Fire Treated – Interior Fire-retardant Lumber
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About Fire Treated Lumber
Fire Treated Lumber / Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRT)
Fire treated lumber – fire retardant treated wood (FRT) – is an effective and economical material for reducing the effects of fire. It impedes flame spread and smoke development, and it is recognized as an alternative to materials classified as noncombustible for a range of applications.
Fire treated lumber is intended for interior, weather-protected applications. Fire retardant treated wood has been used for decades in institutional buildings. As more homes are built near forests and wilderness areas, the threat of fire is increasing to residential property and inhabitants. Fire treated lumber provides an extra measure of safety for homeowners and may even increase escape time in the event of a fire.
FRT wood provides greater design latitude for the architect, engineer and contractor, and removes many barriers associated with conventional noncombustible materials such as masonry and steel. It offers all of the environmental and other advantages of non-treated wood.
Details
FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated wood (FRTW) is lumber and plywood pressure impregnated with FirePRO Interior Type A High Temperature (HT) fire retardant chemicals. FirePRO® brand fire retardant is a patented formulation based on proprietary Osmose technology.
Historically, fire retardants have depended upon phosphorus-based compounds to achieve fire performance properties. While the unique FirePRO® chemistry contains no phosphates, independent testing performed in accordance with industry standards has shown FirePRO® FRTW to exhibit exceptional fire performance properties without compromising other critical engineering properties such as strength, durability, corrosivity, and hygroscopicity. In fact, when compared to the untreated wood used in these tests, FirePRO® FRTW exhibited superior strength durability, low hygroscopicity, and resistance to fastener corrosion.
FirePRO® FRTW carries a 50-Year Limited Warranty against structural failure due to heat or humidity is available.
FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated wood is typically specified for use in areas not exposed to the weather or wetting and where the adopted building code permits the use of wood or fire retardant treated wood.
Download the FirePro Manu Spec sheet.
Download the FirePro Spec Data sheet.
Download the FirePro Brochure.
End Uses
FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated lumber is typically permitted for interior, above ground applications such as: roof systems, studs, flooring, joists, sill plates, (when not in direct contact with the ground) blocking and furring, and other interior applications. The specifier and/or end user is responsible to review the test data on FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated wood to determine if it is acceptable for the intended end use.
Fastener and Hardware Information
The following metal fasteners are recommended for use in contact with FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated lumber: 2024-T3 aluminum, SAE 1010 steel, hot-dipped zinc galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, or red brass.
Building Code Approvals
- ASTM D3201-94 (Hygroscopicity)
- ASTM D3359-87 (Finish Adhesion)
- ASTM D5516-96 (Plywood Strength Testing)
- ASTM D6305-98 (Plywood Strength Calculations)
- ASTM E662 (Smoke Density)
- AWPA C20-93 (FRT Lumber)
- AWPA E1-97 (Termite Testing)
- AWPA E6-97 (Hygroscopicity)
- UL 723 (Surface Burning Characteristics)
- ASTM E1354-97 (Oxygen Consumption)
- ASTM D5664-95 (Lumber Strength Testing)
- ASTM E162 (Radiant Panel)
- ASTM E84 (Surface Burning Characteristics)
- AWPA C27-93 (FRT Plywood)
- NFPA 255 (Surface Burning Characteristics)
- NYS Mod. Pittsburgh Protocol (Smoke Toxicity)
- BSS 7239 (Smoke Toxicity)
- ANSI/TPI-1995 (Truss Plate Withdrawal)
- NER-577 (National Evaluation Service, Inc.)
- MEA (City of New York), MEA 137-00-M (Lumber) & MEA 136-00-M (Plywood)
- Research Report: RR 25442 (City of Los Angeles)
Care and Maintenance
Under normal temperature and humidity conditions, latex and oil-based paints, as well as water-and solvent-based stains, can be used with FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated wood. If prolonged exposure to high humidity conditions is expected, special surface preparation procedures including the use of an appropriate primer are recommended. Before application of any finish, the wood surface should be lightly sanded, cleaned and dry. For best results, always follow the coating manufacturer’s label instructions.
Typical joining cuts, end cuts, and drilled holes will not adversely affect the fire performance of FirePRO® brand fire retardant treated wood and no field treatment is required to maintain flame spread ratings. However, ripping or milling of FirePRO® FRT lumber is not permitted, as these operations could adversely affect the surface burning characteristics. FirePRO® fire retardant treated plywood can be ripped as required.
Dricon® fire retardant treated (FRT) wood is an effective and economical material for reducing the effects of fire. It impedes both flame spread and smoke development. Building code and related agencies recognize it as an alternative to materials classified as noncombustible for a range of applications, and it has been issued a code evaluation report.
- Dricon® FRT Wood Advantages
- Component Additive Method (CAM) Guide
- Code Report (ESR-1626)
- ICC Building Code References
- Editable Model Specification
- Product Demonstration Video
- Fire Performance Ratings
- Danback™ Flexible Wood Backing System
Introduced in 1981, Dricon FRT wood is a development of Lonza Wood Protection intended for interior, weather-protected applications. Since that introduction, Dricon FRT wood has proven itself in countless structures of many different types.
Fire retardant treated wood has been used for decades in institutional buildings. As more homes are built near forests and wildlands, the threat of fire is increasing to residential property and inhabitants. Dricon FRT wood provides an extra measure of safety for homeowners and may even increase escape time in the event of a fire. Learn more about residential use.
Dricon FRT wood provides greater design latitude for the architect, engineer and contractor, and removes many barriers associated with conventional noncombustible materials such as masonry and steel. The use of Dricon FRT wood can result in greater safety and offers a less costly alternative to the use of sprinklers or parapet walls. It offers all of the environmental and other advantages of wood. Plus, it is backed by a 40-year roof system warranty that covers both materials and labor, a 40-year preservative warranty, and a truss manufacturers warranty.
Each batch of Dricon FR chemical is inspected and tested to be sure it adheres to the specifications of Lonza Wood Protection and Underwriters Laboratories. The Dricon chemical meets current AWPA standards as a fire retardant and as a preservative in above-ground, weather-protected uses. Learn more about fire performance and other properties, treatment, species and sizing, and compliance with green building requirements.
Learn also about AIA CEU credits, and FRX® fire retardant wood for exterior applications.
Pyro-Guard is pressure-impregnated, interior fire-retardant treated lumber and plywood for enclosed structural applications.
Uses
Pyro-Guard is recommended for enclosed structural applications such as:
- Plywood roof sheathing
- Roof trusses
- Rafters
- Floor joists
- Mezzanines
- Shelving
- Load-bearing walls
- Floor sheathing
- Partition walls
- Studs
- Interior beams
- Blocking
- Steps
- Stairways
- Platforms
- Stages
- Plywood subfloors
- Wall sheathing
- Telecomm/electrical panels
Pyro-Guard has been strength-tested after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and moisture to verify its strength characteristics when used in roof systems and other recommended applications.
Pyro-Guard is the only major fire-retardant formulation produced by an American-owned company.
Pyro-Guard plywood span ratings and lumber design value adjustments are based on strength testing after prolonged exposure to high temperatures experienced in roof applications.
Pyro-Guard is used for interior structural applications such as ceiling and floor joists.
Pyro-Guard fire-retardant treated wood is produced in 5 strategically located company-owned facilities and is distributed by an extensive nationwide network of stocking distributors.
Exterior Fire-X® retardant treated wood is recommended for exterior exposures and other applications exposed to dampness, high humidity or wetting.
Advantages
- Construction with Pyro-Guard treated wood requires no special tools or skills.
- Pyro-Guard trusses and roof decks often qualify a masonry wall building as “non-combustible” for insurance purposes.
- Pyro-Guard can often be substituted for non-combustible materials without affecting building classification.
- Use of Pyro-Guard wood partitions instead of untreated partitions often allows for an increase in square footage and lower insurance rates.
- The use of Pyro-Guard wood roof decking is usually accepted in lieu of parapet walls in multi-family dwellings.
- Even when sprinklers are mandatory, the use of Pyro-Guard can further reduce fire insurance rates.
- Pyro-Guard is commonly accepted by building codes for partition walls, store fronts, fixtures and roof construction in shopping centers.
Fire Performance
Pyro-Guard is pressure impregnated deep into the wood to provide permanent protection, unlike coatings, which only provide superficial protection.
When Pyro-Guard treated wood is exposed to fire, non-combustible gas and water vapor are produced, and a layer of protective char forms, which hinders combustion and insulates the wood against further damage.
Pyro-Guard interior fire-retardant treated wood has a low rate of fuel contribution and heat release, and it maintains structural integrity longer than other building materials such as steel. Consequently, fire damages and repair costs are minimized, resulting in reduced insurance rates.
Smoke Toxicity
Pyro-Guard has successfully passed a stringent combustion toxicity test. Smoke produced by Pyro-Guard treated wood was no more toxic than smoke produced by untreated wood.
Code Compliance
Pyro-Guard was the first FRTW (fire-retardant treated wood) to be issued a Code Compliance Report based on high temperature testing for roof sheathing and framing uses.
ICC Evaluation Service
ICC-ESR-1791 has been issued for Pyro-Guard by the International Code Council, confirming compliance with National, Uniform and Standard building codes.
ICC-ESR-1791 contains conditions of use and strength adjustments for roof sheathing, roof framing and other applications.
Pyro-Guard meets the flame spread requirement of all building codes which is 25 or less, as determined by Underwriters Laboratories in the extended 30 minute duration of ASTM E-84, “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.” Each piece of treated wood bears the Underwriters Laboratories Classification mark identifying it as being produced under its Classification and Follow Up Services.
Pyro-Guard is often approved as a substitute for non-combustible materials in applications such as wall studs and roof systems.
Pyro-Guard should not be confused with fire-retardant surface coatings, because test requirements and code definitions are entirely different for each. Pyro-Guard is pressure impregnated and carries a flamespread rating derived by Underwriters Laboratories in the 30 minute ASTM E-84 flamespread test, while coatings are sprayed, brushed or rolled on the surface and flame tested for only 10 minutes. Fire retardant coated wood is superficially protected at best, and it does not meet code requirements for structural uses.
Warranty
Hoover Treated Wood Products warrants Pyro-Guard fire-retardant treated wood against defects in manufacture where the product is properly installed up to a maximum of 20 years. This warranty entitles the holder to repair or replacement of defective material, including the reasonable cost of labor and materials.
Hoover Treated Wood Products warrants that its Pyro-Guard interior fire-retardant treated wood is manufactured under Underwriters Laboratories Inc. independent third-party Follow Up Inspection Service and that it meets or exceeds the following code requirements for interior fire retardant treated wood:
- Military Specification MIL-L-19140
- Standard Building Code
- New York City MEA Division
- National Building Code
- International Building Code
- Uniform Building Code
- International Residential Code
- Insurance Services Office
Further, Pyro-Guard treated wood products will meet or exceed the relevant ASTM Standards (E-84, D 3201) for interior fire retardant lumber and plywood.
Pyro-Guard treated wood is warranted for interior applications involving dry conditions of use, where it is protected during construction and applied and used in accordance with Hoover Treated Wood Products’ specifications. Use of Pyro-Guard treated wood where it is exposed to weather, dampness or wetting; or where it is in direct contact with concrete or masonry that is in contact with the ground or directly exposed to the weather; or as roof sheathing without proper ventilation for moisture control; are conditions constituting improper design, installation and/or maintenance and invalidates the terms of this warranty.
No other warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall apply.
Appearance
The natural wood color and texture remains intact with Pyro-Guard. Raised grain may occur, especially on sanded plywood, and this is easily removed by sanding. Marks may be left by drying sticks on both sides of lumber and plywood. If these are undesirable, Pyro-Guard can be ordered with stick marks on one side only.
Engineering Calculations with Pyro-Guard
Pyro-Guard was the first FRTW with plywood roof span ratings and lumber strength adjustments based on strength testing after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and moisture.
Furthermore, Pyro-Guard was the first FRTW to be issued a Code Compliance Report which includes evaluation of elevated temperature strength testing.
Strength
Pyro-Guard was the first interior fire-retardant treatment with plywood roof span ratings and lumber strength adjustments based on high temperature testing. Plywood was strength-tested after exposure to 170 degrees F, and lumber was strength-tested after exposure to 150 degrees F according to ASTM 5516 and ASTM 5664. As a result, Pyro-Guard can be used with confidence in all recommended structural applications, including plywood roof sheathing and roof trusses.
Finishing Pyro-Guard Fire Retardant Treated Wood
Pyro-Guard interior fire-retardant treated wood can be finished or painted. As with untreated wood, the wood must be dry and clean before finishing.
Pyro-Guard fire retardant treated wood, like any other type of wood, should only be finished after the structure is enclosed and mechanical equipment is placed in service. This allows the moisture content in the wood to stabilize at an acceptable level.
Coating systems should first be tested on sample material and exposed to actual use conditions to determine if the desired effect can be obtained.
Decay and Termite Resistance
Treatment with Pyro-Guard provides excellent resistance to decay and termites. Keep in mind, however, that interior fire-retardant treated wood is not recommended for use in damp or wet conditions, or in contact with concrete slabs or soil.
Ventilation, Moisture and Heat
Adequate air flow must be provided in wood roof systems to prevent moisture buildup in the wood. It is the sole responsibility of the building owner or his agent (builder, architect, engineer, etc.) to insure that ventilation is provided to at least the level required by the appropriate building code.
Job Site Storage
As with untreated wood, it is important to keep Pyro-Guard material dry by covering the top of the bundle, storing the material under shelter, elevating the bundle from ground contact, and allowing for air circulation around the wood. Roof sheathing should be covered as soon as practical after installation. If wetted during construction, allow to dry before enclosure or covering with roofing material.
Hygroscopicity and Corrosiveness
The hygroscopicity (moisture absorbency per ASTM 3201) and corrosiveness of Pyro-Guard fire-retardant treated wood is far lower than the maximum allowed by industry and governmental standards. Even though testing indicates that carbon steel fasteners can be compatible with Pyro-Guard, galvanized fasteners are recommended.
Pyro-Guard is safe to use with galvanized truss plates, duct work, plumbing, conduit and copper. It contains no halides, sulfates or ammonium phosphates.
Third-Party Monitoring of Kiln Drying After Treatment
All building codes require fire-retardant treated wood to be dried after treatment. Kiln drying restores stiffness and strength, increases dimensional stability and reduces shipping weight.
Kiln drying of Pyro-Guard is monitored by Timber Products Inspection Inc. to assure conformance to Production Standard 2200. This unique standard was developed by Hoover to assure that treating and re-drying methods are consistent with those used to produce materials tested for long-term strength properties. This monitoring program is in addition to UL Follow-Up Service which assures fire performance.
Such quality control is possible because Pyro-Guard is produced in company-owned treating plants and by a select group of licensees, allowing complete control of all facets of production.
Limitations
Pyro-Guard is recommended for enclosed interior applications not exposed to the weather, dampness, high humidity or wetting. Codes require exterior type FRTW such as Exterior Fire-X for such applications.
Interior fire-retardant treated wood should not be used in damp crawl spaces, other damp areas or in direct contact with concrete floors or damp concrete or masonry walls.
Bottom plates on concrete should be CCA pressure treated lumber, and CCA or Exterior Fire-X fire-retardant treated wood should be used in contact with damp walls.