When architects, contractors, lumber dealers and wholesalers, and building officials need immediate answers to their questions about fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW), Hoover Treated Wood Products offers a free and invaluable resource: 1-800-TEC-WOOD.
This dedicated helpline provides real-time assistance, ensuring professionals get expert guidance on FRTW specifications, applications and safety requirements without delays to help them use FRTW products to build high-profile projects like the Obama Presidential Center and the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
What is 1-800-TEC-WOOD?
Hoover’s TecWood service is designed to support industry professionals with technical inquiries related to FRTW wood products, building codes and compliance requirements. The helpline is staffed by experienced technical representatives who provide clear and reliable information to architects, engineers, contractors, lumber dealers and building officials.
Expertise Behind the Service
TecWood is backed by knowledgeable industry veterans:
Director of Fire & Life Safety Codes, Dr. Dave Bueche – With 40 years of experience supervising construction projects, managing associations, leading research and teaching courses, Dave is a trusted authority figure in the FRTW industry. His team develops product applications, sets standards and promotes FRTW in construction. Active in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), International Society of Wood Science and Technology (SWST), and past board member of the Forest Products Society, he serves on UL’s Standards Technical Panel and ASTM/NFPA committees.
Director of Architectural Solutions, Chris Athari – With an extensive background in research and development, Chris has dedicated his career to advancing building safety and compliance. His deep expertise in the code world helps architects and design professionals integrate innovative products that enhance life safety and promote sustainable solutions. As a trusted advisor in code development, Chris plays a key role in shaping the future of wood construction.
Architectural/Code Specialist, Jim Gogolski – Jim is a seasoned wood technologist with over 45 years of experience in the industry. He has held key positions with APA – The Engineered Wood Association, and the Southern Forest Products Association. He provides FRTW design consultation to architects, engineers and regulators and actively contributes to industry committees, including the International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“People like to talk to people, and to have relationships,” Jim Gogolski said. “They like to call a phone number and get a human on the other end of the line. We’re able to provide a personable approach when dealing with a complex problem.”
In 2024, Hoover’s TecWood service supported nearly 1,000 contractors, architects, lumber dealers and other industry professionals. With an average of 4-5 inquiries per day, this is an important real-time resource to ensure building safety.
TecWood Frequently-Asked Questions
1-800-TEC-WOOD is a resource for all FRTW needs. Our experts answer all kinds of questions, but these are the topics we hear most often.
Interior vs. Exterior Applications
One of the most frequent questions involves determining whether to use interior versus exterior FRTW wood products. Callers often seek clarification on the differences between PyroGuard™ and Exterior FireX™ for their specific projects.
Building Code Compliance
As the only code compliant FRTW products in the U.S., many inquiries involve requests for code reports and confirmation of compliance with building standards, which can all be found under the specific product information pages on Hoover’s website. Hoover’s FRTW products are code compliant.
Product Use and Environmental Considerations
Another key topic involves the usability of FRTW in various applications. For example:
- FRTW can be painted, stained or finished without compromising its fire-retardant properties.
- FRTW meets environmental certifications, such as GreenGuard, and is produced using low emissions and low toxicity, and without volatile compounds or heavy metals.
- Hoover’s products comply with government regulations. Building and fire codes recognize FRTW’s unique properties in many circumstances, permitting substitution for noncombustible materials.
Real-time Assistance for Urgent Issues
Contractors often reach out when faced with urgent site issues, such as job delays due to specification errors or concerns raised by building inspectors. The TecWood team provides prompt resolutions, helping to prevent costly project interruptions. Some contractors call in a state of panic when their work is halted, and the TecWood staff’s knowledgeable and reassuring approach ensures swift problem-solving, fostering trust and long-term relationships.
You can reach TecWood experts by calling 1-800-TEC-WOOD Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. ET. Email inquiries can be sent to tecwood@frtw.com. Most phone calls and emails will receive a response from the TecWood team within 24 hours on weekdays.
