Fire rated plywood is a great option for most building project needs. It is modified by an innovative treatment that makes the entire panel greatly fire resistant and accepted by the most demanding tests, even after sanding or machining. Fire rated plywood is made to withstand high levels of heat and fire to prevent a detrimental flame spread. Not to mention it is fully built to last with special features, in order to support projects that depend on extreme durability.
How is it Made?
The plywood is treated with fire-rated chemicals that make the treated wood char, but not oxidize, which can significantly reduce the spread and progress of fire in a building. This gives the plywood a protective barrier from the flames and allows the wood to help slow the spread of the fire. Certain treated plywoods are also made for exteriors, which gives it both a fire-retardant rating and a treatment to prevent the fire-retardant chemicals from leaching out in wet conditions.
What Are The Benefits of Fire Rate Plywood?
Fire rated plywood’s greatest asset is its agile nature. Contractors worldwide depend on this plywood to be the backbone of most construction foundations because of the many added benefits embedded in this wood. Here are some benefits of fire rated plywood, just to name a few:
All Panels Are Pressure Impregnated And Not Just Top-Coated
This means that the protection is not just a layer that is on top of the wood and can be taken off or worn down. Pressure impregnation is a chemical treatment that increases the lifetime of the material, and gets deep down into the wood itself to help prevent termites and other hazards. This chemical treatment is more than a single layer of protection and allows the wood to have lifetime protection from these issues.
All Panels Are Certified and Stamped With Their Fire Treatment
Be sure to inspect the fire rated plywood that you desire to see the professional, “stamp of approval,” that indicates harmless use of the plywood. This certified stamp means that the plywood was treated and inspected by a professional. Using it will be safer, while ensuring anyone else who comes in contact with the plywood will not be unintentionally exposed to those chemicals because of misuse during the treatment process. This also allows you to know exactly what type of treatment was done.
Protective Char Forms When Exposed to Fire
This type of plywood treatment keeps people, and buildings, safer in many ways. One of those ways is that the treatment causes a protective char to form when it is exposed to flames. This barrier acts as an insulator that protects the wood underneath while slowing the rate of burning. This keeps the wood itself from burning up in the fire and helps to protect itself against the flames.
This can be especially important in construction work because it can be a safer way to protect a house that is being built. One situation in which fire rated plywood can be beneficial is in case of a fire which could otherwise burn down all progress. Therefore, using fire rate plywood will help you and offer your project protection from detrimental accidents.
Using Fire Rated Plywood Can Lower Insurance Rates
Another benefit of using fire rated plywood is the fact that it could lower your insurance rates. Insurance companies want to ensure that your house will not go up in flames at the first sign of a fire. Having a plywood that is fire-resistant that will help to protect your house is in their best interest.
If your insurance company agrees to lower your insurance rates, they will receive documentation that your home is well-protected. Meanwhile, you have saved money by adding extra protection to your home.
You do Not Need Specialty Tools For Installation
Although this plywood may seem to require installation expertise or specialized tools, it is very easily workable. It can be installed with average woodworking tools, so there is no need to spend large amounts on expensive equipment. This makes installation a lot easier, and gives you the ability to save money too.
Find Out More About Fire Rated Plywood
There are many benefits to using fire rated plywood, and using it can give you the peace of mind knowing that you have an added level of protection from fire. If you want more information about fire rated plywood, or if you are looking to purchase this plywood, reach out to Curtis Lumber. They will have all the information you are looking for and will be able to assist you in purchasing plywood in bulk.
