The grill explosion that proved the power of TimberTech Advanced PVC’s fire resistance

March 28, 2025

For most homeowners, their deck is a place of relaxation and enjoyment. But for John and Shirley, one summer evening turned their TimberTech deck into the unexpected hero of a near disaster.

Shortly after turning on their grill, Shirley returned inside to grab food. While inside, the grill exploded, shaking their home. The force of the blast shattered two windows and caused over $100,000 in exterior damage to their house. Fortunately, Shirley and her husband were safe. The scene was chaotic, but amidst the turmoil, one thing stood strong— their TimberTech deck.

A crucial performance in the face of fire

The explosion was intense, but the fire-resistant properties of TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking made all the difference. Where traditional wooden decks might have ignited and spread flames to the home, TimberTech’s innovative Advanced PVC material held its ground.

The decking helped prevent the fire from spreading further to the rest of the deck as well as the substructure and the rest of the home. The firefighter on the scene later commended the deck, stating that, if not for TimberTech’s fire resistance, the entire house could have gone up in flames.

The charred grill and gas tank show extensive damage and indicate how destructive the fire could have been if it had spread more quickly.

Why fire-resistant decking matters

When it comes to decking materials, the choice between wood and composite or PVC often feels like a matter of aesthetics. But situations like John and Shirley’s serve as a powerful reminder of the other reasons material matters—especially when safety is at stake.

TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage and Landmark Collections offer fire resistance that traditional wood decking simply cannot match. By resisting and slowing the spread of flames, it offers homeowners an added layer of protection. Unlike traditional wood and composite decks, which can easily catch fire, TimberTech Advanced PVC materials resist ignition and slow flame spread. The fire-resistant Vintage and Landmark Collections offer several valuable advantages that can make all the difference in preventing disasters, just like John and Shirley experienced.

• Ignition resistance – Less likely to catch fire compared to traditional wood decks – particularly from flying embers.
• Top-rated fire resistance – With a Class A Flame Spread Rating – the highest rating available.
• Compliance with fire safety codes – Meets WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) Compliance standards, ideal for homes in wildfire-prone zones.
• Durability and longevity – Moisture-, fade-, and stain-resistant, with protection from a 50-Year Fade & Stain Limited Warranty and Lifetime Limited Product Warranty.
• Peace of mind – Provides homeowners with confidence that their outdoor spaces are better protected during fire incidents.

It all started with the right choice

Before the incident, John and Shirley carefully selected their TimberTech Decking with input from their homeowners’ association. Living in a FireWise community in Northern Arizona, they face significant wildfire risks every year. The neighborhood’s HOA plays an active role in encouraging homeowners to take preventative measures. When they received John and Shirley’s request to build a new deck two years ago, the HOA readily approved the Vintage Collection due to its fire-resistant properties.

TimberTech Advanced PVC clearly aligns with the unique needs of the community, where mitigating wildfire risk is a shared responsibility. John and Shirley couldn’t agree more with their decision. “We’re relieved that we spent the extra money,” John explained. “Seeing what could have happened, this was money very well spent.” For them, TimberTech Decking isn’t just a safer, smarter investment, it’s peace of mind in an area where the risk of wildfires hitting close to home is very real.

Learn more about TimberTech’s fire-resistant decking and discover how it can help protect your home.

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