Flame Spread and Smoke Development

Flame spread and smoke development ratings describe how quickly fire travels across the surface of a wallcovering and how much smoke it produces if ignited. These two values are among the most important fire safety benchmarks for any material used in commercial or public interior spaces. A lower flame spread index and a lower smoke developed index indicate a safer material. Many commercial building codes, architects, and specifiers require documented E84 ratings before approving a wallcovering for use in offices, healthcare facilities, hospitality spaces, and other occupied buildings.