What is the fire safety rating for commonly used wood sheathing in construction?

The fire safety rating for commonly used wood sheathing in construction is classified as Class II. This classification indicates that wood sheathing has a moderate level of fire resistance under specific test conditions. Class II materials are able to resist ignition and the spread of flames but may not perform as well as higher-rated materials in terms of fire protection.

Understanding the fire safety ratings is crucial for ensuring the overall safety of a building, as they guide builders and inspectors in selecting appropriate materials that can withstand fire exposure to a certain extent. This classification helps in assessing the suitability of wood sheathing for various applications within a structure, particularly in areas where fire resistance is a priority.

In contrast, other classes such as Class I would represent materials with a higher level of fire resistance, while Class III and Class IV would indicate materials with decreasing levels of fire resistance and functionality under fire conditions. Each class serves to inform about the performance and safety expectations of building materials in the event of a fire.