Fireproof wood helps protect against the spread of flames and development of smoke while also withstanding rot and decay. The wood is treated with chemicals during construction, helping the fire retardant capabilities penetrate through to all parts of the wood. For this reason, it is not recommended for use in areas that will come into contact with higher than average amounts of water, but fireproof wood is a valuable construction tool in other projects thanks to its ability to protect people and valuable property in the event of a fire.
How Fireproof Wood is Made
To make fireproof wood, untreated kiln dried lumber or plywood is loaded into a cylinder called a retort. The retort is sealed and the air is removed. Next, a fire retardant solution is pumped in to completely fill the retort, and pressure is continuously applied to force the solution into the cells of the wood. The amount of time wood spends in this stage of the process depends on its species, size, fireproofing solution used and standard intended for the final product.
Once this process is complete, excess solution is returned to tanks for future use, and the wood is moved to a drip pad to collect additional solution before the wood is dried in a kiln or placed in an area with large fans for air drying. When the wood is dry, core samples are taken and analyzed for quality control.
In some cases, fire retardant chemicals are applied to the wood during the manufacturing process instead of after the wood is finished. No matter the process, fireproof wood can be used for the following applications:
Exterior Trim
Exterior trim is a decorative element that not all houses necessarily have, and it may not seem necessary to use fireproof wood for these pieces. However, fireproof wood can be used for the same things as any other type of wood, making it easy to include here. By using fireproof wood even on decorative elements, like trim, you create one less area in which a fire might be able to start and spread.
Building Frame and Support Structures
Frames and support structures can benefit from being built from fireproof wood. In the event of a fire, these critical pieces of the building will remain upright for longer, helping the rest of the building stand until the fire is put out. This, in turn, gives people more time to leave the building safely, without threat of injury from falling materials.
Fire Barriers
Fire barriers are, of course, an excellent use for fireproof wood. When strategically placed in vulnerable areas, fire barriers can give occupants of the building extra time to escape. These can be particularly beneficial in barns and stables, where animals may not be able to safely get themselves out and must instead wait for help.
Exterior Walls
Many fires begin outside of the home or building, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. Fireproof wood can, in these instances and others, be used on the exterior walls of the structure to prevent the fire from entering. This can help evacuees get out of the building safely, particularly if they need to grab a last few essentials on their way out.
Roof Construction
Most people may think that roofs are not as vulnerable to fire damage as other areas of buildings. However, lighting, electrical wires and even fireworks present a serious threat to roofs, particularly because occupants may not realize that a roof fire has started until it has spread to dangerous levels. Fireproof wood helps eliminate this danger as much as possible by making it more difficult for fires that begin on the roof to spread.
Interior Partitions
House fires are often started by stoves, irons and other appliances that were left on for too long and forgotten about. With fireproof wood, you can contain fires like these to one area as much as possible by using it to create interior partitions. These partitions may also be useful in industrial settings to help separate different areas of the production process and minimize the potential for fire damage.
Purchasing Wholesale Fireproof Wood
Contact Curtis Lumber and Plywood for more information or to purchase wholesale fireproof wood. The company sells a wide array of lumber, plywood, and other home improvement and construction materials, making it a convenient one stop shop for your next project. Friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you select the right materials based on your budget and goals, ensuring that you get what you need for successful construction. Curtis Lumber and Plywood can also deliver wholesale materials to worksites in the New York and Northern Vermont areas, helping you save time and finish your work on schedule.
