Timber is a combustible material, in construction it has significant insulating properties and burns in a slow, predictable and measurable way. These factors see timber perform strongly against fire and give designers the ability to confidently create strong, durable, fire resistant timber constructions.
When exposed to the heat of a fire, timber goes through a process of thermal breakdown into combustible gases. During this process, a layer of charcoal forms on the burning surface of the timber and it is this charred layer that is the key contributing factor in timber's fire resistance. Initially the rate of charring is fast but as the char depth increases it provides a stronger protective layer to the timber, slowing the overall combustion rate.
Parkside Timber Spotted Gum, Red Ironbark and Silvertop Ash products are suitable for use in BAL 29 rated bushfire areas. Karri and Jarrah can achieve BAL 29 when used in conjunction with non-combustible wall cladding and enclosed subfloor.