There’s a lot of buzz about Mataverde SaferWood fire retardant treated real wood decking, siding, fencing and lumber. We get it. The material is gorgeous. Many people in fire hazard zones mistakenly believe they can’t incorporate the natural allure of real wood into their designs and projects. Now you can. Mataverde SaferWood is literally changing the face of fire-retardant treated wood, beautifully.
Unique Look
Most fire-retardant treated wood products are, well, ugly. Some of them are purplish, others have a dull, marred, streaked, or blotchy appearance. That’s OK if you are using them strictly for ignition resistant framing lumber, or in other places where they won’t be seen.
But for fire-resistant siding, decking, or FRTW fencing, where they not only will be seen, but they are also the star of the show, you don’t have to settle. Mataverde SaferWood is the best-looking appearance grade fire-resistant wood decking, siding, fencing, and lumber available. And it’s all ignition resistant.
Would you like to take a closer look at Mataverde SaferWood projects?
Visit the Mataverde SaferWood Projects Gallery
DOWNLOAD THE MATAVERDE SAFERWOOD PROJECT PORTFOLIO HERE
What is Class A Fire Resistance?
There’s a lot of confusion about what Class A fire resistance means. Let’s clarify this.
ASTM E84 Test
The basic ASTM E84 test is a standard procedure used to measure the surface burning properties of building materials. Materials are tested in a tunnel shaped furnace and exposed directly to a flame for 10 minutes only. It measures the flame spread and the amount of smoke developed.
Class A is the highest rating in this test. Here are the ratings of all the classes in accordance with the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the IBC (International Building Code).
| NFPA Class | IBC Class | Flame Spread | Smoke Developed |
| A | A | 0-25 | Less than or equal to 450 |
|
B |
B | 26-75 | Less than or equal to 450 |
| C | C | 76-200 | Less than or equal to 450 |
In some municipalities and jurisdictions, such as WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) zones, Class A fire ratings are often required for safety. Mataverde SaferWood decking, siding, fencing, and lumber meets all these test criteria, and lots more.
*Always check with your local building code and enforcement officials and any other authorities having jurisdiction to see what is required in your area. In some areas, it can save you on property insurance.
Learn more about Class A fire resistance here
Higher Levels of Fire Safety
In other areas, such as IWUI (International Wildland Urban Interface) zones, a higher level of fire resistance is often required. Many urban areas require it, too, especially for municipal buildings.
A common example of the higher fire resistance requirements is the E84/723 Extended for 30 minutes test. This test is similar to, but different than, the standard ASTM E84 test, and the requirements are far more stringent. Among other measurements, E84/723 test requires the flame spread to be less than 10.5 feet for a full thirty minutes. All Mataverde SaferWood building materials meet these rigorous requirements, as well.
What is Ignition Resistant Wood?
There are many Class A fire rated wood siding, decking, and lumber species available. However, they are not all classified as “ignition resistant”. To meet an ignition resistant wood rating, the material must be tested to meet the E84/723 Extended for 30 minutes test. To get there, the wood needs to be fire retardant treated (FRTW). Mataverde SaferWood passes this test and is classified as Ignition resistant
See the Mataverde SaferWood test results for yourself, here.
Being classified as ignition resistant does not mean the wood will not burn. The wood will char, not combust, when exposed directly to a flame. With Mataverde SaferWood building materials:
- There is no combustion beyond the point of direct flame contact
- No production of embers. This is crucial in high fire zones, because embers are known to spread the fire, especially to other structures.
- Very limited smoke production
Learn more about ignition resistance and fire safety in this video by Perry Alibrio, a factory trained expert. Watch the 5 minute training seminar that was recently conducted at a California lumberyard event for contractors, architects, property owners, and employees.
Why Use Mataverde SaferWood?
Mataverde SaferWood undergoes a series of rigorous testing and compliance procedures. These tests are performed to ensure that it remains ignition resistant, especially in harsh outdoor settings, over time.
California 7A Weathering Requirement
Before Mataverde SaferWood is fire tested, it is subjected to a weatherization test. This test simulates 800 inches of rain, and temperatures up to 140 degrees over a twelve-week period. This is the equivalent for ten years of outdoor weathering. This is done to make sure the fire-retardant treatment doesn’t wash off, wear off, or weather off the wood.
After this rigorous beating, only then is the material fire tested to ensure that it meets the E84/723 Extended for 30 minutes test. This test uses direct flames and wind, in a tunnel, to simulate what happens in a real wildfire situation. Mataverde SaferWood building materials underwent this process before fire retardant treatment and testing.
How is Mataverde SaferWood Different?
Mataverde SaferWood performs remarkably well, and beautifully. The fire resistance of these real wood materials, based on the remarkable non-toxic Thermex-FR fire retardant treated wood process, improves your safety. The treatment also extends the life of your wood decking, siding, fencing and lumber, too.
Mataverde SaferWood is a fire retardant treated wood product that is durable enough to meet the high fire zone requirements. It meets the codes, beautifully and:
- Real wood that is fire retardant treated for ignition resistant performance
- Has a gorgeous, mar free surface on decking, siding and fencing products.
- Fire retardant treated with eco-friendly and non-toxic Thermex-FR
- Kiln dried after treatment to maintain its performance for decades.
- Covered by a limited lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
- May be eligible for a discount on your property insurance.
What Can Happen if Your Deck is not Ignition Resistant?
The Insurance Institute for Building & Home Safety is a nonprofit, independent scientific research organization that is committed to safety research. They perform all kinds of safety and fire testing. If you are interested in watching a two minute video to see what can happen to a non-ignition resistant deck, please check out the video below:
https://ibhs1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/DeckMulchIgnition_DDA_Oct2019_3xSpeed_1.mp4
Looking for more information? Visit these Mataverde SaferWood product pages:
Mataverde SaferWood Dimensional Lumber
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