CAPTION: The map shows locations that experienced wildfires greater than 250 acres, from 1980 to 2003. Sources: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, and the USGS National Atlas 

Since the exterior cladding of a home is most likely the first point of contact for a wildfire, non-combustible exterior siding can be an important consideration for remodeling projects. Some states, such as California, have established standards that require the use of ignition-resistant or non-combustible building materials to protect homes. In general, an ignition-resistant material is any product that has a flame spread of 25 or less and shows no evidence of progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 for a period of 30 minutes. A non-combustible material is any product that meets the passing criteria when tested in accordance with ASTM E136. To determine if the siding product you are working with meets these standards, look at the detailed specifications provided by the manufacturer.

As the result of an increased focus on fire-resistant materials, many remodelers and building professionals are looking for alternatives to traditional wood siding that are non-combustible with exceptional visual appeal. A good example of such a material is fiber cement.

Fiber cement is one of the few non-combustible siding materials approved for fire-prone areas by the 2007 California Building Code. These credentials give fiber cement an important advantage when considering products for locations where fire hazards are a concern. And, in addition to its non-combustibility, fiber cement siding has many other performance advantages that add to its value. It will not swell, warp or rot and remains impervious to wood-boring insects. Its ingredients, which typically include sand, limestone, pulp fiber and fly ash, are sustainable in nature, with relatively low environmental impact in obtaining and using them. Fiber cement siding also has a longer installed lifespan than traditional materials, meaning less frequent replacements and come with warranties that range from 30 to 50 years.

Understanding basic performance measures, such as fire resistance, can sharpen a remodeler’s competitive edge. While it is impossible for building products to be 100 percent fire proof, it is possible for remodelers to better serve their customers through a basic understanding of which materials offer the most protection in fire-prone areas.

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* Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, and the USGS National Atlas. http://www.usgs.gov/hazards/wildfires/

** U.S. Fire Administration, Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/wildfire/index.shtm   [return to top]