By Huck DeVenzio, Arch Wood Protection
In recent comments by fire officials, concerns have been raised about the fire performance of lightweight construction components. They have warned that these popular components–trusses, wood I-joists, floor and ceiling systems–are more susceptible to fire damage and may increase risk to fire fighters.
An important part of these innovations is oriented strand board (OSB), which has a number of economic and environmental advantages but cannot be pressure-treated with fire retardant solutions as can plywood panels. However, manufacturers have introduced OSB that can meet code requirements through use of factory-applied fire retardant coatings. FR coated OSB can match code-mandated performance of fire retardant pressure-treated wood in weather-protected applications.
FLAMEDXX® coated OSB has undergone a battery of tests evaluating its surface burning characteristics, strength values, smoke toxicity, and corrosiveness to metal hardware. FLAMEDXX OSB has qualified as a Class A fire retardant treated material, and has shown no progressive combustion when subjected to the extended version of ASTM’s tunnel test (ASTM E 84).
Suited especially for roof and wall sheathing in commercial, institutional, and multi-family construction, FLAMEDXX OSB has been reviewed by various organizations which have confirmed its compliance with codes along with its other properties. When fire strikes, the intumescent coating foams and chars, providing insulation for underlying material and reducing the spread of flames.
Marketed through the Dricon® FRT wood producers licensed by Arch Wood Protection, Inc., Atlanta, the product is manufactured by FLAMEDXX, LLC in a factory setting where quality control is monitored by an independent agency. Each panel is marked with the Warnock Hersey quality mark.
More information is available from sources of Dricon FRT wood or by visiting www.useFRTW.com/osb.
