Once a product proves successful in the marketplace, the imitators soon follow. Some appear to be “just as good” but can degrade over time. Some lack the inherent performance of the product being imitated. In either case, pay now or pay a lot more later. 

For more than 100 years, the wood preserving industry has pressure impregnated wood with fire retardants to enhance fire performance. Pressure-impregnated, fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) does not support combustion and inhibits significant glowing after the fire-source flames are removed. The fire-retardant treatment also limits flame spread across the surface of the treated materials. 

FRTW can be used in lieu of steel and concrete in noncombustible types of construction. When properly installed, pressure-impregnated FRTW never needs additional inspection or service and is free of ongoing maintenance costs. FRTW does not require water or electricity to provide the passive protection to the wood. It always provides safety, even during utility interruptions. 

CODE MATTERS

Architects and builders across the United States have discovered the value and performance of buildings using FRTW. The International Building Code (IBC) allows residential buildings using FRTW to be constructed up to 5 stories and 85 feet in height. The added height over conventional wood construction is attributed to the additional safety that FRTW provides. 

The IBC was recently clarified to prohibit “the use of paints, coating, stains, or other surface treatments” as a means for impregnating wood products with chemicals. This added criterion ensures the long-term performance of the treated wood materials, allowing only extremely durable and predictable treatment methods, such as pressure impregnation, to be employed. 

Some products are still being manufactured using surface treatment processes. These products may still be used as interior wall and ceiling finish where the code still permits their use. However, these surface-treated products are not recognized as FRTW and cannot be used in lieu of steel and concrete in noncombustible types of construction. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU SPECIFY 

Products that fail to correctly meet the code’s intended life-safety function can have tragic consequences. Designers and specifiers should understand the recent changes in the building code related to FRTW and other critical building products. Nonspecific or incomplete specifications may open the jobsite to procurement and installation latitude. Clear specifications that include specific material standards are essential to ensure that the correct product is used. 

When specifying FRTW for a project, avoid unintentionally compromising the product’s fire performance. Be sure to include the revised testing and performance criteria provided at 2018 IBC, Section 2303.2, in the body of the specifications. Always insist that the product is listed and labeled by a trusted and reliable third-party listing agency. Research and verify that contractor product substitutions comply with code requirements and project specifications; always review their code report or technical documentation.  

Your professional reputation is your most valuable asset. Protect your project from the imitators, and ensure the fire safety intended by the IBC.

For more information, visit www.frtw.com.