{"id":132204,"date":"2021-11-27T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2021-11-27T14:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=132204"},"modified":"2021-11-30T11:54:40","modified_gmt":"2021-11-30T16:54:40","slug":"demystifying-fire-retardant-treated-wood-specifications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/demystifying-fire-retardant-treated-wood-specifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Demystifying fire-retardant-treated wood specifications"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_132205\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-132205\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-Interior-FRTW-kiosk-in-Charlotte.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-132205 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-Interior-FRTW-kiosk-in-Charlotte-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-Interior-FRTW-kiosk-in-Charlotte-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-Interior-FRTW-kiosk-in-Charlotte-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-Interior-FRTW-kiosk-in-Charlotte-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/7-Interior-FRTW-kiosk-in-Charlotte.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-132205\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Photos courtesy Hoover Treated Wood Products Inc.<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"AuthorByline\"><strong>By Mike Eckhoff, PhD<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The U.S. is experiencing a \u201cwood revival\u201d contributing to the complexity of fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) specifications. This demand for wood products continues to grow as designers appreciate its renewability, versatility, aesthetics, and most important, its ability to sequester carbon once installed. Writing a strong, generic specification for FRTW helps ensure code-compliant FRTW will be installed, competition will be encouraged, and ultimately performance and value for the owner will be delivered.<\/p>\n<p>The building and fire codes require FRTW to be impregnated with chemicals. Impregnation refers to a technique for treating absorbent materials with chemicals. Impregnating wood materials with fire retardants changes the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the wood, resulting in a complex new material. Impregnation of wood with fire-retardant chemicals reduces the combustible properties of wood by greatly reducing the amount of volatiles released during the initial stages of combustion. In addition to decreasing the rate of flame spread, FRTW is self-extinguishing and ignition-resistant. In other words, for FRTW to burn, it must be exposed to a persistently applied, external fuel source, without which FRTW cannot ignite and sustain combustion.<\/p>\n<p>Writing a strong, generic specification for FRTW is daunting. Chapter 23 of the <em>2018 International Building Code<\/em>\u00a0and NFPA 703,<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/\"><em> Standard for Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood and Fire-<\/em><em>Retardant Coatings for Building Materials<\/em><\/a>\u00a0contain detailed lists of requirements for FRTW that may not be clearly or easily understood by those who are unfamiliar with FRTW. Add to these lists the number and types of non-code-conforming products that are mistaken for FRTW, like paints, coatings, stains, and other types of vulnerable surface treatments, and specifiers may find themselves quickly overwhelmed.<\/p>\n<p>This article contains a strong, generic model specification in standard CSI format for FRTW that will help specifiers:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Identify the critical code requirements for FRTW; and<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Use those requirements to write their own strong generic specification for FRTW.<\/p>\n<p>The following sections correspond to those used in the model FRTW specification.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_132206\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-132206\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-Type-III-over-Type-I-Podium-in-Salt-Lake-City.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-132206 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-Type-III-over-Type-I-Podium-in-Salt-Lake-City-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-Type-III-over-Type-I-Podium-in-Salt-Lake-City-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-Type-III-over-Type-I-Podium-in-Salt-Lake-City-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-Type-III-over-Type-I-Podium-in-Salt-Lake-City-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/6-Type-III-over-Type-I-Podium-in-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-132206\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Type III with Type I podium: five-story interior FRTW used above three-story podium in Salt Lake City, UT.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Part 1: General<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>1.01 Summary<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Two types of code-compliant, pressure-impregnated FRTW are manufactured: interior and exterior. The specification summary section should include both, as interior and exterior FRTW can be used in many applications where noncombustible materials are required by building and fire codes. Interior FRTW is used in weather-protected applications (<em>i.e.<\/em> where the FRTW is not permanently exposed to the elements). Exterior FRTW is used in weather-exposed applications (<em>i.e.<\/em> when the FRTW is permanently exposed to the elements).<\/p>\n<p>Many applications for interior and exterior FRTW exist in the codes (see Table 1, page 24), and these occur in the following:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Section 06 10 00 Rough Carpentry;<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Section 06 20 00 Finish Carpentry; and<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Section 06 40 00 Architectural Woodwork.<\/p>\n<p><em>1.02 References<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Four main standards are used for FRTW product evaluation. They should be included in the specification\u2019s references section:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 UL 723 (ASTM E84);<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 ASTM D3201;<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 ASTM D2898; and<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Military Specification MIL-L-19140E.<\/p>\n<p>A more detailed explanation of these standards appears later in this article.<\/p>\n<p><em>1.03 Performance requirements<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The building and fire codes contain prescriptive requirements for FRTW. These include both fire and non-fire performance characteristics. Fire performance is evaluated using UL 723,<em> Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials<\/em>. The test consists of a 7.6-m (25-ft) long rectangular tunnel with two gas burners at one end that direct a 1.4-m (4.5-ft) flame under controlled conditions of draft and temperature onto the surface of a 7.4-m (24-ft) long by 508-mm (20-in.) wide specimen.<\/p>\n<p>Table 1: Code References for Selected FRTW Applications<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">FRTW Application<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">IBC 2018 Ed.<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">NFPA 5000 2018 Ed.<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">NFPA 101 2018 Ed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">Architectural Trim, Exterior Wall Coverings<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">1405.1.1#3<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">37.2.1<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">Exterior Bearing Walls in Type III Construction<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">602.3<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">7.2.4.2.1<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">4.4.2.1*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">Interior Finish with Flame Spread Index <u>&lt;<\/u> 25<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">803.11<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">10.2.3.3(1)<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">10.2.3.3(1)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">Kiosks in Covered and Open Mall Buildings<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">402.6.2#1.1<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">27.4.4.13.1(1)<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">36.4.4.11(1)(a)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">Partitions (2 hr or less) in Types I &amp; II Construction<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">603.1#1.1<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">7.2.3.2.11.2<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">4.3.2.11.2*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"266\">Roof Construction in Types I &amp; II Construction<\/td>\n<td width=\"91\">603.1#1.3<\/td>\n<td width=\"114\">7.2.3.2.9.2<\/td>\n<td width=\"104\">4.3.2.9.2*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>*NFPA 101 references NFPA 220: <em>Standard on Types of Building Construction.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Flame spreads along the surface of the material as the test progresses. To provide standard conditions for each test, the tunnel is calibrated to an index of zero for 6.4-mm (0.25-in.) cement board and 100 for untreated red oak flooring.<\/p>\n<p>UL 723 (ASTM E84) is a 10-minute test. The codes require FRTW to be tested for an additional 20-minute period, meaning the FRTW is challenged by fire for a total of 30 minutes:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 During the first 10 minutes of the extended test, the distance of flame travel and rate at which the flame front advances are used to calculate the flame spread index (FSI). Per the codes, the maximum allowable FSI for FRTW is 25;<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 FRTW must show no evidence of significant progressive combustion when the test is continued for an additional 20-minute period; and<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 The flame front shall not progress more than 3.2 m (10.5 ft) beyond the centerline of the burners at any time during the 30-minute test.<\/p>\n<p>The codes require that FRTW is dried to a maximum moisture content (MC) of 19 percent or less for FRT lumber and 15 percent or less for FRT plywood. By specifying the FRTW is kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT), the drying occurs under carefully controlled conditions, minimizing drying-related defects in FRTW products.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2015-2018-Code-Card-Reference-Table.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-132208 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2015-2018-Code-Card-Reference-Table-251x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2015-2018-Code-Card-Reference-Table-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2015-2018-Code-Card-Reference-Table-419x500.jpg 419w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/2015-2018-Code-Card-Reference-Table.jpg 661w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><\/a>The codes also require that non-fire performance characteristics be evaluated using additional standards. Interior FRTW must have an MC of less than 28 percent when tested in accordance with ASTM D3201 at 92 percent relative humidity (RH). Exterior FRTW must demonstrate no increase in the listed classification when subjected to the \u201cStandard Rain Test\u201d or ASTM D2898. In other words, after simulated exposure to rain, exterior FRTW must maintain a FSI of 25 or less during the 30-minute test.<\/p>\n<p><em>1.04 Submittals<\/em><\/p>\n<p>While the codes\u2019 performance specifications are generic, the chemical compositions of various manufacturers\u2019 formulations are proprietary, so it is important to obtain each manufacturer\u2019s recommendations specific not only to storage, handling, and installation but also to finishing. These proprietary formulations will also result in different safety concerns based on the chemicals used, so their respective Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should also be required in the submittals.<\/p>\n<p>The quality assurance and closeout\/warranty submittals are evidence the specified pressure-impregnated FRTW meets the quality assurance requirements and warranty provisions in the following sections.<\/p>\n<p><em>1.05 Quality assurance<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Competitive bidding of public projects is mandated by statutory requirements. This is sound public policy, and many large, private clients also require competitive bidding as part of their procurement policy.<\/p>\n<p>The requirements for FRTW in military specification MIL-L-19140E mirror those in the codes. Specifying wood treatment qualified under MIL-L-19140E and listed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on its Qualified Products List <a href=\"http:\/\/qpldocs.dla.mil\/.\">(QPL)<\/a>\u00a0provides a list that has been prepared for use by or for the government in the acquisition of products covered by the subject specification and provides a source of vetted, qualified (\u201cor equal\u201d) products.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_132209\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-132209\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-Type-III-over-Type-1-Podium-in-Charleston.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-132209 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-Type-III-over-Type-1-Podium-in-Charleston-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-Type-III-over-Type-1-Podium-in-Charleston-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-Type-III-over-Type-1-Podium-in-Charleston-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-Type-III-over-Type-1-Podium-in-Charleston-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-Type-III-over-Type-1-Podium-in-Charleston.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-132209\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Type III with Type I podium: Interior FRTW used both above and below the podium in Charleston, South Carolina.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Specifying treatment plants with ongoing UL Classification and Follow-up Service verifies the material\u2019s quality and provenance of production through countercheck and on-site surveillance. Note the UL listing for FRTW only applies to products marked \u201cUL Classified.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>1.06 Warranty<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Warranties for FRTW are manufacturer-specific and must be submitted by the authorized company official indicating the FRTW is manufactured under independent third-party follow-up inspection and that it meets or exceeds the code requirements for FRTW.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Part 2: Products<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>2.01 Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood<\/em><\/p>\n<p>All codes require FRTW products to be listed, which means:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 It has been tested for conformance to the code-required standards;<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Its test results are published in a maintained list; and<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 It is subject to third-party inspection and quality assurance.<\/p>\n<p>By specifying FRTW manufacturers who are listed in the UL Online Certification Directory for Treated Lumber (BPVV) and Treated Plywood (BUGV), specifiers are ensured only those species of lumber and plywood eligible for listing in the UL Building Materials Directory will be provided.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_132210\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-132210\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/1-Type-I-Roof-in-Phoenix.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-132210 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/1-Type-I-Roof-in-Phoenix-300x207.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/1-Type-I-Roof-in-Phoenix-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/1-Type-I-Roof-in-Phoenix-500x345.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/1-Type-I-Roof-in-Phoenix-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/1-Type-I-Roof-in-Phoenix.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-132210\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Type I: 111,484-m2 (1.2 million-sf) panelized roof system using interior FRT lumber and plywood in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By specifying the FRTW treatment is listed in the DoD\u2019s QPL under MIL-L-19140E, specifiers ensure only pressure-impregnated FRTW will be provided. This reinforces code provisions that clarify paints, stains, coatings, and other surface-applied treatments are not FRTW and only chemically impregnated FRTW is approved for use in lieu of non-combustible materials.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, by specifying the product is labeled with the UL Classified Mark, specifiers are ensured FRTW products demonstrating conformance to the labeling requirements (see sidebar) in the codes will be provided. This is extremely important because only those labels including the UL Classified Mark signify active plant participation in the UL Classification and Follow-up Service.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.02 Product substitutions<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Substitutions will happen no matter how comprehensive the specification. The lack of information, leading to incomplete or inappropriate specifications, is the underlying reason for substitutions. The courts have clearly stated the specifier is the final arbiter of what is a \u201cor equal\u201d product, not the manufacturer, the product rep, the contractor, or the owner.<\/p>\n<p>Given this, how does a specifier understand the range of appropriate products, determine the acceptable common denominator, and proceed to ensure every qualified product is identified and named? This is almost always impossible but by requiring product substitution requests be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 01 25 00\u2013Substitution Procedures, the specifier can maintain a semblance of order in the process.<\/p>\n<p><em>2.03 Related materials<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This model specification covers the treatment, handling, and fabrication of FRTW. Lumber and plywood grades must be specified separately from treatment. For related wood materials required to be treated, the appropriate related Division 6 sections should be referenced.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_132211\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-132211\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-Exterior-FRTW-in-the-WUI.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-132211 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-Exterior-FRTW-in-the-WUI-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-Exterior-FRTW-in-the-WUI-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-Exterior-FRTW-in-the-WUI-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-Exterior-FRTW-in-the-WUI-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/9-Exterior-FRTW-in-the-WUI.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-132211\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Exterior FRTW being used in the wildland urban interface (WUI) for decking.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Part 3: Execution<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>3<em>.01 Manufacturer\u2019s instructions<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Generic FRTW product literature, technical bulletins, and installation instructions do not exist. It is important to obtain and comply with each FRTW manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n<p><em>3.02 Examination<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Each piece of FRTW should be inspected prior to use. Pieces exhibiting characteristics that could impair quality or workmanship such as traditional drying-related defects (excessive bowing, cupping, twisting, checking, or warping) should be discarded. FRTW that is wet or has been wet will need to be dried to the code-required MC before being installed.<\/p>\n<p><em>3.03 Installation<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Because lumber and plywood grades are specified separately from treatment, it is important to install FRTW in accordance with both code requirements and related Division 6 sections.<\/p>\n<p>Interior FRTW ought to be installed in interior applications (including roof, wall, and floor sheathing) and should not be used where it will be exposed to in-service weather, wetting, or dampness. Exterior FRTW should be used in these latter locations and for other applications where specifically identified.<\/p>\n<p>To maintain the UL listing for FRT lumber, milling or ripping parallel-to-grain should be done prior to treatment, as these actions post-treatment could alter the FRTW\u2019s surface-burning characteristics. Field cutting across the grain (cut-to-length) is permitted after treatment without field treatment of cut ends. FRT plywood may be cut or ripped in any direction. Drilling holes is allowed in both FRT lumber and FRT plywood.<\/p>\n<p>Individual treatments can impact fastener performance. Manufacturer-recommended fasteners should be used.<\/p>\n<p><em>3.04 Construction<\/em><\/p>\n<p>As with untreated wood, exposure to rain, dampness and humidity can result in elevated moisture content. Interior FRTW must be kept dry prior to installation by such means as covering bundles with weather-resistant materials, storing under shelter, elevating bundles to prevent ground contact, and allowing for air circulation around the wood.<\/p>\n<p>FRTW roof and wall framing assemblies may become wet (<em>e.g.<\/em> rain) during construction. This section requires wet FRTW in the assemblies to be dried to the code-required MC before being enclosed and is consistent with those recommendations for untreated plywood from APA\u2013The Engineered Wood Association.<\/p>\n<p><em>3.05 Finishing<\/em><\/p>\n<p>FRTW treatments may affect finish performance differently. Therefore, a specifier must obtain finishing recommendations from the manufacturer for the specific FRTW treatment provided.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A strong, generic specification for FRTW<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The amount of information contained in this model specification is substantial\u2014and deliberately so\u2014to ensure code-compliant, listed, and labeled FRTW is provided and will perform as expected. While a select few code-compliant interior and exterior FRTW applications were identified in Table 1, the full list of code-compliant FRTW applications is much longer. With so many possible applications, and with so many products that are mistaken for FRTW, a strong, generic specification for FRTW must be as thorough and comprehensive as possible, too, and for good reason. Specifiers are the final arbiters of \u201cor equal\u201d products, so if the specifier is not dotting the \u201ci\u2019s\u201d and crossing the \u201ct\u2019s,\u201d then who is?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Sidebar-BodyText\"><span style=\"letter-spacing: -.1pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-132212 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Eckhoff_Headshot-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"82\" height=\"82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Eckhoff_Headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Eckhoff_Headshot-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Eckhoff_Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Eckhoff_Headshot.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 82px) 100vw, 82px\" \/>Dr. Eckhoff is a codes and education specialist with Hoover Treated Wood Products Inc., who has more than 15 years of experience in the forest products industry. He provides FRTW technical expertise to architects, code officials, engineers, and specifiers.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A step-by-step guide to writing a strong specification for generic fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) for specifiers. The history of FRTW, how it is manufactured, and how it compares to steel, concrete, and painted\/coated wood products helps create a context to better understand when to use specific products in specific situations. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27272,"featured_media":132214,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[520,179,449,186,256,257,258,459],"tags":[1314,1649,1325,6840],"class_list":["post-132204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-masterformat","category-uniformat","category-06-00-00-wood-plastics-and-composites","category-06-10-00-rough-carpentry","category-06-20-00-finish-carpentry","category-06-40-00-architectural-woodwork","category-b10superstructure","tag-division-06","tag-fire-safety","tag-fire-resistance","tag-fire-retardant-treated-wood","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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