Big News: Likewood Decking Now Achieves Class A Flame Spread Rating (ASTM E84) — Setting the Standard for Fire Safety and Performance
We are excited to announce that Likewood’s capped PVC decking has officially earned the prestigious Class A fire rating under the ASTM E84 standard, marking a significant milestone in fire safety and performance for outdoor decking materials[1].
What Does Class A Flame Spread Rating Mean?
The ASTM E84 test, also known as the Steiner Tunnel Test, measures the rate at which flames spread across the surface of a material and the amount of smoke it produces during exposure to fire[3]. Materials are classified into three categories based on their Flame Spread Index (FSI):
Class A (0-25 FSI): Minimal flame spread and low smoke production — the highest level of fire resistance.
Class B (26-75 FSI): Moderate flame spread.
Class C (76-200 FSI): Basic fire resistance with higher flame spread.
Achieving a Class A rating means Likewood decking resists catching fire and significantly slows the spread of flames, providing superior protection compared to many traditional wood and composite decking materials[1][5][7].
Why Is This Important?
Fire safety is a critical concern, especially in regions prone to wildfires or where building codes require stringent fire resistance. Class A-rated decking materials like Likewood offer:
Enhanced Safety: Slower flame spread reduces the risk of fire rapidly engulfing your deck and home.
Ignition Resistance: Likewood’s capped PVC surface is less likely to ignite, helping to contain fires and protect property.
Code Compliance: Many jurisdictions mandate Class A flame spread ratings for decking in wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your deck is built with top-tier, fire-resistant materials provides confidence and security for you and your family. [5][7]
Likewood’s Commitment to Quality and Safety
By achieving this top-tier Class A rating, Likewood demonstrates its dedication to delivering decking products that not only excel in durability and aesthetics but also set the standard for fire safety. This achievement positions Likewood decking among the safest options available on the market, making it ideal for homeowners, builders, and architects who prioritise fire mitigation. [1]
Choosing decking with a Class A flame spread rating is a proactive step toward safeguarding your outdoor living spaces against fire hazards. Likewood’s new Class A-rated capped PVC decking combines unmatched fire resistance with excellent performance, making it a wise choice for anyone seeking the highest level of fire safety without compromising on quality or style.
Elevate your outdoor space with Likewood — where industry-leading fire safety meets unmatched durability, giving you peace of mind and lasting beauty for years to come.
Stay safe, and build smart with Likewood — where fire safety meets performance.
Ready to learn more?
Contact our team today to see how Likewood can transform your outdoor space.
Sources
[1] Likewood decking achieves Class A fire rating - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/likewood_likewood-achieves-class-a-fire-rating-class-leading-activity-7340287737763139585-8_BM
[2] Ipe Fire Rating: Ensuring Class A Decking Safety - Lumber Plus https://lumberplus.com/ipe-fire-rating/
[3] What Is a Class A Fire Rating? Flame Stop II and ASTM E-84 Insights https://mymaterialwarehouse.com/blogs/material-help-desk/what-is-a-class-a-fire-rating
[4] [PDF] State Fire Marshal listed wildland urban interface (wui) products https://ccfd.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFM-wui-listed-products-handbook-12-14-202175.pdf
[5] Flame Spread Ratings, Ignition Resistance & WUI Compliance https://www.timbertech.com/ideas/flame-spread-rating/
[6] Manufacturer of High Performance Polymers - Volatile Free, Inc. (VFI) https://volatilefree.com/blog/
[7] Flame Spread Rating: Why Class A is the Best for Decking https://brazilianlumber.com/understanding-flame-spread-rating/
[8] [PDF] American Builder 1961-11 - USModernist https://usmodernist.org/AB/AB-1961-11.pdf