Fire testing keeps markets open for wood siding, decking

NEW California fire codes threatened the use of wood in I \ outdoor applications in the state. But an industry testing program has earned approvals for a variety of western species, products and patterns for exterior use.

On Jan. I, 2008, new building standards went into effect for construction in state Wildland-Urban Interface areas, as detailed in Chapter 7A of the California Building Code. Much of the new construction, particularly in Southern California, is in or near areas covered by the regulations.

The revised codes, which were intended to keep wildfires from spreading, created new requirements for products. To meet the requirements outlined by the State Fire Marshal, fire tests of the specific species, pattern and, if applicable, grade were needed.

WWPA and other wood products organizations and companies began fire tests in the spring and won generic approval for some species and products. Testing continued through the fall, with a number of species, patterns and products gaining approval for use as siding, decking and soffits. The Office of the State Fire Marshal also has srant- ed approval for some wood products and species.

To keep distributors up to date on the wood siding and decking approved for use, WWPA developed a Tech Note listing the products that are covered by the generic approval and those that have successfully passed fire tests. The publication also shows required installation methods and specifications for siding, decking and soffits.

Some siding patterns in ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, hem-fir, redwood and western cedars meet the new rules. Also approved for use in decking applications are specific sizes in western cedars, redwood and ponderosa pine. One pattern in ponderosa pine is approved for use in soffits.

Download the Tech Note from www.wwpa.ors.