCMC provides a unique service for Canada.

For more information, contact the CCMC by phone at (613) 993-6189 or by email at ccmc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

NOTICE

The information presented on this webpage (in HTML format) is the most up-to-date information available from the CCMC about this assessment.

By downloading this PDF you acknowledge that:

  • this PDF is intended for record-keeping purposes only,
  • it represents the information as it was available at the time of downloading, and
  • it may not reflect the latest available information at some future date.
References to this CCMC assessment (in product literature, on websites, etc.) must be made by linking to the evaluation webpage. This PDF must not be used as a means of distributing this assessment to an audience.

View PDF

Code compliance as an acceptable solution

Code Compliance via Acceptable Solutions

If a building design (e.g. material, component, assembly or system) can be shown to meet all provisions of the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (e.g. it complies with the applicable provisions of a referenced standard), it is deemed to have satisfied the objectives and functional statements linked to those provisions and thus to have complied with that part of the Code.

National Building Code of Canada, Sentence A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a)

The CCMC has determined that compliance with this provision of the Code has been demonstrated as an Acceptable Solution. The evaluation report provides a summary of the basis of CCMC's compliance opinion.

CCMC's code compliance opinions

All CCMC evaluation reports are opinions of code compliance established in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada, Subsection 1.2.1. "Compliance with this Code," which requires compliance to be achieved by:

  • complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, or
  • using an alternative solution that will achieve at least the minimum level of performance required by Division B in the areas defined by the objective and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions.

The CCMC assesses compliance with Canadian building, energy and safety codes, and is trusted by over 6,000 regulators across Canada.

Code compliance as an alternative solution

Code Compliance via Alternative Solutions

Where a design differs from the acceptable solutions in Division B, then it should be treated as an "alternative solution." A proponent of an alternative solution must demonstrate that the alternative solution addresses the same issues as the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B and their attributed objectives and functional statements. However, because the objectives and functional statements are entirely qualitative, demonstrating compliance with them in isolation is not possible. Therefore, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) identifies the principle that Division B establishes the quantitative performance targets that alternative solutions must meet. In many cases, these targets are not defined very precisely by the acceptable solutions [...] Nevertheless, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) makes it clear that an effort must be made to demonstrate that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B—not “well enough” but “as well as.”

National Building Code of Canada, Sentence A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b)

The CCMC has determined that compliance with this provision of the Code has been demonstrated as an Alternative Solution. The evaluation report provides a summary of the basis of CCMC's compliance opinion.

CCMC's code compliance opinions

All CCMC evaluation reports are opinions of code compliance established in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada, Subsection 1.2.1. "Compliance with this Code," which requires compliance to be achieved by:

  • complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, or
  • using an alternative solution that will achieve at least the minimum level of performance required by Division B in the areas defined by the objective and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions.

The CCMC assesses compliance with Canadian building, energy and safety codes, and is trusted by over 6,000 regulators across Canada.

Page details

From: National Research Council Canada

Date modified: