PRODUCTS
Hoover
PyroGuard™
Put PyroGuard to work in your next project.
Code
Compliance
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.
Design & Construction Guide
Safer by design. Sustainable by nature.
This is your guide to designing and building with Hoover’s code compliant, pressure impregnated, kiln dried, fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood products.
Advantages
-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.
TECH NOTES
PyroGuard Specs
A detailed rundown of everything related to our top of the line fire-retardant-treated lumber and plywood for enclosed structural applications.
Smoke Toxicity
PyroGuard has successfully passed stringent combustion toxicity testing. Smoke produced by PyroGuard treated wood was no more toxic than smoke produced by untreated wood.
FRTW Education
Tap into continuing education from the industry leader.
Quick, convenient courses, certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for HSW/AXP credit and delivered by International Code Council (ICC) Preferred Education Providers.
Uses
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.
E-mail tecwood@frtw.com to request more information.
Warranty
Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc. warrants PyroGuard fire-retardant-treated wood against defects in manufacture where the product is properly installed up to a maximum of 20 years. This warranty entitles the holder to repair or replacement of defective material, including the reasonable cost of labor and materials.
Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc. warrants that its PyroGuard interior fire-retardant-treated wood is manufactured under UL Solutions independent third-party Follow Up Inspection Service and that it meets or exceeds the following code requirements for interior fire-retardant-treated wood:
- International Building Code
- International Residential Code
- Military Specification MIL-L-19140E
Further, PyroGuard fire-retardant-treated wood products will meet or exceed the relevant ASTM Standards (E-84, D-3201) for interior fire retardant treated lumber and plywood.
PyroGuard fire-retardant-treated wood can only be used for interior applications involving dry conditions of use above grade and not exposed to weather, dampness or wetting. It shall be stored, protected, applied and used during construction in accordance with Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc’s specifications and recommendations. Use of PyroGuard fire-retardant-treated wood as roof sheathing without proper ventilation for moisture control invalidates the terms of this warranty. No other warranty, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall apply.
Appearance
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.
Engineering Calculations with PyroGuard
PyroGuard was the first FRTW with plywood roof span ratings and lumber strength 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.
Strength
Finishing PyroGuard Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood
Ventilation, Moisture and Heat
Adequate air flow must be provided in wood roof systems to prevent moisture buildup in the wood. It is the sole responsibility of the building owner or their agent (builder, architect, engineer, etc.) to ensure that ventilation meets or exceeds the building code requirements.
Job Site Storage
As with untreated wood, it is important to keep PyroGuard dry by covering the top of the bundle, storing the material under shelter, elevating the bundle from ground contact, and allowing for air circulation around the wood. Roof sheathing should be covered as soon as practical after installation. If wetted during construction, allow to dry before enclosing or covering with roofing materials.
Hygroscopicity and Corrosiveness
The hygroscopicity (moisture absorbency per ASTM D3201) and corrosiveness of PyroGuard fire-retardant-treated wood is far lower than the maximum allowed by industry and governmental standards. Even though testing indicates that carbon steel fasteners can be compatible with PyroGuard, galvanized fasteners are recommended.
PyroGuard is safe to use with galvanized truss plates, duct work, plumbing, conduit and copper.
It contains no halides, sulfates or ammonium phosphates.
Third-Party Monitoring of Kiln Drying After Treatment
All building codes require fire-retardant-treated wood to be dried after treatment. Kiln drying restores stiffness and strength, increases dimensional stability and reduces shipping weight.
Kiln drying of PyroGuard is monitored by Timber Products Inspection Inc. to assure conformance to Production Standard 2200. This unique standard was developed by Hoover to assure that treating and re-drying methods are consistent with those used to produce materials tested for long-term strength properties. This monitoring program is in addition to UL Follow-Up Service which assures fire performance.
Such quality control is possible because PyroGuard is produced in company-owned treating plants and by a select group of licensees, allowing complete control of all facets of production.
Limitations
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.