NOCOM Structural Cement Board for Simplified 2-Hour Fire-Rated Floor Assemblies
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: a few seconds ago
NOCOM is a structural, noncombustible single-layer subfloor system that makes fire-rated floor assemblies lighter, faster & more cost effective while maintaining tested performance.
In multi-family, mixed-use, hospitality, and modular construction, floor assemblies are required to satisfy multiple performance criteria simultaneously, including fire resistance, acoustic performance, structural capacity, and ease of installation. NOCOM Structural Cement Board is a structural cement board subfloor and roof deck panel specifically designed to be the best choice for these applications. It's designed to be installed as part of the structural floor system while supporting UL-listed fire-rated assemblies and acoustical performance requirements.

The NOCOM Advantage
UL-classified floor/ceiling assemblies up to 2 hours
ASTM E136 noncombustible (QAI certified)
ASTM E84 Class A surface burning characteristics
Structural diaphragm performance (ASTM E455)
STC / IIC-rated floor assemblies
Dry installation (no poured gypsum, no curing, no added moisture)
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) available
A More Efficient Approach to Fire-Rated Floor Assemblies
Conventional 2-hour fire-rated floor assemblies typically rely on additional layers of gypsum board, concrete toppings, or composite systems to achieve required fire-resistance ratings. While effective, these assemblies often increase dead load, extend construction schedules, and require coordination between multiple trades. NOCOM is a dry structural subfloor panel, eliminating the need for poured gypsum, and therefor, having no curing time or jobsite moisture issues. This allows framing and finish trades to proceed immediately after installation, saving time and money compared to delays associated with poured systems.

2-Hour UL Assembly with Reduced Layer Complexity
The UL H514 floor/ceiling assembly incorporating NOCOM provides a tested 2-hour fire-resistance rating over steel framing. In specific configurations, the assembly includes a noncombustible structural subfloor, insulation, resilient channel, and a single layer of 5/8-inch Type C gypsum board. This reduction in required layers influences overall assembly efficiency, including weight, material quantities, installation time, and coordination.
Advantages include:
Reduced dead load on the structure
Fewer installed material layers
Simplified sequencing between trades
Elimination of poured systems / wet trades
Improved installation efficiency
Reduced inspection complexity
Fire and Acoustic Performance in Tested Assemblies
NOCOM is used in assemblies tested to recognized standards, including ASTM E136 for non-combustibility and ASTM E84 for surface burning characteristics. UL-classified assemblies include 1-hour and 2-hour floor/ceiling systems over both steel and wood framing. NOCOM is also included in assemblies tested for sound transmission under ASTM E90, ASTM E492, and ASTM E3222, with STC and IIC performance dependent on the complete assembly configuration.

Structural Subfloor Performance
NOCOM is specified as a structural subfloor panel, not a non-structural topping or underlayment. Installed as part of the structural floor system, NOCOM contributes to load carrying capacity and diaphragm performance. Published properties include bending strength, modulus of elasticity, shear strength, and fastener pull-through values. Diaphragm testing in accordance with ASTM E455 provides values for both simple beam and cantilever conditions, allowing NOCOM to be incorporated into both gravity and lateral load-resisting systems.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
NOCOM is supported by a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), providing transparent life-cycle assessment data for use in LEED and other green building programs. This documentation supports material transparency and sustainability requirements across a range of project types.
Mold & Corrosion Resistant
NOCOM is manufactured without silica, asbestos, or formaldehyde and demonstrates resistance to mold, corrosion, and environmental exposure. The board is factory sealed and suitable for exposure to typical jobsite conditions during construction.
Let's Discuss Your Next Project
For UL assembly details, diaphragm data, or project-specific specification support, contact Multi-Panels to discuss your application. Request a project review, obtain test reports and submittals, or schedule a call with our team to evaluate NOCOM for your next fire-rated floor assembly. Ready for a quote? Submit an RFQ through our form.
Summary
NOCOM Structural Cement Board provides a tested and documented approach to fire-rated structural floor assemblies. By combining noncombustibility, structural performance, acoustic capability, and dry installation, it supports efficient construction while meeting code-driven requirements. All assemblies must be constructed in accordance with the applicable UL design and installation requirements.












