Know the difference between fire-rated and fire-retardant plywood.
Plywood is composed of layers of wood glued together, and it's used often in home and commercial roof assemblies. "Fire rated" and "fire retardant" are two different classifications, so it's important to know the distinctions. Fire rated means the plywood is pressure-treated to prevent fire ignition over a period of time--30 or 90 minutes. Fire-retardant materials will catch fire but are treated to slow down the spread of flames and limit smoke. Quality is rated by the American Plywood Association (APA), which is accepted by most building codes, so look for the APA stamp when buying plywood.
Instructions
1. Purchase an aqueous chemical solution for treating plywood. The formula for the solution depends on the rating, thickness and composition of the plywood, so chemical treatments are made individually for consumers.
2. Hire a company that specializes in pressure-treating wood. The liquid chemical solution needs to be infused into the plywood with high pressure and at a high temperature to be considered fire rated.
3. Dry the plywood in a kiln before using it in projects, especially construction that must meet building codes. The pressure-treating company will probably take care of this step, but it's a good idea to ask about it first.
4. Purchase fire-retardant chemicals for home projects that aren't required to be fire rated. You can apply these chemicals yourself using a paint roller or brush.
5. Apply one coat of the chemical solution and let it dry. Repeat this step twice more for a total of three coats. Make sure the plywood is completely dry before you use it.
Related posts
Fire-rated drywall slows the spread of fire from room to room.Local fire codes regulate the installation of fire rated drywall and the application of fire-resistant construction techniques. Althou...
Drywall is used for walls and ceilings in building construction. Local building codes may require that fire rated drywall, Type X, be used in spaces such as utility rooms and garages where there i...
Fire rated walls are designed to contain a fire for a specified amount of time.Building codes typically require that a structure's walls, floors and roof be fire resistant in accordance with stand...
Slow the spread of fire by installing a fire wall.Regular drywall panels are made from gypsum particles that do not burn easily. However, your local fire code may require the installation of speci...
The beauty of wood grain plywood is one of its only advantages over drywall.Plywood is a poor substitute for drywall. It is more expensive, isn't fire resistant and can buckle under changing moist...
