Build With Fire Resistant Lumber To Avoid Total Loss

[Posted on July 3rd, 2013 by Aaron Presley]

More building codes around the country are requiring builders to use fire resistant lumber. This is an important thing to note when you are building a structure out of wood for a variety of reasons. First, you need to follow building code if you want to get a thumbs up later on. Second, you need to make sure you are doing all that you can to strengthen your structure. In the event of a fire, you don’t want to lose everything.

There are lumber yards in Houston that stock this kind of lumber – which means it is easier to get your hands on than you might think. You simply need to determine how much you want and what kind of wood you want for your structure.

When you look at fire resistant lumber, it is not capable of catching on fire like traditional wood because of how it has been treated. It can lose its effectiveness when exposed to the elements for extended periods of time, however. Because of the popularity of this kind of fire resistant lumber, there are more companies creating various coatings that can be applied to the exterior so that it can last – and provide an effective coating in the event of a fire.

Significant studies have been made to address the methodology of fire resistance. The ASTM has established a variety of standards when it comes to fire resistant lumber, making it more popular than ever before. With new standards in place, the confidence has been secured in the marketplace – and more products are entering the market with every passing year – all meeting the standards and providing a significant amount of stability when tested in regards to strength performance.

When you are going to build any kind of structure, you have to look at materials. Fire resistant lumber has always been one of the most cost effective options, especially when compared to steel. Steel offers some benefits, though – such as being fire resistant. If you don’t want to go with that material because of cost or aesthetics, then you have to be cautious about the lumber you choose so you can avoid total loss in the event that there is a fire.

You will need to check out the different types of lumber offered and ensure it has been approved by the ASTM. Depending upon how you will be using the fire resistant lumber, you also want to look at the different protective coatings available to apply to the exterior of your structure.

If you are going to proceed with a wooden building, advancements have been made in fire resistant products – but you have to know about them. Consider what elements your structure will be exposed to and then go from there in terms of selecting the right lumber as well as the right coatings to avoid total loss.