Fire Rated Siding

The code requirements for fire resistance of metal panels are logical and not overly burdensome.

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. 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. 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. 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.

Building with fire safety in mind. Note that most fiber cement sidings require a gypsum board underlayment to reach their maximum efficacy. Vinyl siding is fire resistant harder to ignite and easier to extinguish. 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 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. Steel siding not only offers protection against a fire it is also naturally resistant and does not require the use of fire resistant treatments. A class a rating means it is going to offer the maximum protection possible against fire and will not spread flames. Many fiber cement products carry a class a fire rating meaning that they can withstand several hours of heat before melting down.

Although vinyl is one of the most popular types it s not recommended if your home is at high risk. While choosing exterior siding fire resistance may not be the first thing that springs to mind. Most metal panel manufacturers have tested their roof assemblies and most if not all metal panels and shingles can be used in class a fire rated roof systems. 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.

Siding types that are the most highly rated when it comes to fire resistance include fiber cement metal and brick. Pvc has one of the lowest flame spread ratings meaning that it won t typically contribute to the spread of a fire. Rollex navigator steel siding for example has a class a fire rating. Facts about vinyl siding according to fire rescue.

If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires then it s probably a good idea to get fire resistant siding.