Since the 1980s engineered lumber has become the most popular structural building material for new residential construction and remodeling. Engineered lumber is described as a wood structural member that is fabricated through use of bonded fibers and materials and that is usually put together as a composite joist or beam." More simply engineered lumber is wood chips or slivers of wood that are bonded together by some type of adhesive. An article by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) titled " It’s not lightweight construction. It's what happens when lightweight construction meets fire." The article discusses "Two recent studies that detail the relationship between fire and engineered wood construction assemblies—notably, that they burn quicker and fail faster than their dimensional lumber counterparts. What do the findings mean for the fire service, builders, consumers, and NFPA codes?"
The studies show that firefighters have died in burning houses constructed of engineered lumber because engineered lumber burns quicker and will fail faster than their dimensional lumber counterparts. This danger is not only a risk to firefighters but to anyone trapped in a burning house constructed of engineered lumber. Studies by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) have found that engineered lumber loses its structural integrity much quicker when exposed to fire than dimensional lumber. Under a test fire by Underwriters Laboratories found that the structural integrity of traditional floor construction (dimensional lumber) lasted 18 minutes where as a floor constructed using engineered lumber I-Joists lasted six minutes.
Builders have resisted changes in their construction practices that would make the use of engineered lumber safer. Using Fire or X-Rated drywall (5/8" Thickness) and installing residential sprinklers when using engineered lumber does increase the structural integrity of the house during a fire adding precious minutes that could save the life of a firefighter or person trapped in their home during a fire. According to builders these measures are what they describe as too costly and complex to implement.
The NFPA has launched a national campaign to have sprinklers installed in all new residential construction. Their campaign has met resistance by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) who have lobbied state legislators to resist the implementation of residential sprinklers putting the lives of firefighters and homeowners at risk.
Benjamin Franklin created the first Fire Brigade because of the potential dangers of living in the wood constructed homes of the 18th century. As a result of the dangers of all wood construction our building codes were later modified to incorporate fire resistance construction practices. Our current building codes have allowed us to return to wood construction making our new homes a danger to live in.
10 Things Home Builders Won't Tell You
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Do-It-Yourself Home Repair Class Returns for the Fall
Now that the economy is teaching us to be more frugal you cannot afford to hire a plumber, electrician or contractor to make repairs on your home you have to Do-It-Yourself!
Do-It-Yourself Home Repair Class at Temple University Center City.
Saturdays 10 am - 1:30 pm at Center City Campus
1515 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
September 26, 2009 through November 7, 2009 - No class October 17, 2009
Save money and say "I did it myself." Knowledgeable and patient teacher and craftsman Paul will teach you exactly how to handle practical repairs and improvements. This hands-on workshop will give you the step-by-step instructions you need and the vocabulary that goes with it.
Paul Plevakas is a Residential Remodeling contractor licensed by the State of Pennsylvania. Paul is a third generation craftsman with over 20 years experience. He has been in business for 10 years. He has taught the "Do-It-Yourself Home Repair" course since 1996.
Private instruction available with Paul as your personal home repair trainer.
Visit: www.paulplevakas.com
E-mail: Paul@PaulPlevakas.com
Souvenir T-Shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/DIYHR_Class
To Register:
Non-Credit Programs Department
Temple University, Center City Campus
Suite 215
1515 Market Street
Phila., PA 19102
Call: 215-204-6946 or 4335
Register On-line: www.temple.edu/tucc
Do-It-Yourself Home Repair Class at Temple University Center City.
Saturdays 10 am - 1:30 pm at Center City Campus
1515 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
September 26, 2009 through November 7, 2009 - No class October 17, 2009
Save money and say "I did it myself." Knowledgeable and patient teacher and craftsman Paul will teach you exactly how to handle practical repairs and improvements. This hands-on workshop will give you the step-by-step instructions you need and the vocabulary that goes with it.
Paul Plevakas is a Residential Remodeling contractor licensed by the State of Pennsylvania. Paul is a third generation craftsman with over 20 years experience. He has been in business for 10 years. He has taught the "Do-It-Yourself Home Repair" course since 1996.
Private instruction available with Paul as your personal home repair trainer.
Visit: www.paulplevakas.com
E-mail: Paul@PaulPlevakas.com
Souvenir T-Shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/DIYHR_Class
To Register:
Non-Credit Programs Department
Temple University, Center City Campus
Suite 215
1515 Market Street
Phila., PA 19102
Call: 215-204-6946 or 4335
Register On-line: www.temple.edu/tucc
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