Performance - 20-Gauge 304 Stainless-Steel

Understanding the heat resistance and compliance potential of our chute material

🧱 Material Overview

**Material:** 20-gauge (approx. 0.036") Type 304 stainless steel

**Key Properties:**

- High resistance to heat and corrosion

- Maintains structural integrity under extreme temperatures

- Widely used in industrial and construction environments

🔥 Heat & Fire Resistance

- **Melting Point:** ~1,400 °C (2,552 °F)

- **Combustibility:** Non-combustible under typical fire conditions

- **Performance:** Retains shape and strength longer than many materials during fire exposure

📜 Fire Rating Clarification

While 20-gauge 304 stainless steel offers excellent fire resistance, it does not carry a standalone UL fire rating.

To achieve a certified fire rating, the material must be part of a tested assembly—such as a chute system combined with insulation or fire-rated components.

📄Certified Fire Test – ASTM E84 / UL 723

To further demonstrate the fire resilience of 20-gauge Type 304 stainless steel, the material underwent third-party testing using the ASTM E84 / UL 723 method for surface burning characteristics.

  • Tested Material: 20-gauge Type 304 brushed stainless steel

  • Mounting Method: Applied to a non-combustible cement board substrate

  • Test Lab: QAI Laboratories

  • Flame Spread Index: 0

  • Smoke Developed Index: 10

  • Ignition: No sustained ignition during 10-minute direct flame exposure

  • Classification: Class A – Highest Rating

📎 Certified Fire Test Report Scroll below to view full ASTM E84 results for 20-Gauge 304 Stainless Steel.