Is Vinyl Siding Combustible

A virginia fire in 2004 was described by the washington post this way.

Is vinyl siding combustible.

Plus vinyl siding is approved for use in all types of construct1 including ion non combustible rated structures up to 40 feet tall one hour fire rated assemblies wild fire zones and other fire resistive construction. A report published by fire engineering pointed to a national institute of standards and technology nist study by dan madryzkowski which compared the combustibility of three siding materials. The original aluminum siding still in place on the dormer has been removed exposing the combustible asphalt impregnated low density fiberboard sheathing that is visible on the gable. An alternative to vinyl siding fiber cement a mixture of cement sand and wood fibers manages to achieve very high fire resistance without sacrificing convenience and durability many fiber cement products carry a class a fire rating meaning that they can withstand several hours of heat before melting down.

Vinyl is designed to resist water intrusion. Many homeowners looking for a fire resistant house siding may consider products such as vinyl which are technically non flammable as well. Aluminum siding t 111 plywood and vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is more difficult than many other building materials to ignite because it is composed mainly of pvc which is inherently flame retardant due to its chlorine base.

Other fires involving homes with vinyl siding have been more serious. Note the condition of its vinyl siding. Facts about vinyl siding according to fire rescue. Fiber cement siding won t ignite burn or melt when exposed to either heat or flames.

Pvc has one of the lowest flame spread. Accordingly vinyl siding has been approved for use in all types of construction including non combustible construction. In each of the past four years the atlantic hurricane season has experienced above average activity. The difference though is how the product holds up to heat.

Fiber cement can withstand high heat from fires. Again brick was not studied because it is not combustible. In the uk and new zealand a similar material is known. A tiny flame from a candle touched papers that melted vinyl siding and set off a fire that raced unnoticed up three floors.