As with all test standards, NFPA 285 is reviewed on a regular basis to address inconsistencies and technical issues within the standard.  In March, an NFPA committee met and proposed changes to the wall construction for this test that will render many past tests invalid.  The proposed modification specifically locates panel joints where they were previously required to be “representative of standard construction practices”.  This modification will not only affect combustible exterior cladding, it will affect any wall assembly that contains combustible elements including insulation and barrier materials.  The NFPA proposed modifications are currently open for public comment until November.  During that time, MCA will work with NFPA to understand the reasoning behind this proposal and better define the level of impact.