Plywood Fire Treating

As the only plywood manufacturer with in-house fire treating, we streamline your project with reduced logistics, freight costs, and speed-to-market.

the highest standards of fire treating

Natron offers superior fire retardant treatments as an official licensee of Hoover Treated Wood Products. Our facility and rigorous protocols ensure every order meets strict flame spread, smoke development and environmental standards.

PyroGuard pressure-impregnated, interior fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood for enclosed structural applications.

  • PyroGuard was the first FRTW (fire-retardant-treated wood) to be issued a Code Compliance report based on high temperature testing for roof sheathing and framing uses.

    UL Evaluation Report ER7002-01 has been issued for PyroGuard by UL Solutions, confirming compliance with the International Building Code.

    UL Evaluation Report ER7002-01 contains conditions of use and strength adjustments for roof sheathing, roof framing and other applications.

    PyroGuard meets the flame spread requirement of all building codes which is 25 or less, as determined by UL Solutions in the extended 30 minute duration of ASTM E-84, “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.” Each piece of fire-retardant-treated wood bears the UL Solutions Classification mark identifying it as being produced under its Classification and Follow Up Services.

    PyroGuard is approved for use in lieu of noncombustible materials in applications such as wall studs and roof systems.

    PyroGuard should not be confused with surface coatings, because test requirements and code definitions are entirely different for each.

    PyroGuard is pressure impregnated and carries a flamespread rating derived by UL Solutions in the 30 minute ASTM E-84 flamespread test, while coatings are sprayed, brushed or rolled on the surface and flame tested for only 10 minutes.

    Coated wood does not meet code requirements for structural uses.

    [Source: Hoover at frtw.com]

    • Construction with PyroGuard treated wood requires no special tools or skills.

    • PyroGuard trusses and roof decks often qualify a masonry wall building as “noncombustible” for insurance purposes.

    • PyroGuard can often be substituted for non-combustible materials without affecting building classification.Use of PyroGuard wood partitions instead of untreated partitions often allows for an increase in square footage and lower insurance rates.

    • The use of PyroGuard wood roof decking is accepted in lieu of parapet walls in multifamily dwellings.

    • Even when sprinklers are mandatory, the use of PyroGuard can further reduce fire insurance rates.

    • PyroGuard is commonly accepted by building codes for partition walls, store fronts, fixtures and roof construction in shopping centers.

  • PyroGuard meets the flame spread requirement of all building codes which is 25 or less, as determined by UL Solutions in the extended 30 minute duration of ASTM E-84, “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.”

  • PyroGuard has successfully passed stringent combustion toxicity testing. Smoke produced by PyroGuard treated wood was no more toxic than smoke produced by untreated wood.

  • PyroGuard is recommended for enclosed structural applications such as:

    • Plywood roof sheathing

    • Roof trusses

    • Rafters

    • Mezzanines

    • Shelving

    • Load-bearing walls

    • Floor sheathing

    • Partition walls

    • Studs

    • Interior beams

    • Blocking

    • Steps

    • Stairways

    • Platforms

    • Stages

    • Wall sheathing

    • Telecomm/electrical panels

    PyroGuard has been strength-tested after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and moisture to verify its strength characteristics when used in roof systems and other recommended applications.

    PyroGuard plywood span ratings and lumber design value adjustments are based on strength testing after prolonged exposure to high temperatures experienced in roof applications.

    PyroGuard fire-retardant-treated wood is produced in strategically located company-owned facilities and is distributed by an extensive nationwide network of stocking distributors.

    ExteriorFireX fire-retardant-treated wood is recommended for exterior exposures and other applications exposed to dampness, high humidity or wetting.

  • The natural wood color and texture remains intact with PyroGuard. Raised grain may occur, especially on sanded plywood, and this is easily removed by sanding.

    Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from any wood, including treated wood. When sawing and machining treated wood, wear suitable respiratory and eye protection.

    Stick marks may be minimized by special order.

  • PyroGuard was the first FRTW with plywood roof span ratings adjustments based on strength testing after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and moisture.

    Furthermore, PyroGuard was the first FRTW to be issued a Code Compliance Report, which includes evaluation of elevated temperature strength testing.

  • The natural wood color and texture remain intact with PyroGuard. Raised grain may occur, especially on sanded plywood, and this is easily removed by sanding. Avoid frequent or prolonged inhalation of sawdust from any wood, including treated wood. When sawing and machining treated wood, wear suitable respiratory and eye protection. Stick marks may be minimized by special order.

  • PyroGuard is recommended for enclosed interior applications not exposed to the weather, dampness, high humidity or wetting. When codes require exterior fire retardant treated wood ExteriorFireX is available.

    PyroGuard is allowed for use in contact with concrete or masonry that is above grade and is not susceptible to wetting or dampness.

Source: Hoover

ExteriorFireX is pressure-impregnated fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood that provides tested fire protection for applications directly exposed to the weather or high humidity, outdoors as well as indoors.

  • ExteriorFireX meets the flame spread requirement of all building codes which is 25 or less, as determined by UL Solutions in the extended 30 minute duration of ASTM-84 (UL 723), “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.” Each piece of treated wood bears the UL Solutions Classification mark identifying it as being produced under its Classification and Follow Up Services.

    ExteriorFireX should not be confused with surface coatings, because test requirements and code definitions are entirely different for each.

    ExteriorFireX is pressure impregnated and carries a flame spread rating derived by UL Solutions in the 30 minute ASTM E-84 (UL 723) flame spread test, while coatings are sprayed, brushed or rolled on the surface and tested for only 10 minutes. Coated wood does not meet code requirements for structural uses.

  • ExteriorFireX meets the flame spread requirement of all building codes which is 25 or less, as determined by UL Solutions in the extended 30 minute duration of ASTM-84 (UL 723), “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.”

  • Each piece of ExteriorFireX fire-retardant-treated plywood bears the UL Solutions label as required by building codes.

    ExteriorFireX fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood meets or exceeds the requirements of the following agencies:

    • Military Specification MIL-L-19140E

    • International Code Conference (ICC)

    • Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

    • Insurance Service Office (ISO)

    • American Nuclear Insurers

    • Nuclear Mutual Limited

    • Permits use of wood under restrictive codes

    • Thoroughly strength tested

    • Can be used outdoors or indoors

    • Reduces insurance rates

    • Non-corrosive

    • Each piece identified with UL classification mark

    • Kiln drying monitored by Timber Products Inspection Inc.

    • No halogens or sulfates

    • Optional blue color coded

    • Can be painted or stained

    • Approved for use in nuclear power plants

    • Exterior Decks

    • Balconies

    • Stairways

    • Siding

    • Scaffolding

    • Moulding

    • Trim

    • Open-air roof systems

    • Stables

    • Soffit

    • Fascia

    • Roof sheathing

    ExteriorFireX fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood offers the workability and versatility of wood as well as the fire-safety and insurance advantages of noncombustible materials.

    Balconies and exterior walls constructed of ExteriorFireX may be considered noncombustible by some building codes.

    ExteriorFireX fire-retardant-treated wood siding is often used in lieu for noncombustible siding, and exterior stairs constructed of ExteriorFireX are generally accepted as noncombustible.

    ExteriorFireX fire-retardant-treated roof systems including roof supports, trusses, and decking may often be used in lieu of noncombustible construction in open warehouses, storage sheds, and structures with no penalty in the insurance rates or the building code classification of the structure.

    ExteriorFireX lumber and scaffold plank for temporary structures in construction projects may help reduce the cost of builders’ risk insurance.

    The Specifier should evaluate the acceptability of the product for each application.

  • ExteriorFireX can be painted or stained much like untreated wood. Water repellent preservative finishes are recommended for exterior applications directly exposed to the weather. Finished systems should first be tested on sample material and exposed to actual use conditions to determine if the desired effect can be obtained. Marks left by drying sticks may appear on both sides of lumber and plywood. Stick marks may be minimized by special order. This must be specified when placing the order, and is recommended for exterior siding.

Source: Hoover

Why choose Natron?

  • Specialized Expertise in Plywood

    Unlike broad-spectrum treaters, our expertise is sharply focused on plywood. This singular focus guarantees quality and performance in fire safety standards.
  • All-In-One Solution

    We simplify your project by combining manufacturing and fire treating in one location, cutting down time on logistics, freight costs, and turnarounds.
  • Trusted by Industry Leaders

    Industry leaders rely on us for their fire-treated plywood needs, trusting in our quality and reliability for projects that require the highest of standards.
  • Mixed Order Capability

    With Natron, you can order fire-treated and raw plywood together, specific to your project requirements.
  • Customizable Plywood Solutions

    Our collaborative approach allows you to design and fire-treat bespoke plywood projects and industrial solutions.
  • Applications & Compliance

    • Wide Range of Uses

      From high-rise buildings to mixed-use developments and roofing systems, our fire-treated plywood is versatile enough to meet diverse construction needs.

    • Meeting Safety Standards:

      Our plywood meets rigorous flame spread ratings all building as determined by UL Solutions, ensuring compliance with the strictest safety standards in construction, including schools, high-rises, and California earthquake codes.