We’re full of anticipation as the weather begins to warm up, knowing that many construction projects will be underway soon. While warm weather brings new builds, renovations, and warm summer nights, it also signals the start of wildfire season. Areas like California, Oregon, Arizona, Alberta, and British Columbia are gearing up for another hot, dry season—conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfires across North America.
When choosing siding or soffit materials for your home or commercial project, fire resistance is often overlooked but should be a top priority. Fire-resistant wall assemblies can provide your build crucial protection, slow the spread of flames, and reduce overall damage. Protect your home by considering these three factors when selecting materials like cladding for your wall assembly:
- Wildfire Resistance
Wildfires move fast, and wind-driven embers can ignite materials well ahead of the fire itself. That’s why Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) compliance is an important factor to consider. WUI certification ensures materials can withstand exposure to embers, direct flames, and radiant heat. Look for materials that have undergone rigorous wildfire testing, including:
- CAN/ULC S134 – Standard Method of Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies (Canada)
- NFPA 285 – “Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible (US) Components.”
- NFPA 268 – Standard Test Method for Determining Ignitability of Exterior Wall Assemblies
By choosing materials that meet these stringent standards, you add an extra layer of defence to your home or building in wildfire-prone areas.
- Ignition Resistance
The first stage of fire damage is ignition when a material catches fire due to heat exposure or direct flames. Siding and soffits that resist ignition can prevent a fire from taking hold and spreading. Assemblies tested are designed to withstand prolonged exposure to flames and high temperatures.
Selecting products that meet the stringent testing criteria helps reduce the risk of your structure becoming a fuel source during a fire event.
- Fire Propagation Control
Once a fire starts, its ability to spread across a building’s exterior is a major concern. Some materials may resist ignition but still allow flames to travel rapidly across the surface, increasing damage and danger. This is where NFPA 285 testing comes into play. NFPA 285 evaluates fire propagation on exterior walls, ensuring that a product won’t contribute to the rapid spread of flames.
Fire-resistant assemblies that pass NFPA 285 testing can help contain fires and limit the damage to a single area, giving first responders more time to control the situation.
ChamClad: Fire-Resistant Performance You Can Trust
At ChamClad, we take fire safety seriously. Our siding and soffit panels have undergone rigorous wall assembly testing to meet fire performance standards, ensuring both wildfire resilience and fire propagation control. We are proud to offer a product that not only enhances the aesthetics of your home or building but also provides crucial protection in fire-prone areas.
All ChamClad-engineered panels are made of 100% recycled rigid pre-consumer PVC. Not only does the recycling process increase our panels’ impact resistance, but also increases strength and durability. Rigid PVC has an ignition temperature of 736 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly higher than many other siding alternatives. These properties make ChamClad PVC panels a top choice for construction.
As wildfire risks continue to rise, choosing fire-resistant materials is one of the best steps you can take to safeguard your home or commercial property. Whether you’re building new or upgrading your exterior, be sure to ask your supplier about fire testing and certifications. A little extra consideration today could mean the difference between protection and devastation tomorrow.
To learn more about ChamClad’s fire-resistant solutions, contact us today!