Guidance for Proper Specification, Use
WWPI is the recognized source for information on fire retardant treated wood, offering a variety of publications detailing how to properly specify and use fire retardant wood products. To view or download a publication, click on the PDF icon. Please review the Disclaimer concerning this information.
Sources
Sources – Fire Retardant Treated Wood
Directory of Western fire retardant treated wood products manufacturers, with sales contact information and fire retardant treatments offered.
1 page, 12/24
Product Use
FireSpec – Code Compliant Fire Retardant-Treated Wood Labels
Details on code-required labels or stamps on interior use and exterior use fire retardant-treated lumber and plywood products.
1 page, 08/17
FireSpec – Fire Retardant Treating vs. Coatings
Details on the advantages of pressure treated fire retardants compared to surface coatings, code requirements regarding coatings and what to look for to ensure you have the proper fire retardant wood.
1 page, 01/22
Flame Spread Performance of Wood Products
Guide from the American Wood Council detailing the flame spread testing methods and ratings for sawn wood and panel products used in construction in the U.S.
7 pages, 05/19
Fire-Rated Assemblies
Fire-Resistance Rated Assemblies
Review the tested wood assemblies using D-Blaze, Dricon FS, FlamePro and PyroGuard on the Assemblies page, complete with links to the respective fire retardant manufacturer.
Web section
DCA 4 – CAM for Calculating and Demonstrating Assembly Fire Resistance
Guide from the American Wood Council reviewing the Component Additive Method (CAM) for calculating the fire resistance detailing the flame spread testing methods and ratings for sawn wood and panel products used in construction in the U.S.
7 pages, 01/19
Building Codes
FireSpec – Fire Retardant Wood and the 2018 International Building Code
Code references recognizing the use of fire retardant treated wood in construction in the 2018 International Building Code.
2 pages, 05/18
Research
FPL – Effects of Fire Retardants on Bending Properties of Wood
Research by the U.S. Forest Product Laboratory on the impacts of fire retardant chemicals on the bending properties of wood at elevated temperatures.
24 pages, 09/99
FPL – Effects of Fire Retardants on Mechanical Properties of Wood
Research by the U.S. Forest Product Laboratory on the impacts of fire retardant treatment on the mechanical properties of Douglas fir and Aspen plywood.
22 pages, 02/88
FPL – Test Protocol: Thermal Degradation of Fire Retardant-Treated Plywood
Research by the U.S. Forest Product Laboratory on a test protocol to assess the thermal degradation of fire-retardant treated plywood.
21 pages, 06/91
In -Place Evaluation of Fire Retardant-Treated Plywood
Research by the U.S. Forest Product Laboratory on non-destructive testing for in-place assessment of fire-retardant treated plywood.
6 pages, 09/92
Fire Retardant Manufacturer Resources
Preservative companies that make fire retardant formulations provide many online resources to assist in specifying and using wood products treated with their fire retardants. Links to the websites for each manufacturer’s respective retardants are available in the Interior and Exterior fire retardant sections.
Disclaimer
The Western Wood Preservers Institute believes the information contained on this website to be based on up-to-date scientific and economic information and is intended for general informational purposes. In furnishing this information, the Institute makes no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, as to the reliability or accuracy of such information; nor does the Institute assume any liability resulting from use of or reliance upon the information by any party. This document should also not be construed as a specific endorsement or warranty, direct or implied, of treated wood products or preservatives, in terms of performance, environmental impact or safety. The information contained herein should not be construed as a recommendation to violate any federal, provincial, state or municipal law, rule or regulation, and any party using or producing pressure treated wood products should review all such laws, rules or regulations prior to using or producing fire retardant treated wood products.