EFP Truss

The International Residential Code (IRC) mandates fire  protection measures for the underside of floor framing members. This is commonly provided by ½-inch gypsum board, 5/8-inch wood structural panel, or other approved material. The code section includes an exception for approved floor assemblies demonstrating equivalent fire performance.

SBCA and TPI have jointly developed and tested a new floor truss, the EFP (Equivalent Fire Performance) Truss, as an approved floor assembly that provides all the benefits or floor trusses without the need to install a layer of gypsum to the underside of the bottom chord as permitted by IRC R302.13, Exception 4.3. This solution also eliminates the need for drilling and cutting openings as associated with traditional 2x10 dimensional lumber.

IAPMO Uniform Evaluation Services has evaluated the EFP Truss testing for compliance and issued Uniform Evaluation Service report No. 999. This report, along with the SBCA EFP Truss Design and Fabrication Guidance document, provides requirements for the design, fabrication, and installation of the EFP Truss.

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