Is OSB a fire hazard?

OSB tends to be thin, making it easily combustible. What makes OSB so dangerous, however, is its chemical makeup and the toxic smoke and fumes it emits when it catches fire.

fireandemsfund.com - Poor Construction Standards Leading to Frequent Fires

What is the cheapest way to build a shed?

Using pallets to build a shed is the most affordable of shed building methods. There are nearly infinite ways to make a pallet shed, but most use...

Last updated May 30, 2021

What is a 1 to 12 slope?

1:12 slope ratio (ADA Recommended) means that for every inch of rise, you will need one foot of ramp. As an example, a 12 inch rise would require a...

Last updated Sep 12, 2022

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Firefighters face countless risks on the job, and new reports are showing that they may be at more risk than ever before as a result of new building materials and poor construction standards which make buildings more prone to fire, and the fires themselves more hazardous. Even with more sophisticated sprinkler systems and smoke detectors in place, the materials used in new, poorly made buildings are putting firefighters at risk of not just fire, but hazardous fumes and chemicals. Here are just some of the facts about how poor construction standards lead to more dangerous fires.

Use of synthetic building materials

Decades ago, homes and other buildings were simply made stronger than they are today, and used more basic and organic materials. Today, buildings are being made on the cheap with new, synthetic building materials that make construction more efficient and cost-effective, but that could also lead to more dangerous fires. One of the most common synthetic building materials is oriented strand board (OSB), a lighter-weight material that is more cost-effective for developers. OSB tends to be thin, making it easily combustible. What makes OSB so dangerous, however, is its chemical makeup and the toxic smoke and fumes it emits when it catches fire. Eric Hurst, South Metro Denver Fire Rescue Public Information Officer, describes what happens when OSB catches fire and the danger it poses to firefighters. “With the synthetics we are using, the smoke that comes off of that is this nasty black toxic smoke that gets super heated very easily. It can become disorienting because you can’t see, it will immediately bring people to their knees because it is so awful to breathe in.” The toxic smoke is not only dangerous in the short-term for firefighters. The effects of breathing in such toxic gases are a major contributor to long-term health problems for firefighters, such as cancer and heart disease. Modern furniture is also making fires more dangerous. The use of different forms of plastics in furniture have become commonplace, but if they catch fire, the effects are far more deadly. Plastics, as opposed to natural materials like wood, have higher heat release rates which make them more combustible and dangerous. And like synthetic building materials, the fumes released by burning plastics carry incredibly dangerous toxins. These new threats are why we must concentrate more on the issues affecting firefighters in the United States. Lack of funding, especially when it comes to safety equipment, puts firefighters at heightened risk as they face new threats from fires fueled by synthetic building and furnishing materials. At the very least, firefighters deserve to be as protected as possible against these new dangers. America’s firefighters are the first line of defense against natural disasters, terrorist attacks and of course, fire emergencies. Over the years, the fire service industry has changed dramatically as the rate of structural fires has decreased and new threats have arisen. Here are a few key facts about the fire service industry that you probably didn’t know.

Does my shed need a breather membrane?

If you're insulating a shed for use as a home office or cosy garden building, then it's worth installing a breather membrane between the shed walls...

Last updated Feb 22, 2018

Should I insulate my garage?

If you have an attached garage with adequate insulation, it can serve as a buffer zone for your house, protecting the home's interior climate and...

Last updated Oct 4, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Which is the best water proof plywood?

Bond 710 is a premium Boiling Water Proof Marine Grade plywood, one of the best quality plywood and waterproof in nature.

centuryply.com - Plywood Sheets Price | Best Quality Plywood In India - CenturyPly

CenturyPly is simply the best plywood brand in india. We offer you a versatile range of plywood sheets to choose from, be it for a residential or a commercial project. It is our utmost priority to offer quality products and the best plywood to help you embellish your dream home. What makes CenturyPly the best quality plywood in India is that our plywood manufacturers at CenturyPly have researched and incorporated groundbreaking technologies such as ViroKill and Firewall to make your plywood purchase worth every penny. All our products are manufactured as per the industry standards and guidelines. Moreover, you can also compare the plywood sheet price and features for our every product. This helps our customers in making informed purchase decisions for the best plywood. From quality materials to designs, get everything as per your requirements because we bring you a wide range of options. With CenturyPly, we aim to offer the best plywood price for the best quality plywood for your home. Make a pick! Together, let’s create masterful interiors with CenturyPly- best plywood brand in India.

How can I cool my shed naturally?

Increase ventilation. This can be achieved by opening the garage door about a foot, or fully opening the shed door and turning on a fan or two to...

Last updated May 27, 2018

Can I reuse last year's potting soil?

It's generally fine to reuse potting soil if whatever you were growing in it was healthy. If you did notice pests or diseases on your plants, it's...

Last updated Dec 10, 2019

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Is a 20x20 garage big enough?

Most experts say the minimum recommended dimensions for a two-car garage is 20×20. This size two car garage will give space for two smaller...

Last updated Jan 23, 2022

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Why do they call it a pole barn?

Due to a disrupted economy from the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, farmers turned to the most cost-efficient materials they could to construct new...

Last updated Apr 4, 2020