Materials less than what thickness are not required to be tested for interior finish purposes?

For interior finish purposes, materials that are less than 0.036 inches (or 36 mils) in thickness are not required to undergo testing. This threshold is outlined in building codes and regulations to streamline the inspection process, particularly for materials that are considered low-risk in terms of fire safety and performance.

Materials below this thickness can often be deemed as having a lower potential impact on safety and, therefore, do not require the same level of scrutiny as thicker materials. This approach helps to focus resources on assessing materials that are more integral to the building's fire resistance and overall safety compliance.

Understanding this threshold is crucial for inspectors, as it informs them about which materials they need to evaluate more rigorously during their assessments, ensuring adherence to safety regulations while also acknowledging practical considerations in the building industry.