What is fire retardant (FR) plywood?

Fire Retardant Ply is a type of plywood that is treated with chemicals that are fire-resistant to diminish its likelihood of catching or slowing down the spread of fire. This practice involves covering the wood with fire retardant substances during the process of manufacturing the plywood. This is done to ensure that the performance of the plywood is optimum and that it meets the set standards of the Government of India for building public properties.

These chemicals that are used usually include materials that can withstand the effects of combustion or slow down the pace of wood burning. These chemicals effectively make it a Fire Resistant Plywood. Such chemicals can either form a layer on the surface or seep inside the wood. Fire Retardant plywood is particularly used in the construction of properties where fire safety is a concern, such as hospitals, hotels, schools, and commercial as well as residential structures in the walls, floors, roof, and other structural elements where an additional level of fire protection is needed.

However, it’s important to note that while these chemicals can improve the resistance of the plywood against fire, it does not become fireproof. They can, at most, slow down the spreading of flames or hold up the ignition.

In this blog, let’s explore the reasons why you must opt for this Fire Retardant Ply.

Significantly lessens the likelihood of fire

Fire-related happenstances can occur at any time, leaving you too spellbound to react. This can result in immeasurable damage and loss of property. This is one of the most important reasons why you should be well-prepared in case of such emergencies. Fire retardant plywood is one of the best ways to safeguard your properties and assets. This type of plywood has low inflammability which significantly reduces the chances of it catching or even spreading fire. This innovation blended with technology lessens the likelihood of fire-related accidents at home or work.

Gives you time to escape in case of emergencies

When a fire accident strikes, one of the most difficult problems faced is finding an escape. Even though Fire Retardant Plywood is not a fireproof plywood, it gives you a considerable amount of time to get out of the fire without suffering a lot of harm. The chemical applied to the fire-retardant plywood is known to hold its structure for a long time – this extra time can be very well utilized to take yourself and your loved ones to a safer space away from the fire.

Termite and Microbes Proof

Microbes and termites are small but can wreak havoc on your home. Using Fire Retardant Grade Plywood can ensure that you suffer from no infestations – it is enriched with chemicals that are known to keep your plywood safe from harmful bacteria and germs along with protecting your property from fire. This is one characteristic of a fire retardant ply that makes it a favored choice for influencers such as architects, contractors, and interior designers when designing offices, homes, restaurants, hospitals, and more. 

Mandated use by the Government of India 

The Government of India has commanded the use of fire-retardant ply for the construction of public places such as hospitals, hotels, airports, restaurants, and more. This is to primarily ensure fire safety standards set by regulatory bodies. This is because public places accommodate a large number of people, and evacuation can become easy in case of fire accidents. Public places also are at a higher risk of fire accidents because of the usage of electrical equipment, large footfall, and more. Fire retardant plywood makes it safer for everyone involved in such times. Other than this, using such plywood also fosters a culture of fire safety in the public infrastructure everywhere, making it a common practice.

E0 Emissions

When there is a fire hazard, the smoke and toxic gasses released due to burning can cause severe suffocation even until evacuation. However, thanks to advancing technology, we have been able to bring about a transformation here – we have evolved calibrated plywood of various grades to generate zero emissions that can harm you or make breathing difficult for you in any way. This remarkably makes it more secure for you to breathe until you leave the accident space safely.

Wigwam’s range of fire retardant plywood includes –

Wigwam Club Plus –  It is a club-class product from the house of Wigwam made from hardwood timber and is suitable for all types of interior & exterior applications. It is the most affordable fire retardant plywood in the industry.

Wigwam Contender – It is ideal for building projects in pubs, auditoriums, libraries, schools, hospitals, theaters, museums, and other public buildings, while also being free from harmful formaldehyde emissions. This variant is a medium-ranged fire retardant ply which is made from Gurjan timber.

Wigwam Visor – it is the most durable and versatile material that safeguards your home from accidents and daily wear and tear. This is the best-in-class structural grade plywood which also surpasses all the required parameters of a fire retardant ply. If price is not your concern and you are looking for the best form of plywood, this is the option you should go for.

Also, all three products mentioned above are termiticides treated, which makes them termite-proof too. Choose any one of the three options that fit into your budget and remain worry-free with a lifetime guarantee. 

Final words

To wrap it all up, one of the most popular materials used for construction, thanks to its versatility, is plywood. When that plywood has a coating of a fire-resistant chemical, its resourcefulness increases manifold. Understanding its significance in today’s world is the need of the hour – as this fire retardant ply does not just resist combustion but also plays a key role in safeguarding human lives as well as structures. In times of emergencies, it mitigates the quickly spreading flames and prioritizes safety. Using such plywood is a proactive step towards preserving public properties, which is why its use has also been mandated by the Government of India. It’s also important to note that using fire-retardant plywood against conventional plywood does not affect the cost too much – the total cost only goes up by 10%. It’s a long-term choice that is a testament to safer construction practices. Let’s choose Fire-Retardant Plywood from Wigwam today!