Technical Reference

Technical Data

Fire classifications, ASTM test standards, Zone 0 regulatory status, and documented material data for the fence, gate, and wall systems we install in San Diego.

Reviewed: July 2026

This page consolidates the fire-performance classifications, regulatory citations, and documented material data behind our fence, gate, and wall systems. It is a planning reference, not a substitute for a product-specific test report or an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) review. Fire and code requirements vary by parcel and jurisdiction.

Where a general test standard or classification applies to a material category, it is shown below with the standard linked. Where MFD does not yet hold a specific spec sheet, wind-load report, or test document, the honest value is “Available on request” — product-specific test reports and engineering documentation are confirmed per project. For a side-by-side material view, see the fencing comparison and ASTM fire ratings pages.

Data sources: Fire classifications reference ASTM E136 (non-combustibility) and ASTM E84 (surface burning characteristics). Regulatory status reflects the California Board of Forestry draft Zone 0 rule and the adopted City of San Diego SDWUI Code as of July 2026. Confirm all requirements with your AHJ before installation.

Table 1

Fire Performance by Material

General classifications by material category. Product-specific results depend on the tested assembly and its documentation.

Material Classification Test standard Zone 0 relevance
Aluminum
6063-T6 Alloy
 Non-combustible ASTM E136 Non-combustible material option for near-structure runs; confirm the assembly and attachment detail with your AHJ.
Steel
Powder-Coated / Galvanized
 Non-combustible ASTM E136 Non-combustible material option for near-structure runs; confirm the assembly and attachment detail with your AHJ.
CMU Block Wall
Concrete Masonry
 Non-combustible ASTM E136 Non-combustible masonry boundary; performance also depends on wall design, openings, and AHJ review.
Gabion Wall
Stone + Steel Mesh
 Non-combustible ASTM E136 Stone-and-steel assembly with no combustible content; confirm the configuration with your AHJ.
Ipe Hardwood
Brazilian Walnut
 Combustible ASTM E84 — product-specific Class A possible Some Ipe products have achieved ASTM E84 Class A flame-spread results in product-specific testing. That does not make Ipe non-combustible, and product documentation, installation details, and AHJ review determine near-structure suitability.
Composite
Wood-Plastic (WPC)
 Per product test report ASTM E84 class, where documented Fire performance varies by product line. Some composite products carry ASTM E84 documentation; verify the specific test report and confirm acceptance with your AHJ.
Wood / Vinyl
Cedar, Redwood, Pine, PVC
 Combustible ASTM E84 class (varies) Combustible materials that need careful review near structures; standard vinyl can also melt or deform under heat.

Non-combustible classifications reference ASTM E136; ASTM E84 assigns Class A (FSI 0–25), B (26–75), and C (76–200) for combustible materials. Class ratings apply to the specific tested assembly — confirm the manufacturer test report for the exact product and configuration.

ASTM E136 Non-combustibility
ASTM E136 non-combustibility A single non-combustible classification band; ASTM E136 is a pass-or-fail non-combustibility test rather than a graded scale. NON-COMBUSTIBLEAluminum · Steel · CMU · Gabion
ASTM E84 Flame Spread Index (combustible materials)
ASTM E84 flame spread index classes A horizontal flame-spread-index scale from 0 to 200 divided into Class A (0 to 25), Class B (26 to 75), and Class C (76 to 200). A0–25 B26–75 C76–200
Two independent classifications — ASTM E136 (pass/fail non-combustibility) and ASTM E84 (graded flame-spread index). Values per the table above.

Table 2

Zone 0 Regulatory Status

Ember-resistant zone (0–5 ft) rules affecting fences and gates, as of July 2026. The state rule is a draft; San Diego has already adopted its version.

Jurisdiction Status Effective dates What it says about fences & gates
State of California
Board of Forestry — draft §1298.04
 Draft — not adopted Pending. April 2026 draft; the Dec 31, 2025 deadline passed without adoption. Draft rule text: combustible fences and gates may not be attached to a structure; a 5-foot non-combustible span is required where a fence or gate attaches to or comes within 1 foot of a structure; and no new combustible fence or gate is permitted within 5 feet after the effective date. Repairs to an existing combustible fence may use combustible materials.
City of San Diego
SDMC §512.0604 (SDWUI Code)
 Adopted New structures: Feb 28, 2026. Existing structures: Feb 28, 2027. Applies in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Where an existing fence or gate attaches and extends perpendicular from the structure, a 5-foot non-combustible transitional span is required; parallel combustible fencing that forms a continuous fuel pathway is prohibited (§4.6). Exceptions: existing vinyl (parallel, ≥4 ft from the wall, no vegetation between fence and structure) and new parallel FRTW that is on the OSFM WUI Products Handbook. Your insurer or the IBHS may not allow vinyl or FRTW within 5 feet.

Sources: California Board of Forestry & Fire Protection April 2026 Zone 0 draft rule text (Title 14 CCR §1298.04(b)(8)–(9)); City of San Diego Zone 0 Guidelines for Existing Structures (SDMC §512.0604 §4.6). The state rule is presented as a draft and may change before adoption. Confirm current requirements with your AHJ.

Table 3

Documented Material & Profile Data

Reference values MFD documents today. Rows without a published MFD document are marked “Available on request” and are confirmed per project.

Item Value Basis
Aluminum alloy — tensile strength 31,000 PSI 6063-T6 — typical alloy handbook values
Aluminum alloy — yield strength 25,000 PSI 6063-T6 — typical alloy handbook values
Aluminum alloy — density 0.097 lb/in³ 6063-T6 — typical alloy handbook values
Aluminum alloy — melting point ~1,200°F 6063-T6 — typical alloy handbook values
Steel fence finish Powder coat or galvanizing Finish system selected around site exposure; finish documentation available on request
Side gate — pedestrian width 3–4 ft typical Standard side-yard pedestrian gate; wider for bins or equipment. Final width set on a site walk.
Side gate — standard height 6 ft standard Taller where privacy and code allow; confirmed per project.
Post size / gauge, footing depth, panel span Available on request Engineered per material, height, terrain, and wind exposure; confirmed per project.
Wind-load rating (ASCE 7 / local) Available on request Project-specific engineering documentation; confirmed per project.
Product-specific fire test reports (ASTM E84 / E136) Available on request Confirmed per product and assembly for the selected material.

Handbook values are typical for the alloy family and are not a substitute for a mill certificate. Structural, wind-load, and product-specific fire documentation is assembled and confirmed for each project scope.

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