Choosing the right construction materials…
What is wildfire ignition-resistant construction? For a successful ignition-resistant construction, at Wildfire Design & Build we would like to provide homeowners with a few tips for fire-resistant construction materials.
Recommended exterior building materials.
Roofing Materials:
For fire-resistant construction, roof materials shall be a minimum of Class A roofing material, such as concrete barrels or concrete flat tile. Wood shakes and shingles are not permitted unless rated as a Class A-rated product.
Note: Check with local governing building departments in your specific area for what is allowed for roofing materials.
Exterior Porch Ceilings:
They shall be made with ignition-resistant materials, such as stucco or a minimum of 1-layer of 5/8” Type “X” gypsum drywall.
Exterior Walls:
Exterior wall coverings shall be made of materials that are ignition resistant. Materials and wall assemblies, such as:
- Wall covering materials such as stucco or metal veneers.
- Concrete siding or concrete shake-style materials from James Hardie siding. ( Click on the link provided for the ICC-ES Report for Fire Resistant Rated Assemblies )
- Exterior walls that are made of concrete cmu blocks or pour-in-place concrete walls.
- One layer of 5/8” Type X gypsum drywall on the exterior side of wall framing, behind the exterior covering. 1-hour wall assembly using gypsum drywall and sheathing products.
- All fasteners for fire-retardant-treated wood shall be either galvanized or made of stainless steel.
Windows, Doors:
Exterior windows, glazed doors, and glazed openings within exterior doors, including garage doors should comply with one of the following items:
Exterior windows, shall comply with one of the following criteria:
- Multiple pane windows with a minimum of one of the glass panes in the assembly to be tempered glass pane.
- Glass block unit assembly.
- Having a fire-resistance tested rating of not less than 20 min. as per NFPA 257.
- Approved per SFM Standard 12-7A-2.
Exterior doors, shall comply with one of the following criteria:
- Any exterior cladding material shall be made of noncombustible or ignition-resistant material.
- Constructed of solid core wood. 1-3/8” thick with a minimum thickness of 1-1/4” for interior door panels.
- Having a fire-resistance tested rating of not less than 20 min. as per NFPA 257.
- Approved per SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
For additional information regarding fire hazard zone construction, click on our link for the governmental website of the California Fire Department. www.osfm.fire.ca.gov. Read additional information for Wildfire Ignition Resistant Construction in the 2016 California Building Code, Part 2 Volume 1, Chapter 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection Features
This article is for reference only. It is not a substitute for any city or county-approved construction plans for each proposed construction project site.