When it comes to ensuring safety and durability on construction sites, choosing the right materials is one of the most crucial choices before any building begins.
One essential material that’s quickly become a standard within construction in particular is fire rated plywood.
What Exactly Is Fire Rated Plywood?
Fire rated plywood is a specialized plywood that offers enhanced fire resistance, making it ideal for various construction site applications of all shapes, sizes and types. Fire rated plywood is usually treated with chemicals that make it more resistant to ignition and slow the spread of flames.
There’s a specific term called flame-spread which is a fire performance test that’s used to describe the surface burning characteristics of wooden building materials. The best known flame-spread test standards have been developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or ASTM E-84 for short, which is also now commonly known as the tunnel test.
In this article, we’ll examine the top 3 fire rated plywood brands for construction sites, each with its unique properties, flame spread rating, benefits, and more.
Brand 1 – ExteriorFireX Fire Rated Plywood for Exterior Use
ExteriorFireX is a top choice for many construction site types due to its excellent fire-resistant properties. This type of plywood is specifically designed for exterior applications, providing a robust solution for building exteriors that need added protection against fire hazards.
Fun Fact: ExteriorFireX has a flame spread rating Class B, ASTM E-84.
What sets ExteriorFireX apart is its ability to maintain structural integrity even under extreme fire conditions. Treated with fire-retardant chemicals, this plywood slows down the spread of flames and reduces smoke production, making it a safer option for construction sites versus traditional, non fire rated plywoods.
Additionally, their Fire-Retardant CDX Plywood is known for its durability and resistance to moisture, which is crucial for exterior applications and projects alike. It is a versatile material that can be used in various outdoor construction sites, including roofing, siding, and sheathing. For those looking for a reliable exterior fire rated plywood, this product is highly recommended.
ExteriorFireX Fire-Retardant CDX Plywood
ExteriorFireX Fire-Retardant CDX Plywood is available in 3/4″ thickness. Pressure impregnated fire rated plywood that is kiln dried will hold up to areas directly exposed to the weather or high humidity. ExteriorFireX is made by Hoover and meets the flame spread requirement of all building codes.
Brand 2 – FlamePRO Fire Rated Plywood for Durable Interior Use
When it comes to interior construction sites, FlamePRO stands out as an excellent choice. This type of plywood is treated with fire-retardant chemicals to enhance its fire resistance, making it suitable for indoor applications where fire safety is a priority.
Fun Fact: FlamePRO has a flame spread rating of Class A, ASTM E-84.
Their Interior CDX Plywood is especially ideal for use in wall paneling, subflooring, and other interior construction projects. Its fire-resistant properties help prevent the rapid spread of flames and minimizes smoke production and therefore potentially hazardous inhalation, thus ensuring a safer environment within buildings as a whole.
One of the key benefits of this plywood is its durability. It can be easily integrated into various interior designs and other construction site plans without compromising on safety, especially since its Class A flame spread rating is the most rigorous and hardest to achieve of any material.
Additionally, FlamePRO plywood offers excellent versatility and strength, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of interior construction. For more information on this type of interior fire rated plywood, view our in-house product selection.
Fire-Retardant Interior CDX Plywood
This plywood will be either pine or fir. Graded CD, a sheathing grade, not an appearance grade plywood, that allows for knots and blemishes on both faces. The treatment on this plywood is designed for interior application only and should not be in direct contact to the weather or moisture. This plywood is sold in full 4×8 sheets only.
Brand 3 – PyroGuard Fire Rated Plywood for Low-Cost Interior Use
PyroGuard is known for its affordability and excellent fire-resistant properties. This type of plywood is treated with advanced fire-retardant chemicals, making it a cost-effective yet reliable option for various construction site wide projects.
Fun Fact: PyroGuard carries a flame spread rating of Class B, ASTM E-84.
What makes PyroGuard stand out is its affordability without compromising on quality. This makes it an attractive option for builders and contractors looking for affordable fire-retardant plywood that meets safety standards.
One important aspect to note is that PyroGuard’s treatment is designed for interior application only and should not be in direct contact to the weather or moisture. That aside, PyroGuard’s BC Plywood offers good structural integrity and is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of construction projects, from residential to commercial buildings alike.
For those interested in a reliable yet affordable fire rated plywood, PyroGuard is a great option to consider having on hand at your next construction site.
PyroGuard Fire-Retardant BC Plywood
PyroGuard Fire-Retardant BC Plywood is chemically pressure-treated to reduce the spread of flames and generation of smoke. PyroGuard meets the flame spread requirements of all building codes. Available in 3/4″ thickness only. Plywood is sold in full 4×8 sheets only.
Choosing The Best Fire Rated Plywood For Your Project
Selecting the right fire rated plywood for your construction project is crucial for ensuring safety and durability. The ExteriorFireX, FlamePRO, and PyroGuard all offer unique benefits suited to different applications.
Whether you need robust exterior protection, reliable interior safety, or an affordable yet effective fire-resistant solution, these three brands provide excellent fire rated plywood selections and solutions for any construction site.
Not sure which type of fire rated plywood is best for your project or which thickness you should get? Give us a call 919.832.6492 or come visit our lumber yard in person to talk with Raleigh’s local lumber experts face-to-face.
