With compartments and an efficient protection system, such as sprinklers, fires can be localized and more easily suppressed. Dimension lumber, metal plate connected trusses, glued-laminated timbers and other structural wood products have a long history of solid fire endurance performance.

The three major source documents for dimension lumber and truss fire endurance assemblies are: the Fire Resistance Design Manual published by the Gypsum Association; the Fire Resistance Directory published by the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (ULI); and the Uniform Building Code Table 43-C. The assemblies in these documents range in performance from 1 hour to 2 hours, providing flexibility for any project need.

National Frame Building Association (NFBA) has constructed and tested a 1-hour rated firewall assembly. Builders often successfully modify this 1-hour assembly to achieve inspector approval of a 2-hour firewall rating by applying additional sheets of drywall. For more information visit www.nfba.org.

Post-frame buildings typically feature steel cladding that is very resistant to fire. Wood is flammable, although it is not as combustible as some other building materials. Steel, masonry and other products that are fire-resistant may also see structural failure in building fires. Like other types of buildings, post-frame buildings may be erected to provide effective fire resistance in accordance with building requirements.

Proprietary fire endurance assemblies also exist. For more information on these, contact TPI or WTCA. The The National Frame Building Association has constructed and tested a 1-hour rated firewall assembly.  Click here to download a copy of the 1-hour Post-Frame Firewall Assembly. Builders report they have successfully modified this 1-hour assembly to achieve inspector approval of a 2-hour firewall rating by applying additional sheets of drywall. 

Post-frame also easily adapts sprinkler systems and other forms of fire protection.  Depending on the importance factor of the building and how it will be used, fire suppression systems may be recommended.