TimberTech Advanced PVC offers both beauty and fire resistance, giving you peace of mind and a deck you can enjoy for years to come.
Top-rated fire resistance you won’t find anywhere else
No other decking matches the beauty or performance of TimberTech Advanced PVC and features an Ignition Resistant designations, Class A Flame Spread Rating, and/or WUI Compliance.
When it comes to protecting your home from fire, every detail counts. While those living near fire zones understand the importance of minimizing flame spread risk, fire safety is worth considering no matter where you live. Accidents, like grill fires or stray sparks from a fire pit, can happen anywhere and lead to disaster.
TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking provides an added layer of peace of mind. Our Vintage and Landmark Collections are Ignition Resistant, WUI Compliant, and boast a Class A Flame Spread Rating, meaning they burn at a slower rate and are less likely to contribute to aggressive flame spread. That’s protection traditional wood and composite decking can’t offer.
The future of decking is here
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In California, and surrounding states that have adopted their standards, “ignition resistant” refers to building materials that resist catching fire or burning easily and that may slow the spread of flames. Ignition-resistant decking is less likely to catch fire compared to traditional and composite decking materials.
Flame Spread Rating
This rating measures how quickly a material ignites and spreads flames. Class A is the best rating, signifying a material with the highest resistance to flames. No other leading composite manufacturer has decking with a Class A Flame Spread Rating.
WUI Compliance
Wildland Urban Interface refers to zones where houses and areas prone to wildfires meet. Local building codes in WUI zones mandate fire-resistant materials for construction projects, including decks. WUI-Compliant materials resist flame spread and catching fire due to flying embers. TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking collections — and select Composite Decking collections — meet WUI Compliance standards, ensuring your deck adheres to regulations and offers an extra layer of protection.
Here’s what makes a deck WUI Compliant in the state of California (and other neighboring areas):
Resists Flame Spread WUI-approved decking has a flame spread rating from an A to a C. An A rating means it has the lowest rate of flame spread and burns more slowly.
Resists Embers Wildfires often shower sparks and embers, which can ignite materials. WUI-Compliant decking resists catching fire due to flying embers.
No typical decking material is truly fireproof. The Vintage and Landmark Collections are fire resistant. The Ignition Resistant designation and Class A Flame Spread Rating they carry signifies superior fire resistance compared to traditional wood and composite decking.
What does having an ignition resistant designation, Class A Flame Spread Rating or WUI Compliance mean for a deck?
None of these indicate that a deck won’t burn. An Advanced PVC deck can burn, but not the way decking with a lower flame spread rating would. The Vintage and Landmark Collections’ Ignition Resistant designation and Class A Flame Spread Rating means they will have a slower rate of flame spread and will burn in a slower, less intense way compared to traditional wood and composite decking.
Will a TimberTech Advanced PVC deck still be standing after a fire?
No. While our Vintage and Landmark Collections resist catching fire and contributing to the spread of flames, sustained exposure to extreme fire temperatures may severely damage the boards. And if the deck’s substructure is made of wood, it’s possible that may catch fire and burn.
How did TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage and Landmark Collections earn the Class A Flame Spread Index Rating?
Independent testing laboratories use a standard method to come up with A, B, or C flame spread ratings. It involves putting test material—like our Advanced PVC Decking—into a device that ignites it and measures how far and how fast the fire spreads down the material in a fire-proof tunnel as technicians observe and time the test. The results of the test are used to calculate the flame spread index value and then ranked against the flame spread classifications of an A, B, or C that are found in the International Building Code (IBC). A is the best rating a material can receive in this test.
Is TimberTech decking officially fire-rated by UL (such as UL263), and does it guarantee a reduction/discount on homeowner's insurance?
While TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking is not specifically fire-rated by UL standards such as UL263, it is rigorously tested for flame spread and ignition resistance under ASTM and related standards for decking. An engineering judgement states that a decking-as-cladding application will not adversely affect the fire-resistance rating of a fire-resistance rated wall assembly.
How does flame spread apply to fascia and risers?
Fascia and risers are not currently part of the testing that is required under ASTM D7032 for composite decking and railing where ASTM E84 is required. While they are made from similar Advanced PVC material and are likely to demonstrate comparable flame spread resistance, they are not formally rated.
Does TimberTech PVC decking release toxic gases when exposed to fire?
Many everyday materials, including wood, foam, and textiles, release toxic gases when burned. According to literature reviewed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the combustion byproducts of PVC, under standardized test conditions, fall within a range of toxicities similar to those from other common materials. TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking has inherent fire-resistant properties, meaning it burns more slowly and, due to its composition, self-extinguishes under certain conditions, helping to reduce the spread of flames. It’s important to note that as a finished deck board, fumes are only released under intense flames or burning conditions, which would typically indicate a larger fire issue.
What is the difference between a Flame Spread Rating and a Fire Rating?
Flame Spread Ratings and Fire Ratings or Classifications are crucial for understanding fire safety, but they assess different aspects of fire behavior.
If you have any questions not answered here, we’re happy to help – just contact us or call 1.877.275.2935.
Learn more about fire resistance and your outdoor space
How to harden the exterior of your home against fire
Understand the concept of home ignition zones to safeguard your home from wildfires. Prepare your property with key strategies.
