Is Cedar Siding A Fire Hazard

The second way combustible siding makes your home vulnerable to wildfire is when fire penetrates through the siding most likely at a horizontal or vertical lap joint between individual pieces of the siding material into the stud cavity and then into the living space of the home.

Is cedar siding a fire hazard.

Wood roofing products include hand split shakes taper sawn shakes and wood shingles. In the event of fire your choice of siding could make a difference to the amount of damages to your home. Most of them are made from the western red cedar tree. They are very aesthetic and somewhat hail resistant but an extreme fire hazard in the arid climate of colorado.

Check with your city s ordinances because some cities and hoas ban the use of cedar shakes on a house because of the fire hazard. Today the wood siding and vapor barrier that was once in place underneath the vinyl has been replaced with a rigid foam sheathing to increase energy efficiency in homes. Cedar siding will add fuel to the flame unless the cedar has been specially treated to be fire retardant. Not only do these tough exteriors stand up well to wind rain hail and sleet they re also very fire resistant.

Most metal siding is rated as noncombustible which means that in fire safety testing it was shown not to ignite and spread fires. Although it s good to make sure that the cedar you select isn t really from old growth lumber. Wood shake shingles are enjoyed by many because they provide a warm and elegant look. Prone to rot and insects insects do not like cedar.

As beautiful as things like traditional wood siding and cedar shakes are they are dangerous due to their fire susceptibility. Many states cities and counties have banned these products for that reason and advise residents to find fire resistant alternatives. As the threat of wildfires continues to rise in the northwest siding materials are evolving and homeowners are seeking alternatives to wood.