Aug 10 2009
Fiberon(R), a leading manufacturer of composite and PVC decking, railing, and fencing products, announces Sensibuilt(TM) PVC decking has been tested and approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal-Fire) Office of the State Fire Marshal's strict building standards designed to reduce property losses during wildfires.
To protect valuable property investments and reduce life threatening fire risks, Cal-Fire has set up Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards that mandate the use of ignition-resistant construction materials and building practices. Their handbook is a guide for exterior building products that meet the strict California Building Code requirements introduced in 2007.
Composed of ignition-resistant cellular PVC, Sensibuilt contains no wood or other organic material. While this composition allows it superior mold resistance and makes it invulnerable to termites, splitting and rotting, it also meets the following standards in California:
- Meets or exceeds California State Fire Marshall (SFM) testing Standard 12-7A-4 Part A (Under Deck Flame) and ASTM D2898 required for Wildland Urban Interface use
- Meets or exceeds SFM 12-7A-4 Part B (Burning Brand) requirement for San Diego County.
Sensibuilt PVC decking has additionally achieved a Class A Flame Spread Index (FSI) as tested under ASTM E84, one of the few decking products in the category to achieve this highest rating.
"Part of Fiberon's commitment to products relevant to the marketplace is fulfilling the need for decking that is durable beyond everyday wear and tear," said Chris Beyer, Vice President of Marketing for Fiberon. "While wild fires are a reality in many parts of our nation, California has enacted the strictest standards, and we are pleased Sensibuilt is now included in their WUI Building Materials Listing Program."
Sensibuilt is the only PVC deck material to carry a 10-year stain and fade resistance warranty. Its unique, patent-pending Lumenite(TM) surface provides superior protection against staining, fading and scratching, and it includes an infrared heat reflecting component that makes it cooler underfoot.
The full WUI handbook may be accessed at http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/bml/wuiproducts.pdf.
Fiberon Sensibuilt PVC decking is sold to professional contractors and dealers through a national network of distributors. To learn more, visit www.fiberondecking.com