The FRX® treatment does not substantially change the physical characteristics of ordinary lumber. You should be aware of proper handling and hygiene practices, which are much the same as if you were using untreated wood. Keep the following guidelines in mind when using and handling FRX® wood.
Hardware
Stainless or hot-dipped galvanized steel hardware is recommended. This hardware provides an extra margin of safety in wet environments.
Installation Tips
1. FRX® wood should not be installed where it will be exposed to high interior temperatures.
2. FRX® wood should not be used in contact with the ground.
3. Dust masks and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and wood chips. Gloves will help avoid splinters. Hands should be washed after doing construction work.
Building Tips
1. Allow 1/4″ to 3/8″ gaps between deck boards.
2. Deck joists should be 16″ o.c. (except knotty grades of 5/4 cedar at 12″).
3. For best results promptly apply water repellent to clean, dry surface.
Painting & Staining
FRX® wood can be painted or stained, but due to tannins and resins in wood and the nature of the polymer in the treatment, not all coatings are compatible with this wood. Furthermore, the flammability of the coating should be considered before application. As with any product color and stain pattern variations may occur.
It is the user’s responsibility to test the finishing system on sample material and expose it to actual use conditions to determine if the desired effect can be obtained. In any case, the recommendations of the coating manufacturer should be followed regarding which coating and method of application is best suited for FRX® treated wood.
As with untreated wood, the surface should be clean and dry before coating.
Applications
FRX® wood is for use in exterior applications where: public safety is critical, other materials would transfer heat or allow fires to spread, sprinkler systems cannot easily be installed, corrosive atmospheres necessitate excessive maintenance of other materials, or other methods of fire protection are not readily available. The International Building, Residential and Urban-Wildland Interface Codes and regulations permit the use of fire retardant treated wood in specific instances.
Typical Exterior Uses Include:
Wall coverings
Balconies
Decks
Siding / cladding
Open-air roof systems
Canopies and awnings
Storefronts and facades
Stairways
Fences
Eaves, soffits and fascia
Agricultural buildings and horse stalls
Sheds
Scaffolding and scaffold planks
Gazebos
Construction staging
Roof coverings
Various other residential and commercial uses
Residential Uses
Fire retardant treated wood has been used for decades in institutional buildings, and now it’s moving into residential applications with the establishment of codes meant to minimize the destruction caused by fire.
Some architects and builders incorporate the product into their homes and then promote its use as a point of differentiation. More and more homeowners are requesting fire retardant treated wood as an increased safety measure.
FRX® FRT wood works automatically when exposed to fire. No other method of activation is necessary. The FRX® chemicals react with combustible gases and tars normally generated by untreated wood and convert them to carbon char, harmless carbon dioxide, and water. Wood loses strength in a fire at the rate at which its cross sectional area is reduced. The surface char acts to insulate underlying wood and slows the rate at which the cross sectional area is reduced. The carbon dioxide and water vapor dilute the combustible gases to help reduce flamespread.
By using FRX® FRT wood for your projects, your wood will impede the spread of flames and generate less smoke (the #1 cause of deaths in fires) than normal wood. With FRX® treated wood components, structural damage is slowed and escape time increased.