Wood is used extensively in construction thanks to its wide availability, renewability and affordability, but steps must be taken to increase its resistance to fire because it is also a highly flammable material.
Fire-retardant lumber is a great way to improve a building’s safety, and it can also allow a project to meet the relevant building codes. In recent years, contractors have increased their use of fire-retardant wood thanks to the many benefits it provides, and one popular choice is Pyro-Guard® treated plywood.
What Is Pyro-Guard® Plywood?
Pyro-Guard® plywood is a type of plywood that has undergone the Pyro-Guard® pressure impregnation process to give it fire-retardant properties. It is designated for interior use in enclosed structural applications.
Some of its potential applications include floor and wall sheathing, load-bearing walls, rafters, roof trusses, plywood roof sheathing and subfloors, studs and interior beams. With its low rate of fuel contribution and heat release, it is a great choice for many types of building projects.
It is produced in accordance with a series of quality control procedures set out by the International Code Counsel Evaluation Service, or ICC-ES, and has been tested extensively for strength after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Benefits Of Pyro-Guard® Plywood
Pyro-Guard® plywood is prized for its many benefits that extend beyond its potential to save lives in the event of a fire. Below are some of its greatest advantages.
Pyro-Guard® Wood Requires No Special Tools
Unlike some other types of wood, no special tools are needed when working with Pyro-Guard® plywood. In addition, construction workers do not need any special skills beyond those needed for working with untreated wood in order to use this material successfully.
This treated wood can be safely painted or finished as long as it has been dried and cleaned prior to finishing. It is also important to store this wood in an area where it can remain dry, such as under shelter, and elevate it to prevent contact with the ground and facilitate the circulation of air around the wood. If it does become wet during construction, it must be re-dried.
It Has High Fire-Resistance Performance
Because Pyro-Guard® is impregnated deep into wood, it lends permanent protection. This is far superior to coatings that are simply brushed or sprayed onto the surface of the wood and only provide superficial protection.
When this type of wood is exposed to fire, it creates non-combustible gas and water vapor. It also develops a layer of char. This is an additional safety measure as charred wood itself is considered a mild flame retardant that can hinder combustion and help protect the wood from sustaining further damage. This means that it will retain its structural integrity for longer, possibly providing additional time for those in the building to make it to safety and for fire crews to get the fire under control. This also reduces fire damage, repair costs and insurance rates.
Pyro-Guard® interior fire-retardant treated plywood boasts a flame spread rating of 25 or less under the ASTM E84 test.
It Passes A Smoke-Toxicity Test
Pyro-Guard® has been put through stringent combustion toxicity tests to ensure its safety. The smoke that this type of wood produces has been found to be no more toxic than the smoke that is generated by untreated wood.
It Has The Appearance Of Natural Wood
Aesthetics are a big concern in many construction projects, and treatment with Pyro-Guard® does not impact the appearance of the wood the way other treatments do. It allows the wood’s natural texture and color to shine through, and any raised grain that might occur from treatment can easily be sanded away for a smooth finish.
Strength Of Wood Treated
Pyro-Guard® also boasts impressive strength. Plywood that has undergone this treatment has been strength-tested after exposure to temperatures of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and lumber treated with Pyro-Guard® has been strength-tested after being exposed to temperatures of 150 degrees. This means it can be used safely in all of its recommended structural applications, including roof trusses as well as plywood roof sheathing.
Get Pyro-Guard® Plywood From Curtis Lumber & Plywood
ire-retardant plywood like Pyro-Guard® treated wood is a vital safety measure that can reduce insurance costs, save people’s lives and attract buyers. If you are interested in finding out more about how Pyro-Guard® can help give your next construction project additional protection in the event of a fire, get in touch with the experienced plywood experts at Curtis Lumber & Plywood. As a Northern Virginia wholesale lumber supplier who specializes in fire-retardant plywood and lumber, they can advise on all aspects of working safely with this material and help you obtain the types and sizes of wood you need for a successful project.
