California WUI Building Standards, Chapter

7 A

Decking Materials Compliance

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Chapter 7A states:

If a decking material has a net peak heat release rate of 25 kWsq-ft or less when tested in accordance with SFM-4 "Deck Test Standard" (Part A) and conforms to the ASTM E-84 Class B flame spread it can be used in all fire hazard severity zones without restriction.

Redwood, grades Construction Common or bettern has been found to have a net peak heat release rate in the 12-15 kWsq-ft range in tests conducted on redwood decking materials by the University of California Forest Products Laboratory, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and the Western Fire Center. Redwood grades Construction Common or better comply with California WUIBS Chapter 7A requirements.

In addition, San Diego County has set requirements pertaining to flame-spread ratings:

In laboratory tests, heartwood grades of redwood demonstrated class "B" rating performance and have been shown to comply with the requirements set forth by San Diego County. Tests were done on one-inch nominal thickness redwood heartwood and two-inch nominal and Construction Heart grades of redwood decking.

Bottom Line

Redwood grades Construction Common or better comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and the state's Wildland Urban Interface Building Standards for use without restriction as a decking material. Construction Heart and other heartwood grades of redwood meet the additional requirements of San Diego County.

For more information, visit www.calredwood.org or call 1-888-CALREDWOOD.