Fire Rated Siding

Vinyl siding is more difficult than many other building materials to ignite because it is composed mainly of pvc which is inherently flame retardant due to its chlorine base.

Fire rated siding. Rollex navigator steel siding for example has a class a fire rating. Fiber cement siding is the only siding on the market to receive a class 1 a rating making it ideal for any property where the threat of fire may be a concern. Building with fire safety in mind. Many fiber cement products carry a class a fire rating meaning that they can withstand several hours of heat before melting down.

Fire resistance rated construction the use of materials and systems in the design and construction of a building or structure to safeguard against the spread of fie within a building or structure and the spread of fire to or from buildings or structures to the wildland urban interface area. While choosing exterior siding fire resistance may not be the first thing that springs to mind. Warnock hersey fire resistance rated wall assemblies warnock hersey product listings standards products are certified against astm iso en can cgsb can ulc 1 hour fire resistive rated wall assemblies click the link above each design number below represents a james hardie 1 hour fire resistive wall assembly jh fcs 60 01. Note that most fiber cement sidings require a gypsum board underlayment to reach their maximum efficacy.

Steel siding not only offers protection against a fire it is also naturally resistant and does not require the use of fire resistant treatments. Facts about vinyl siding according to fire rescue. Fiber cement shingles and clapboards made from a mix of portland cement sand and wood usually carry a class a fire rating which means they can withstand 2 to 4 hours of high heat before your home s structure starts to fail. An alternative to vinyl siding fiber cement a mixture of cement sand and wood fibers manages to achieve very high fire resistance without sacrificing convenience and durability.

The highest rating possible for fire resistance. Siding types that are the most highly rated when it comes to fire resistance include fiber cement metal and brick. Vinyl siding is fire resistant harder to ignite and easier to extinguish. The code requirements for fire resistance of metal panels are logical and not overly burdensome.

Pvc has one of the lowest flame spread ratings meaning that it won t typically contribute to the spread of a fire. Although vinyl is one of the most popular types it s not recommended if your home is at high risk. Only one brings with it the durability worry free fire resistance that you need to help ensure your home s exterior is protected from the threat of fires. While fire resistance won t make your home fireproof fire rated exterior siding will help protect the building and your possessions until the fire department can arrive on the scene limiting damage.

A class a rating means it is going to offer the maximum protection possible against fire and will not spread flames.