Making Sure That The Basics Are Covered
We Use Class A Roof Coverings
Questions often arise about the construction needed to achieve a Class A, B, or C fire rating for a roof assembly. The information needed to achieve code compliant installations is included below.
What are these ratings?
The UL 790 (ASTM E 108) Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings covers the fire resistance performance of roof coverings exposed to simulated fire sources originating from outside a building on which the coverings are installed. They are applicable to roof coverings intended for installation on either combustible or non-combustible decks.
This standard includes three classes of fire exposure:
• Class A roof coverings, which are effective against
severe fire test exposures
• Class B roof coverings, which are effective against
moderate fire test exposures
• Class C roof coverings, which are effective against
light fire test exposures.
Under such exposures, the roof coverings afford a degree of fire protection to the roof deck, do not slip from position, and are not expected to produce flying brands.
We Only Use The Best Pressure Treated Lumber
Grade #1 Structural
Lumber structurally graded #1 or #1 & BTR (#1 and better) has a wood grain slope of 1 in 10. It is stronger than #2 or #3 grade lumber. Knots must be well spaced and tight, so they won’t fall out, and no larger than 2-3/4” in a 2×8. Lumber may have one hole every 3’ and any splits must not be bigger than the plank is wide.
The lumber is commonly used for all facets of structural construction, plus furniture, shelving, decking, railings, siding, post, and other purposes where its visible appeal can be appreciated. Structurally, an SPF #1 2×8 can be used to span distances of 14’-11”.
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Its appearance ranking requires it to be 75% free of knots or defects.
What makes a green home?
A building that implements a variety of the holistic techniques below can meet green building standards.
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Location. Green homes maximize the resources offered by a home’s surroundings, without harming them, and they also take advantage of the local climate. For instance, if practicable, green homes are oriented to face the south to maximize solar heat gain.
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Materials. The physical materials used to construct a home are locally sourced, biodegradable, non-toxic, repurposed, and/or renewable.
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Energy consumption. Green homes use energy-efficient appliances and strategic insulation/ventilation methods to reduce artificial heating and cooling.
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Water usage. To conserve water, a green home uses efficient plumbing fixtures or a rainwater recapture system. The landscaping might include native plants, which require less water than their non-native counterparts.