![]() But not all composite decking is created equal. Composite decking is made of a mixture of wood and plastic fibers, making it less susceptible to flame spread than many types of wood. In comparison to wood, composite decking is often a better choice for fire-prone areas. In order for a material to meet the standards for a Class A Flame Spread Rating and WUI compliance, it would need to undergo specific testing for each classification.ĪRE COMPOSITE AND PVC DECKING FIRE-RESISTANT? However, it’s important to note that just because a product is WUI-compliant, does not mean it has a Class A Flame Spread Index rating - and vice versa. ![]() Some jurisdictions designated as Wildlife Urban Interface areas, especially in California, Colorado, and Nevada, require that certain building products meet the Class A Flame Spread Index rating. WUI-compliant building products refer to those below a certain threshold for flame spread. WUI, which stands for “Wildlife Urban Interface,” designates areas that are within or adjacent to communities deemed “at-risk” for wildfires. Ratings for flame spread are incorporated into the model building codes as published by the International Code Council, including the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Fire Code (IFC), to name a few.Īlong with flame spread rating, you may have heard of WUI-compliance. Lower classes, Class B (26-75) and Class C (76-200), indicate that flames spread more quickly and covered a greater distance over the material than Class A flame spread-rated materials. The best flame spread rating is Class A (with an index of 0-25). The resulting number is the flame spread index, which ranges from 0-200. ![]() Testing for flame spread rating involves burning materials under controlled conditions and measuring the speed and extent of flame spread. A flame spread rating measures how fast and far a flame spreads over a certain material. One way to choose is by looking at a material’s flame spread rating. However, there are fire-rated decking options with specific certifications that make them a better choice for homes in fire zones. It’s important to understand that no wood or composite decking is truly fireproof. They also need to choose fire-resistant decking that can help protect their home and family in the event of a wildfire. For homeowner customers who live in a fire zone, choosing a deck can’t just be about selecting a favorite style and color.
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