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Right now there is a building boom going on, and a corresponding lumber shortage. That translates into prices that are triple what they were a year ago. It also creates a shortage of Fire Retardant-Treated Lumber (FRT) - plywood and dimensional lumber that is pressure-impregnated with flame retardant, so it meets fire code right from the start. What can you do if you can't get FRT? In many cases, you can treat regular lumber on-site, and it will pass code. After all, they use exactly the same ch …

After more than a decade in the fire retardant industry, it's become painfully obvious that nobody really pays attention to fire code until the inspector comes by and either a) shuts you down, or b) won't let you open. It's always the week before a grand opening or something equally important. It's a time delay and an unbudgeted-for expense. That's where we can help.People in this situation typically google "fire retardant" and a few other key words, cross their fingers and hope for the best. If …

If you have recently installed spray foam insulation in your house, shop or business, chances are pretty good you will need to coat it with fire retardant paint. The fire marshal is usually happy to explain that to you, and not let you back in the building until it is painted.We get a lot of business from people who didn't know they had to paint their foam. I love those folks.What Is Spray Foam Insulation?Spray foam insulation (SPF) is a versatile material made from a blend of isocyanate and pol …

Landscaping adds beauty, value, and functionality to outdoor spaces. However, with growing concerns about wildfires and fire safety, homeowners and property managers are seeking smarter solutions to reduce fire hazards. One area often overlooked is mulch—a common but flammable landscaping material.  Fortunately, fire retardants for landscape mulch offer a practical way to minimize ignition risk while supporting the principles of fire resistant landscaping. Is Mulch Fire Resistant? In …

The legalization of marijuana has sparked a building boom for grow houses across the country. These can be multi-million dollar builds, but often, fire code is the last thing that people consider. That's where we come in. When you are working with your architect and your fire marshal or building inspector, be sure to bring up this topic early. What often happens is the grow rooms get built, outfitted with lights, misters, fans, etc., plants are growing, and the fire marshal comes in and say …