When considering your home’s exterior, fire resistance should be a priority, especially in regions facing increasing fire risks due to deforestation and climate change. While aesthetics matter, prioritize siding materials with fire-resistant properties alongside modern textures for curb appeal.
Though no home can be entirely fireproof, selecting the right exterior cladding can significantly enhance fire resistance. Materials like metal offer superior fire resistance compared to wood, protecting your home interior.
Explore siding options tailored for fire resistance to safeguard your home against potential hazards and ensure your peace of mind. Take help of an experienced service provider like the Alpine Siding Pros, one of the best home exteriors siding contractor Bellingham WA. They are also rated among the best siding contractors in Washington state.
The following are a few options for fire-proof siding for your home.
Brick and stone siding
Naturally, fire-resistant materials are brick and stone. They don’t spread fire or ignite any. Many experts say that the house catches fire when the flames go behind the siding. In this manner, the internal walls may sustain damage. On the other hand, a stone and brick exterior can stop it since they don’t have any caulking, which keeps fire from getting to the stud cavity. Therefore, it also keeps the walls inside the house from catching fire.
Stucco siding
Stucco, the final recommendation for fire-resistant siding, is composed of a binder and water and applied wet, allowing for customizable shaping. While popular for decorative exteriors, its fire resistance is lower compared to other options. Stucco lacks combustible materials but typically offers only about one hour of protection against fire before cracking and potentially exposing interior walls to burning.
Wood siding
For homeowners with wooden exteriors seeking fire resistance, Flame Retardant Spray offers a solution. While wood is highly combustible, this chemical spray reduces fire risk by providing some protection to wood siding. Although it does not guarantee complete fireproofing, it mitigates the spread of flames, crucial for safety. However, gaps and cavities between wood panels can still allow fire to infiltrate interior walls, posing a potential hazard. Despite its limitations, Flame Retardant Spray is a practical option for enhancing fire resistance in wooden exteriors.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding, though versatile and popular, poses a significant fire risk due to its plastic composition. In a direct fire scenario, it offers little protection to exterior or interior walls, prompting FEMA to advise against its use. However, if opting for vinyl, enhancing safety is possible by adding 5/8” gypsum boards under the siding, bolstering fire resistance. Despite its aesthetic appeal and warranty, vinyl’s lack of eco-friendliness and poor fire performance warrant careful consideration before installation, prioritizing safety and sustainability in home exteriors.
Metal siding
This sleek, modern siding can easily withstand:
- Strong winds
- Rain
- Hail
- Sleet
- Snow.
Moreover, the majority of metal siding is fireproof and non-combustible. Metal siding can have issues because of its gaps, which can let fire seep through the siding and onto flammable objects, resulting in expensive damage to your house. Ask your siding contractor for any other options to fire-proof your home.
