Fire Resistant Exterior Decks

Remove the Fire Risk from Your Deck

As the state of Colorado continues to see a heightened increase in wildfire risk, additional regulations have been implemented, specifically the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. Not only are counties and local municipalities referring to this code for residential compliance; but also, insurance companies are weighing in.

Decks are considered a primary location for the beginning of home structure ignition during a wildfire event. Embers travel often far distances, landing on and between deck boards where combustible organic materials collects and underneath decks where pine needles, leaves and other debris typically accumulate. Decks constructed of combustible materials are considered a residential structure vulnerability due to the fact that they are directly attached to the home exterior by way of a ledger board and often required metal flashing between the deck and home exterior wall is lacking or not correctly installed.

According to the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (section 404.5), the walking surface on exterior decking should be constructed of the following:

• Approved noncombustible materials

• Class A rated material or composite decking with a minimum Class B rating

• Fire-retardant-treated wood identified for exterior use and meeting the requirements of Section 2303.2 of the 2024 International Building Code

• Ignition-resistant building materials in accordance with Section 402.4.

Class A Decking Material Recommendations

Understanding Class A fire ratings can feel overly scientific at times, so we're here to explain in simpler terms just what types of decking materials are suitable for constructing a beautiful, custom, fire-resistant deck. While Class A fire rated decking is not considered fireproof, it is however highly fire resistant. Class A fire rating is defined as a product having a Flame Spread Index (FSI) of less than 25. Flame spread index is a rating based on how fast flame spreads over a surface within a given period of time. Testing of materials is conducted in a laboratory wind tunnel.

Below are some common options we recommend for homeowners looking to retrofit or rebuild their deck to withstand wildfire conditions.

Decking Material

• Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRT): This is lumber that is impregnated with fire retardant chemicals, with the goal of reducing ignition of the material and flame spread. Common wood species include redwood, western red cedar and hem fir. There are a number of great product options available in the market including:

  • Thermawood-FR

  • FRX FRT Wood

  • Exterior FireX

• Composite/PVC Decking: PVC and composite decking are excellent decking material options for those seeking a maintenance-free, weather resistant, and ignition resistant decking. Many manufacturers produce high quality products that have a real wood aesthetic. Here are some product recommendations:

  • TimberTech Fire Resistant Decking

  • Fiberon

  • Trex - Refuge

Fire Resistant Deck Skirting

Most residential deck construction is focused on the visible aesthetic in and around the walking area, including choice of decking material, deck size, and railing design. Underneath the deck is often ignored from a cost and investment perspective; however, this area beneath your deck is in fact one of the most vulnerable areas to ignition by wildfire. Homeowners find this a convenient location to store leftover building materials and yard equipment. The space below your home's deck is also the most common location for combustible organic matter to accumulate, such as pine needles, leaves, and landscaping mulch. These materials are easily ignited by embers that can travel miles ahead of the front of a wildfire.

The best solution for preventing ignition of your exterior deck from below involves two parts: the first part is the installation of a deck soffit constructed of non-combustible material such as corrugated steel or aluminum to prevent ignition of the joists and decking by flames from below. The second part is proper enclosure of the deck skirting. Enclosure of the area beneath the deck can be accomplished via two common methods: full enclosure via metal, concrete, or stucco or the installation of ember screen, a non-combustible metal mesh with a grid size no more than 1/8" in size.

Below are some common options we recommend for homeowners looking to retrofit or rebuild their deck to withstand wildfire conditions.

Ember Screen

• Ember Screen: Non-combustible, corrosion resistant, metal mesh with openings no larger than 1/8" in size to prevent the intrusion of wildfire-borne embers.

  • FireStorm - Ember Mesh

  • Wildfire Defense Mesh

Custom Decks

The exterior deck of a home is one of the most frequently enjoyed spaces of a home for gathering of family and friends. Let us help construct your outdoor happy place that is built to withstand wildfire risk and keep your home insurer at ease.

Deck Repairs

Get ahead of increased insurance premiums by repairing your deck and making it a wildfire-prepared deck at the same time. Bundling repairs with wildfire resistant retrofits will save you money long term.

Deck Retrofits

You may have been notified by your home insurance company that your exterior wood deck is a wildfire risk or the design may be noncompliant. Remove the risk of home ignition from your deck by installing Class A fire rated decking and railing material, protecting the underside of your deck with fire rated soffit material, and installing ember-resistant screening around the deck perimeter.

Get in touch

You can schedule an appointment with our team by completing the form here or calling or emailing us directly.

Phone

(720) 453-8840

Email

service@blazeblocker.co