Fire Treating - Longhouse Specialty Forest Products

Over the decades, innovations in wood treatments have come a long way. Whereas previous building methods with untreated wood left buildings vulnerable to fire, there presently exists excellent methods of treating wood that not only decrease the likelihood of fire consuming the entire structure, but also reduces the speed of fire spreading.

Wood remains a popular choice in new builds due to its inherent natural beauty, sustainability, and versatility. Whether or not to have a fire-retardant treatment applied to wood is a moot point, particularly when it comes to senior care facilities and schools.

Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) is a solution with chemicals that not only decreases flame spread, but also reduces smoke impact. Treated wood will also maintain its structural integrity at higher temperatures than steel.

Additional Benefits of Fire-Retardant Treatment

Treatment is water-based and non-toxic.
The fire retardant may be used on interior and exterior applications.
The use of Fire-Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) enables more flexibility for architects in building design that deals with areas of a potential fire hazard.
The treatment can be for both single and multi-residential builds, such as hotels, schools, homes, and commercial buildings.
Costs are comparable to pre-staining costs.
FRTW maintains its elements for the life of the structure.
Using FRTW lumber and plywood can be economically feasible by negating the need of a sprinkler system for certain building designs.
Testing has demonstrated that when treated, it is not significantly more corrosive than untreated wood.
Fire retardants slow down the combustion process by reducing flame travel rate, potentially saving lives.
The treatment generally does not interfere with the adhesion of surface paints and coatings.

Although no building can be totally fireproof, when compared to other, non-combustible construction materials, such as steel, the characteristic integrity of FRTW in fire situations is much more promising. The Fire Spread Rating (FSR) treatment is used by Longhouse Specialty Forest Products to protect your lumber investment to Canadian standard CAN ULC S-102 < 25 FSR and American standard “CLASS A” < 25 FSR.

Fortunately, Longhouse has been treating all types of lumber in our facility going on two decades for projects throughout BC, to all types of lumber in their facility. Our integrity allows us to accept the demanding testing required to pass Canada’s building codes and standards. We also have the experience and expertise regarding fire retardant treatments our customers trust. Contact us today for further information.