Have you heard the big news? In December, TechWood unveiled two new fire-rated wall assemblies that not only meet IBC/IRC code-compliant fire protection for residential and commercial construction, but exceed code, adding exclusive protections against mold, rot, and termites while stabilizing the wood substrates against warp, twist, and checking. This is a first for wall assemblies, and you’re sure to hear more great things about it.
After rigorous testing, TechWood 4400, a pressureless fire-retardant lumber protectant, passed the required ASTM E-119 assembly test. The test is designed to evaluate how well the building components maintain their structural integrity while containing the fire. [For images, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Several fire-retardant products have listings for wall assemblies, but only TechWood can document no loss of strength as a result of our treating processes. Engineers can count on lumber treated with TechWood 4400 to carry the same load as “bright” untreated lumber, with no reduction in their structural design properties.
We’re proud to say that TechWood is the industry leader in pressureless protective lumber treatments for component manufacturers and builders. TechWood technology uses treating processes unique to the traditional lumber treatment industry. Without using punitive high-pressure methods, TechWood infuses lumber with a proprietary solution to prevent mold, eliminate termites, and protect against fire. Lumber is penetrated and completely protected, unlike high-pressure-treated, and retains these protections over time.
Moreover, TechWood treated lumber is eco-friendly and non-hazardous—providing safer and cleaner solutions for today’s builders and homeowners. TechWood offers four levels of wood treatment protection, with TechWood 4400 being our latest innovation.
Unlike traditional treated lumber, our TechWood treatments contain no harmful chemicals, are water-soluble, non-toxic, and non-hazardous to humans, animals, and vegetation while being completely recyclable.
Our treatments protect lumber surfaces while allowing them to breathe, which greatly reduces the occurrence of airborne mold and naturally occurring formaldehydes after construction—resulting in safer and cleaner homes for long-term performance. In particular, the TechWood 4400 assembly provides more than fire protection and includes warrantied protection against mold, rot, decay, and termites. Building owners and residents benefit by having better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and better living conditions. That means TechWood 4400 gives you fire protection that exceeds industry requirements plus additional protections not available with other products.
As stated by our company CEO, Irv Minnaker, “At TechWood, our continued testing demonstrates to the industry that our products make buildings better, safer, and cleaner. The two-hour wall assembly listing gives design professionals, builders, and building code officials the confidence to request and approve TechWood products where advanced fire safety is desired or required by code.”
Andrew Dingman, our executive vice president, has this to say about our latest offering. “Our two-hour wall assembly gives builders and owners the option for added health benefits, strength, and stability when code requirements only call for fire walls. Our chemistry combined with our strict treating methods guarantee chemical impregnation meeting the ICC standard for fire-retardant treated wood (FRTW) in Type III construction, including the one- and two-hour wall assembly requirements within the IBC Chapter 6.
Building codes call for advanced fire-resistant components especially within multi-unit buildings to prevent fire conflagration between units and to nearby buildings. TechWood is pleased to rise to the challenge of providing the market with products that help meet this need. Moreover, TechWood is the first product of its kind to meet such high industry standards for fire-rated wood frame assembly.
Are you ready to see more? TechWood lumber treatment is available across the country through a nationwide network of licensed applicators. Technical Evaluation Reports, Safety Data Sheets, and UL Green Guard certifications for all TechWood products are available for download from www.techwoodtreatments.com. To contact TechWood directly, call 1-833-TEKWOOD or email connect@techwoodtreatments.com.