Choosing and applying fire-retardant-treated plywood and lumber for roof designs

Susan LeVan; Mary Collet

doi:10.2737/FPL-GTR-62

Treesearch

Choosing and applying fire-retardant-treated plywood and lumber for roof designs

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Susan LeVan, Mary Collet

Year:

1989

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/FPL-GTR-62

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-62. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 11 p.

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Download (PDF 734 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/9656.pdf

Abstract

Fire-retardant-treated (FRT) plywood used as roof sheathing has exhibited strength degradation in some situations. The cause appears to be certain fire retardant chemicals that are activated under environmental conditions of high temperature and moisture content. This report describes how fire retardants are made, how they work, and what causes strength degradation of FRT wood. We present guidelines for selecting and using FRT wood and precautions to follow when designing roof systems with FRT plywood.

Keywords

Degradation, strength, flammability, moisture, plywood, fire retardant, roof

Citation

LeVan, Susan; Collet, Mary. 1989. Choosing and applying fire-retardant-treated plywood and lumber for roof designs. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-62. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 11 p.