To enhance protection against fire, consider implementing fire-resistant solutions when constructing your home. Utilizing materials like fiber cement, brick, and stone can significantly contribute to creating a fire-resistant house. These substances exhibit heat-resistant properties, providing an additional layer of defense against potential fires. By incorporating fire-resistant materials into your home, you prioritize safety and reduce the risk of damage in the event of a fire.
If you live in an area where there’s a high risk of wildfires, it’s important to build your house with protection against fires and flame in mind. While drills and emergency plans are crucial for your safety, the first step in keeping you safe is making sure your house, with fire resistant siding, is built to resist fires. When choosing house siding, it’s crucial to consider the fire-resistance rating of each type to ensure the selected material is not combustible.
Below are popular siding types that are noncombustible or fire resistant.
Metal Siding
The top suggestion on this list is using aluminum for the outside of your house, and it’s for a clear reason. Aluminum and most metals are fireproof, meaning they don’t catch fire or help it spread. Many types of aluminum siding are tested for fire resistance after they are made, and luckily, fire can’t damage aluminum at all. Metal sheeting it’s certified as incombustible. Not only is it siding that can withstand fire, but it can also provide protection for your house from wind, heavy rain, and other dangerous conditions.
Fiber Cement Siding
One of the cheaper choices for the outside of your home is fiber cement, made from a mix of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers. Thanks to special things added to it, this kind of siding can resist flames, last a long time, and be customized. This is useful if you have a specific look in mind for your home. You don’t have to give up how it looks to keep it safe. While it might not be completely fireproof, it doesn’t quickly get damaged by intense heat during fires.
Even though the fibre cement is fire-resistant, this does not have any adverse effect on durability. It has an expected lifetime of 50 years, is user-friendly, and water and weather-resistant.
Brick and Stone Siding
Trying to set a rock on fire is tough or even impossible. That’s why using brick and stone veneers is a great way to make your home fireproof. However, they might not work as well if fire finds a way in through the gaps and reaches the inside of your home. Also, these materials can be pricey and exclusive, especially if you choose real natural stone.
Stucco Siding
The final suggestion on this list of fire resistant is stucco siding. This material is created by combining a binder and water. Unlike most other types of siding, stucco is put on while it’s wet. After that, it’s shaped to match the exterior’s form. Many people also use this material to give their exterior a decorative and detailed look.
The great thing about stucco is that it doesn’t have any material that can catch fire in its formula. However, its fire resistance is somewhat lower compared to the other exterior options mentioned. Typically, stucco can protect the interior walls from fire for around one hour on average. After that time, it might develop cracks and could lead to the interior walls catching fire.
What Siding Types Should You Avoid?
If you live in an area prone to fires, it’s important to steer clear of materials that can easily catch fire and opt for more fire resistant alternatives. This includes wood and the widely used vinyl siding. Wood siding is naturally flammable, and vinyl is made from plastic, which quickly melts and spreads when it catches fire.
If you’re set on using wood siding, you can enhance its fire resistance by applying flame retardant sprays. Keep in mind that even with this treatment, fire can still pass through interior gaps or spread through the roof, so it’s a good idea to fireproof those sections too.
Even though vinyl siding may seem appealing due to its low cost, it’s important to consider the risks. To strengthen the material against fire, you can insert gypsum boards between the house wrap and siding. This acts as a temporary barrier, preventing the fire from reaching the interior of your home once the vinyl melts.
When aiming to construct a fire-resistant house, consider using fiber cement siding, which is among the most fire-resistant materials available. This ignition-resistant material provides robust protection against flames and is a key component of effective fire-resistant solutions. Steel siding is another excellent choice for creating a fire-resistant house, as it is one of the most fire-resistant materials. Opting for these fire-resistant siding options ensures your home is more resistant to fire, providing an additional layer of protection against combustible elements.
Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to choose your siding wisely!
If you are looking for assistance for your upcoming home renovation project at New America Constructionwe provide siding estimates for all NJ homeowners.
Call us for more information 973-804-9400
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