Code compliance assessments: intended functions and uses

Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) code compliance assessments are established on the basis of a technical scope, which includes where and how a product is to be used in a building. This scope is directly related to the material, performance and durability requirements imposed on a product during assessment. 
The scope considered by the CCMC for each assessment is described through the use of intended functions and intended uses:  

• Intended functions describe a role the product is expected to perform in a building or system. For example, air leakage control, or fire protection.
• Intended uses describe a location within a building or system where the product may be used. For example, attic space, or the exterior side of below grade walls.

The information below is intended to assist the readers of our assessments in understanding the intended functions and uses considered by the CCMC in its assessment publications.

1. Intended functions

The CCMC has categorized its assessed products into the following intended functions:

• Air leakage control
• Backing/fastening support
• Building services and utilities
• Damp proofing
• Falling, tripping, slipping protection
• Fire protection
• Heat and moisture dissipation
• Heat transfer control
• Indoor air quality protection
• Moisture resistance/waterproof layer
• Protection of insulation
• Soil gas control
• Sound transmission control
• Structural capacity
• Structural integrity
• Subfloor imperfection mitigation
• Water drainage
• Water ingress protection
• Water vapour diffusion control
• Waterproofing
• Wind barrier

2. Intended uses

The CCMC has categorized its assessed products by its intended use within a home or building. The diagram below identifies the different categories of a product's intended use:

1. Foundation ground area

2. Basement floor, above slab

3. Basement floor, slab

4. Basement floor, under slab

5. Below-grade walls, interior side

6. Below-grade walls, structure

7. Below-grade walls, exterior side

8. Above-grade walls, interior side

9. Above-grade walls, structure

10. Above-grade walls, exterior side

11. Partition walls, structure

12. Partition walls, both sides

13. Roof, exterior side (roofing)

14. Roof, structure

15. Roof, interior side

16. Attic (roof space)

17. Attic floor, exterior side

18. Attic floor, structure (ceiling joists)

19. Attic floor, interior side

20. Floor, upper side

21. Floor, structure

22. Floor, lower side

23. Balcony, upper side

24. Balcony, structure

25. Balcony, lower side

26. Exterior decking

27. Stairs, interior

28. Guard/handrail, interior

29. Stairs, exterior

30. Guard/handrail, exterior

31. Columns, exposed

32. Columns, protected

33. Roof/wall penetrations

34. Exterior of the building

35. Below grade piles/piers/posts area