Get A Free Estimate
Three evenly spaced black horizontal bars on a white background.

Blogs & News

BrandGuard Strengthens Fire Safety Credentials with Two New ICC-ES Listings

Independent third-party verification for both wildfire protection and one-hour fire-resistance-rated assemblies

When specifying fire protection products, independent verification matters. It is the difference between believing a product can perform as intended and having independent evidence that it has been evaluated and verified to do so.

That’s why we’re delighted to announce that BrandGuard Vents have achieved two ICC-ES Listing Reports covering separate but equally important areas of fire safety performance.

The first, ESL-1689, provides independent verification of BrandGuard Vents’ ability to resist ember intrusion and direct flame impingement in accordance with ASTM E2886 wildfire testing requirements.

The second, ESL-1690, demonstrates the use of selected BrandGuard Vent models within a tested one-hour fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling assembly when installed in accordance with the report requirements.

Together, these listings provide independent third-party verification across two critical aspects of fire safety: helping to defend buildings from external wildfire threats and supporting the integrity of fire-resistance-rated construction assemblies.

What is ICC-ES? 

ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is a subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC) that evaluates building products against recognized standards and code requirements.

As part of its product listing program, ICC-ES reviews supporting test data, manufacturing quality systems and conducts ongoing surveillance activities to help ensure listed products continue to meet the standards and performance levels for which they have been evaluated.

For architects, specifiers, code officials and contractors, an ICC-ES listing provides an additional level of confidence that products have been independently assessed and verified against defined performance criteria. For homeowners, it also provides peace of mind that the vents helping protect their home have been assessed against recognized performance standards.

Wall being fire tested beside ICC Evaluation Service logo and website text.
Assorted BrandGuard metal air vents and grilles displayed on a simple background.

ICC-ES Listing ESL-1689: Wildfire Protection 

Under ICC-ES Listing Report ESL-1689, BrandGuard Vents were evaluated in accordance with ASTM E2886, the recognized test standard for assessing the ability of exterior vents to resist ember intrusion and direct flame impingement during wildfire exposure.

The evaluation found that BrandGuard Vents prevented embers from entering and causing ignition during testing and met the flame intrusion requirements described in the listing report.

Importantly, the listing covers a broad range of BrandGuard products, including foundation vents, soffit vents, continuous soffit vents, balcony inspection vents, eave vents, gable end vents and dormer vents.

BrandGuard products were already listed with CAL FIRE, but this ICC-ES listing provides independent documentation against ASTM E2886 for jurisdictions and project teams that require ASTM E2886 listings. In practical terms, this helps move the story beyond California recognition and supports wider specification wherever ASTM E2886 documentation is required.

ICC-ES Listing ESL-1690: One-Hour Fire-Resistance-Rated AssembliesWhy Independent Verification Matters 

Building on this success, selected BrandGuard Vent models have also been included in ICC-ES Listing Report ESL-1690, demonstrating their use within a tested one-hour fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling assembly when installed in accordance with the report requirements.

Put simply, these vents help stop a fire from using the ventilation opening as a pathway through the assembly, helping the tested floor-ceiling construction maintain its one-hour fire-resistance rating when installed in accordance with the listing.

The listing covers specified CS2011 and CS2031 BrandGuard Vent models in approved configurations and was evaluated to modified ASTM E119 and CAN/ULC S101 fire endurance standards.

Close-up of roof overhang with beams, vents, and a small security camera against blue sky.
Worker in hard hat using tools on overhead structure, with some leaves visible nearby.

Why Independent Verification Matters

Although wildfire protection products such as vents are often hidden or visually integrated within a building, their performance can be critical during a fire event.

Third-party listings provide an objective assessment of product performance and manufacturing consistency. The ICC-ES program also incorporates factory inspections and ongoing quality system surveillance, helping ensure that listed products continue to conform to the evaluated design.

For architects, engineers, contractors and code officials, independent documentation can simplify the process of demonstrating code compliance and product suitability. ICC-ES also makes evaluation listings available through resources used by code officials, engineers, architects and specifiers when reviewing products for construction projects.

Supporting Safer Buildings

Ventilation openings can present a major challenge in fire-safe construction. They are necessary for buildings to perform as intended, but they can also create potential pathways for ember intrusion, flame exposure or fire spread if not properly protected.

BrandGuard Vents are designed to provide ventilation under normal conditions while incorporating intumescent technology that reacts to heat during a fire.

Whether protecting against wildfire ember intrusion or supporting fire-resistance-rated construction, independently verified performance provides confidence for everyone involved in a project.

The addition of ESL-1689 and ESL-1690 expands the body of recognized third-party evidence supporting BrandGuard Vents and reinforces our commitment to delivering wildfire protection solutions that have been independently evaluated against rigorous standards.

ICC-ES Listing Reports

ESL-1689: Wildfire ember intrusion and direct flame resistance, evaluated to ASTM E2886.

ESL-1690: One-hour fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling assemblies, evaluated to modified ASTM E119 and CAN/ULC S101.

Issued: July 2026.

Subject to renewal: July 2027.

Three people work by a pool near a white house with a ladder leaning against the wall.

Related Posts