One of the most severe dangers a home may face is the destructive power of fire, be it from an unintended backyard barbeque accident or a rampant wildfire consuming your neighborhood.
Homeowners can protect their homes while also augmenting their property's aesthetic appeal. One of the most effective means to enhance your home's fire defense is by using fire-resistant siding.
Currently, homeowners across the country are embracing steel siding, acknowledging its superior protection against fire and its remarkable aesthetic properties.
Steel siding is a modern innovation in the history of house siding. The use of steel for residential siding started to gain popularity in the mid-20th century, mainly for its durability and fire resistance. The need for a longer-lasting, low-maintenance material that could withstand harsh weather conditions became evident, and steel was seen as an ideal choice.
However, it's important to note that while steel siding grew in popularity during this time, it was mainly used in commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings. Its application in residential construction was somewhat limited due to cost and aesthetic considerations, as traditional materials like wood and brick were often preferred for their natural appearance.
As technological advancements continued to develop in the 21st century, steel siding has been refined to be more cost-effective and aesthetically versatile. Today, steel siding can mimic other materials like wood, which makes it a more attractive option for residential homes. The modern homeowner now has access to a material that combines the robust, fire-resistant properties of steel with the visual appeal of more traditional siding materials.
Steel stands tall as one of the most robust materials in today's construction industry, which makes it the go-to choice for cladding new homes or renovating existing homes.
In addition to its durability, steel siding eliminates many of the usual drawbacks of home siding. This includes virtually zero maintenance, an astonishingly long lifespan and unrivaled resistance to damage.
However, the most important thing to note is how steel siding withstands harsh weather conditions and incidents, such as fires. Steel siding remains resilient under high-heat exposure. If a stray spark ignites on the siding or a barbeque grill is accidentally placed too close to the home, the steel substrate won’t catch fire or melt, even if the outer coating is damaged.
Steel siding is known for its durability and low maintenance. It far surpasses materials like wood or vinyl in terms of fire resistance. Although other siding options can offer some protection, it rarely rivals steel.
Materials like raw wood are highly combustible and can quickly spread flames through a structure. Untreated or weather-worn wood can easily combust. Surface treatments such as paints, stains and sealants can exacerbate fire conditions and quickly make a manageable fire into a full-scale disaster if not promptly controlled.
While flammable materials like wood are often treated with flame retardants to improve fire resistance, they may harbor chemical properties and potential off-gassing that concern some homeowners.
Despite being widely recognized for its durability, aesthetics and resistance to numerous environmental factors, compared to steel siding, fiber cement siding falls short in terms of fire resistance.
Fiber cement siding, though rated high in resistance to impacts from wind-driven debris and pests, doesn't offer equally impressive performance in fire situations. And while fire-resistant, fiber cement siding is vulnerable to catching and spreading fire whereas steel siding demonstrates almost fireproof characteristics.
This is due to the cellulose fibers in its composition, which can ignite when exposed to high temperatures. Though non-flammable materials like cement and sand constitute the majority of fiber cement siding, the combustible cellulose fibers embedded within the fiber cement siding may compromise its overall fire resistance.
Therefore, in areas prone to wildfires or where fire safety is of utmost concern, fiber cement may not be the best option despite its other benefits.
Steel siding provides various advantages besides protecting your home from heat and flames. It offers a high defense against high winds, torrential rains and hail compared to other materials. For example, Rollex Navigator steel siding has a Class A fire rating, which means it has the highest achievable fire-resistance rating. This ensures that your home has maximum fire protection and does not contribute to flame propagation.
Ready to protect your home against fire? Look no further than Rollex. Offering top-quality, fire-resistant steel sidings, we are dedicated to providing a stunning aesthetic finish, and unparalleled protection for your home, including a limited lifetime warranty. Let us help you select the perfect siding to keep your home safe and enhance its appeal.
Contact Rollex today and find out how we can make your home a stronghold against fire.