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Component Manufacturing dverti$ dverti $ er
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
Adverti$$er
June 2024 #16299 Page #33
Does Fire Retardant Lumber Require Special Handling? ire retardant lumber, also called FRTW, is used when a project has a requirement to reduce the structures’ ability to burn and to reduce the structures’ contribution to the spread of fire. Most fire retardant materials also reduce the development of smoke and the release of hazardous gases in the event of a structural fire. Shown is an example of treated fire retardant lumber used for interior non-damp environments.
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By Glenn Traylor
The use of FRTW lumber can increase a component manufacturers’ market, allowing them to participate in new segments of construction. To expand your market and start offering FRTW, however, you should begin by considering a few important aspects of its use and special handling issues that impact manufacturing. What special handling is required? Are there any special concerns? Can FRTW get wet?
Points to Consider •
FRTW can impact moisture content by absorbing moisture after its manufacture.
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FRTW is normally hygroscopic, that is, it attracts and holds water molecules through absorption from either direct contact or from the atmosphere.
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FRTW requires adjusted values when designing trusses. Most plate manufacturers reduce the allowable values for lumber of the same properties.
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Some fire retardant treatments can make lumber brittle; that means, using finish rollers may lead to breaks and may make the lumber unsuitable, so you should plan on having extra lumber to break.
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