How Do James Hardie® Products Perform Against House Fires?

James Hardie® fiber cement products offer many advantages, among which is fire resistance. In today’s post, the siding contractors at Triangle Home Exteriors share a look at how James Hardie products help protect your home against a house fire.

Important Terms

Building codes and laboratory test standards define materials based on how they perform in a fire. First, you need to be familiar with terms that some people use interchangeably, but actually have specific applications. This is important if you need to make informed decisions for building your home.

Combustible — Combustible materials are those that readily ignite and burn. Many common materials fall into this category, including wood and composites made of wood and polymer.

Noncombustible — Noncombustible materials do not undergo combustion under specified conditions.

Ignition-resistant — The term “ignition-resistant” generally refers to materials that meet a minimum flame spread rating of between 10 to 30 minutes. Lumber that has been pressure-impregnated with a fire retardant is a common example, and is typically used for roof replacement.

Fire-resistant — The term “fire resistance” applies to how long a structure (walls, in particular) can contain a fire. For clarity, “ignition-resistant” applies to materials, while “fire-resistant” applies to structures.

James Hardie Products

James Hardie products are made with fiber cement, which means they have performance characteristics that are similar to brick, stucco, and stone. For example, James Hardie siding can be used to improve an exterior wall’s fire resistance. It’s important to remember that no material can remain unaffected by heat, nor stop fires from occurring. Wood siding can fuel the fire, while vinyl siding can melt quickly and expose the exterior wall substrate.

In comparison, James Hardie products like HardiePlank® do not ignite immediately, nor will it contribute to a fire. When installed, James Hardie products can help buy you time to extinguish a small fire, or give the building’s occupants time to get to emergency exits. James Hardie products are proven for their performance that many fire insurance providers offer discounts to homeowners who have it on their homes.

Triangle Home Exteriors is one of the leading home exterior remodeling companies serving Durham, NC, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (919) 615-1101 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.