Last month, Hoover’s Dr. Dave Bueche and Jim Gogolski joined Shaunna’s Summer Study Sessions, a weeklong online event hosted by Mozingo Code Group, LLC. Designed to give architects, contractors, and code officials across the country a chance to sharpen their skills, the event featured targeted webinars on some of today’s most pressing code topics.
This marked Hoover’s first time presenting at the Summer Study, and we were proud to have our experts deliver critical training on fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) to support professionals working to keep communities safe.
FRTW and the WUI
Dr. Dave’s session, Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood and the WUI, focused on the important role FRTW plays in wildfire-prone communities. He emphasized the need for clarity when specifying and inspecting materials:
“Fire-retardant-treated wood can be used to build code-compliant structures in the WUI,” said Dr. Dave. “But it is important to understand how to identify products. Exterior FRTW must carry the required label referencing ASTM E2898. It is the code-approved way to confirm compliance.”
He also noted a common misconception: that all FRTW is red. “That is not true. Exterior FRTW may be blue, and some products can even be ordered without color. The label is what matters.”
FRTW and the IBC
Jim followed with a session on FRTW and the IBC, where he highlighted the wide range of applications for both PyroGuard™ (interior) and ExteriorFireX™ (exterior). Drawing from more than four decades in wood technology, he shared:
“Coatings, paints, and sprays are not fire-retardant-treated wood,” Jim explained. “What makes FRTW reliable is its pressure-impregnation process. Once professionals understand where PyroGuard and ExteriorFireX are allowed in the code, they can use them with confidence.”
Jim also cleared up another misconception: that PyroGuard cannot be used on exterior walls or roofs. “As long as PyroGuard is behind a weather-protective barrier like house wrap or liquid-applied materials, it can absolutely be used in those assemblies,” he added.
Engaging with Industry Professionals
Audience engagement was strong, with questions ranging from how to identify FRTW by its trademark to guidelines for cutting, ripping, and milling on site. For both Dr. Dave and Jim, this level of dialogue is the most rewarding part of the job.
“Answering challenging questions and helping students understand why provisions exist in the code is what makes these sessions so valuable,” Dr. Dave shared.
“When we explain the many correct uses of FRTW, professionals often tell us how much they appreciate clarity,” Jim added.
Continuing to Lead in Code Compliance and Safety
As building codes continue to evolve with increasing focus on wildfire resilience and sustainability, Hoover remains committed to leading the conversation. Opportunities like Shaunna’s Summer Study reflect our long-standing role as a resource for education, code compliance, and safety.
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ABOUT DR. DAVE BUECHE
Dr. Dave Bueche, Director of Fire & Life Safety Codes, is a leading authority and trusted expert on fire-retardant-treated wood. He has 40 years of experience supervising construction projects, managing associations, leading research and teaching courses. 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.
ABOUT JIM GOGOLSKI
Jim is a wood technologist with more than 45 years of experience. He has held positions with APA – The Engineered Wood Association, a wood preservative supplier, and the Southern Forest Products Association. Currently, he provides FRTW design consultation to architects, engineers and regulators, is a member of ICC and NFPA, and is an active member of a number of fire committees. He earned a BS in Wood Products Technology from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Xavier University.
