Fire hazards have been a common cause of accidents in both residential and commercial sectors. A tragic 1.6 million fire accidents occurred in India in 2021, resulting in 27,027 fatalities.
Whatever the underlying cause, a fire accident is untoward and spontaneous and can quickly turn a dream home or a commercial building into a pile of ashes.
Though buildings may not be immune to fire hazards, various concrete steps can be taken to effectively delay the spread of fire. Using fire-retardant plywood in construction and interior is one such practical and reliable solution.
In this blog, we’ll outline seven amazing benefits of choosing fire-retardant plywood and explain why it’s a smart investment for your next project.
Top 7 Benefits of Choosing Fire-Retardant Plywood
Fire-retardant plywood is an innovative material that slows down the spread of flames and resists ignition, making it a vital component for any fire-resistant building.
Whether it’s a high-rise commercial building or a house for a family, here are the top 7 benefits of choosing fire-retardant plywood for your next project.
1. Lowers Fire Outbreak
The nano-engineered particles fused into fire-retardant plywood mitigate the reaction between the wood and heat source, reducing the likelihood of sparks turning into destructive flames. This helps in limiting the damage caused by fire and reduces the risk of injuries or fatalities.
2. Offers Enough Time To Flee
During fire accidents, wooden furniture ignites and catches fire almost rapidly. This makes escaping fire disasters nearly impossible.
Fire retardant plywood diminishes the rate of combustion because of its embedded chemical composition. The plywood takes almost 30–45 minutes to catch fire, providing ample time for making an exit and preventing fatalities in fire accidents.
3. Low Smoke and Low Emission
In the unlikely event of a fire accident, wood and upholstery catch fire almost instantly, emitting harmful gases and dense smoke. The increasing level of carbon dioxide, inhalation of toxic fumes, and suffocation are major causes of death before the fire.
Fire-retardant plywood has low smoke emission and reduces the release of toxic fumes making the evacuation process easier.
4. Less Flame Speed
FR-grade plywood with fire-retardant chemicals has a low flame spread rate. When it comes in contact with fire, the plywood reacts to the heat to create carbon char which insulates the wood from the fire and acts as a mild flame retardant.
Always opt for plywood with a flame spread rating from 0–25, as fire-resistant plywood with this rating can survive severe fire exposure.
5. Weather and Water Resistant
Fire-resistant plywood passes through rigorous testing measures (cycling test, boiling test, etc.), making them weatherproof and waterproof. It’s designed to resist damage from fire, moisture, mould, and other environmental factors. Using it helps extend the life of your building and reduces the need for repairs or replacement.
6. Termite and Borer-Proof
Fire-retardant plywood fights borer and termites as efficiently as it fights fire. These plywoods are treated with insect-repellent chemicals and a special type of glue that keeps termites and borer infestation at bay.
This makes FR-grade plywood a multipurpose long-term investment in architecture.
7. Versatility
Fire-resistant plywood can be used in a wide range of applications, including walls, ceilings, floors, partitions, and roofs. These plywoods are light in weight, easy to transport, and available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, making them super versatile for any project.
The material is also durable and resists cracking, bending, and chipping, and works well under adverse conditions.
Also Read : Reasons Why You Should Choose Fire Retardant Plywood
What Makes Fire-Retardant Plywoods Different
Fire-retardant plywood is treated with fire-resistant chemicals during the manufacturing process. The chemicals are designed to help prevent the plywood from catching fire easily and slow down the spread of flames in case of a fire.
The manufacturing guidelines for FR-grade fire-resistant plywood in India are outlined in document IS:5509, which stipulates that the rate of combustion for the plywood must exceed 20 minutes, and the time taken for flames to penetrate the plywood must exceed 30 minutes.
These plywoods also undergo rigorous testing measures to be deemed as fire-resistant plywood before entering the market.
Best Uses of Fire-Retardant Plywood
Fire retardant plywood is available in a variety of grades, thicknesses, and sizes and can be used for a wide range of structural and decorative purposes.
Fire retardant plywood is commonly used in applications where fire safety is a concern, such as kitchens and store rooms. These are also extensively used in commercial or public buildings, schools, hospitals, cinema halls, supermarkets, and other high-risk areas.
Choose the Best Fire-Retardant Plywood
Fire-retardant plywood has proven to be an invaluable asset to the world of design and architecture. With myriad options, sizes, and customizations available, it may get overwhelming to conclude which is the best plywood for your dream project.
A certified and experienced plywood manufacturer, like Apple Plywood, can ease your concerns and guide you in the right direction.
At Apple Plywood, one of the best plywood companies in India, we analyze your requirements, prioritize your safety and help you choose the best fire-retardant plywood for your next project.
Visit the Apple Plywood website today to spruce up your next renovation project.
