Is Cedar Siding A Fire Hazard

Although it s good to make sure that the cedar you select isn t really from old growth lumber.

Is cedar siding a fire hazard.

They are very aesthetic and somewhat hail resistant but an extreme fire hazard in the arid climate of colorado. Wood roofing products include hand split shakes taper sawn shakes and wood shingles. As the threat of wildfires continues to rise in the northwest siding materials are evolving and homeowners are seeking alternatives to wood. Many states cities and counties have banned these products for that reason and advise residents to find fire resistant alternatives.

Fiber cement will not will not ignite when exposed to direct flame or extreme heat and has been rated for fire resistance rated construction astm e119. Most metal siding is rated as noncombustible which means that in fire safety testing it was shown not to ignite and spread fires. The second way combustible siding makes your home vulnerable to wildfire is when fire penetrates through the siding most likely at a horizontal or vertical lap joint between individual pieces of the siding material into the stud cavity and then into the living space of the home. The fire service must understand the potential impact these changes have on fire ground operations and safety and evolve as well brick construction is safer.

Today the wood siding and vapor barrier that was once in place underneath the vinyl has been replaced with a rigid foam sheathing to increase energy efficiency in homes. In the event of fire your choice of siding could make a difference to the amount of damages to your home. Most of them are made from the western red cedar tree. As beautiful as things like traditional wood siding and cedar shakes are they are dangerous due to their fire susceptibility.

Cedar siding will add fuel to the flame unless the cedar has been specially treated to be fire retardant. Prone to rot and insects insects do not like cedar. Check with your city s ordinances because some cities and hoas ban the use of cedar shakes on a house because of the fire hazard.