Fire-resistant rainscreen system
rockies63
| Posted in Green Products and Materials on
I saw a thread from 2013 asking about whether the rainscreen gap behind the cladding could allow fire to move behind the wall (as from a forest fire). This product may solve the problem of closing off the gap in case of fire.
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Replies
Scott,
That looks like a really useful product for wildfire prone areas. I wonder why they have one for "non-ventilated" rain screens? If the cavity is closed off already, why do you need the strip? I must be missing something.
Sounds like a problem in search of a solution.
Rainscreens already have an insect strip which would in most cases prevent all but the smallest embers from getting inside.
It's not like embers can't make it into the roof via soffet/ridge vents.
John,
Certain areas in California have been designated as Wildfire Management Areas, and in some of these areas, local codes prohibit the use of ordinary soffit vents.
Several manufacturers have come up with special soffit vents to serve a demand for products that comply with wildfire restrictions, including these:
Vulcan Vent
GAF EmberShield soffit vent
Hi, there is also
Brandguard and O'Hagin Attic Vents. Just to make the list complete. San Diego County has requirements that exceed the state requirements urban wildland fire interface zone