Dricon® FRT wood provides greater design latitude for architects, engineers and contractors, and removes many barriers associated with conventional noncombustible materials such as masonry and steel. The use of Dricon® FRT wood can result in greater safety, reduced insurance rates, and easing of building code limitations.

Dricon fire retardant chemical is formulated at one chemical manufacturing facility by trained chemical operators who recognize the importance of proper chemical composition. Each batch of Dricon® FRT chemical is inspected and tested to be sure it adheres to the specifications of Arch Wood Protection and Underwriters Laboratories. UL lists Dricon fire retardant as a recognized fire retardant chemical, indicating its suitability for use in fire retardant applications.

Exterior Wood, Inc. is one of a select group of quality-minded licensees who pressure treat wood to the prescribed requirements of Arch, Timber Products Inspection, and Underwriters Laboratories.

Flame Spread & Smoke Developed Values

• UL 723-Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials was developed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and subsequently adopted by ASTM as Standard E 84.
• ASTM E -4-Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is essentially the same as UL 723. It also has been adopted by ANSI.
• NFPA 255-Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is essentially the same as UL 723 and ASTM E 84.
• UBC Standard 8-1 Test Method for Surface-Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is based on Standard Test Method ASTM E 84.

WATER IS NO SWEAT

Unlike other products, DRICON® Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) does not pick up excessive moisture, even at a relative humidity of 95%. In addition, tests show that DRICON® is no more corrosive than untreated wood, even when the relative humidity reaches 100%.

TRIAL BY FIRE

Each piece of DRICON® wood is marked with an ink stamp or paper label bearing the classification mark of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., (UL). This label describes its surface burning characteristics, the name and the location of the treating plant, and the fact that the wood complies with AWPA standards.

It also shows that DRICON® has been kiln-dried after treatment and qualifies as an Interior Type A, low hygroscopic product. DRICON® was the first product of its kind to be issued a national code compliance report for fire retardancy and structural durability. The use of DRICON® wood can and does reduce insurance premiums in many applications.

WHERE THE WOOD WORKS

DRICON® Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) provides greater design latitude than conventional noncombustible materials such as masonry or steel. Architects, engineers and contractors are putting DRICON® to use in:

• Indoor construction staging, scaffold, and workman's shanties
• Studs, wallplates, and firestops
• Roof systems including decks, purlins, and joists
• Air return plenum framing in HVAC systems
• Shelving, bins, tote boxes, work benches, and pallets
• Recreational areas such as camps and lodges
• Interior siding and millwork areas where sprinkler systems cannot be installed
• Anywhere other materials would permit a fire to ignite and spread

YOU CAN HANDLE IT

The chemicals used in DRICON® Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) are of very low toxicity and will not harm anyone who works with it. Tests have shown that smoke from DRICON® is no more toxic than smoke from untreated wood. Naturally, normal safety practices for working with any wood should be followed. This means gloves, dust masks, and eye protection. Ingestion tests have demonstrated that extreme amounts of wood would have to be ingested before chemical exposure becomes significant.

HOT TIPS FOR FINISHING

A light sanding and thorough wiping should be performed prior to the application of any finish. Stains, sealers, varnishes, and paints can be used on DRICON® Paints can be either water based or oil based; stains should be solvent-based to avoid possible surface crystallization of the fire retardant chemical.

DRICON® recommends using carbide tipped saw blades and hot dipped galvanized steel fasteners. The DRICON® treatment does not adversely affect the performance of nonstructural constructive adhesives, mastics or contact cements.