11 Fire Resistant Building Materials for Safer Home Construction

And it starts with finding the right fire-resistant building materials for your home. But what materials are fireproof, and how can they protect your home? 

Keep reading to learn more!

What Are Fire-Resistant Building Materials?

Fire-resistant building materials are construction materials that are designed to:

• Withstand high temperatures

• Slow the spread of flames

• Reduce the chance of fires

Although no material is entirely fireproof, the fact is that some building materials have added properties or components that make them safer and more resistant than others.

The Basics of Fire Resistant Building Materials

Fire resistance is not an abstract term. In fact, it’s actually quantifiable, and t’s a significant factor in the components of many buildings—from walls to partitions to beams and slabs.

So, how is fire resistance measured? 

Simple! It is tested through fire-resistant tests such as the ASTM E119 or ASTM E108, which exposes building elements to a controlled fire burn to reveal their fire resistance rating.

So what are the best fire-resistant materials you can use on your home?

We’ll tell you below.

The 11 Best Fire-Resistant Building Materials

Here’s are a few fire-proof building materials you should use:

1. Concrete

Concrete is arguably one of the most fire-resistant materials available, and because of this, it’s also one of the most common building materials for commercial buildings. And here’s why:

• It doesn’t ignite

• It has a slow heat transfer rate

• It acts as a thick barrier against flames. 

Not to mention, it can be used for walls, floors, and even roofing. The only downside is that concrete typically requires an incredibly strong foundation to support it, especially if it’s being used on the roof.

2. Insulated Concrete Form (ICF)

For even greater fire resistance and energy efficiency, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) are an excellent choice. 

ICF consists of reinforced concrete poured between insulating foam panels, creating a durable and fire-resistant structure. This system not only enhances the fireproofing capabilities of traditional concrete but also improves thermal insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. 

Since concrete itself is non-combustible, ICF walls provide an added layer of protection by slowing heat transfer and minimizing structural damage in the event of a fire. Homeowners and builders looking for a fire-resistant material with long-term durability and energy savings should consider ICF as a strong alternative to standard concrete construction.

3. Brick

Brick is an excellent choice to use as a fireproof building material. Why exactly? 

Because bricks are made out of clay, and clay is fired at extremely high temperatures. Therefore, bricks can naturally endure the extreme heat that a building fire creates without losing their strength.

Which means one thing:

Homes built with brick walls have a higher chance of withstanding fire damage than others, similar to buildings designed with concrete.

And although bricks might not be the strongest fire resistant material on this list, they do have some characteristics that many other building materials do not.

4. Gypsum (Drywall)

Gypsum board, commonly known as drywall, is another widely used fire-resistant material.

But what makes it fire resistant material is a bit surprising.

It contains water molecules that are released as steam when they are exposed to heat. And as a result, they help cool down the surrounding areas and, ultimately, slow the fire spread. 

However, some drywall products are not considered fire-resistant building materials on their own. Some have to be treated with a fire resistant spray to improve its fire resistance, which makes them a smart choice for interior walls and ceilings.

5. Steel

Steel, however, is a non-combustible material, which means: steel doesn’t catch fire. 

This makes it arguably the strongest fireproof construction material on this list—and many others. But it’s important to note that steel is weakened by extreme heat over an extended period of time.

Because of this, steel is often coated with fire-resistant materials, such as other materials on this list, or encased in concrete for added protection.

The outcome is an incredibly durable and fire resistant building that withstands some of the strongest fires.

6. Dual-Paned Glass

Dual-paned windows, as the name implies, feature two sheets of glass separated by an airspace. This design provides enhanced wildfire protection over single-pane windows.

Although dual-paned glass may break after 1 to 3 minutes of intense heat or flame exposure, it is generally more resistant to the stresses caused by extreme temperature differences during wildfires.

7. Tempered Glass

Tempered glass, on the other hand, contributes to fire safety by remaining intact longer during a fire. This helps compartmentalize both fire and smoke and slows down the spread of fire.

But tempered glass is much more resistant to thermal exposures than other glass types, and if it is used within dual-paned windows, it, too, can become one of the best building materials to resist fires.

8. Wired Glass

Another glass that can be used as a fire resistant building material is wired glass.

Because wired glass is made with wire mesh within the glass, its design not only helps prevent the glass from shattering in emergencies but also provides added fire resistance and protection.

In fact, wired glass is often used in fire exit doors, partitions, and windows of public buildings, schools, hotels, and institutions due to its nominal fire resistance.

However, it’s important to note that while wired glass can stop flames and smoke, it is not designed to prevent the transmission of radiant heat, limiting its use to certain areas within a building. It is also not recommended for areas that require clear visibility, as the embedded wire mesh in wired glass obstructs the view.

9. Stucco

Stucco is a versatile and popular construction material, and it’s often known for its fire resistance that is a result of its non-flammable and non-combustible materials. These include:

• Cement

• Sand

• Limestone

• Water

• Additives

With over a thousand years of usage, stucco stands out for its fire-resistant properties compared to other building materials, especially when compared to other materials like vinyl and wood.

A standard stucco installation typically involves a three-layer application over metal mesh, which results in a one-inch layer that provides a one-hour fire rating to walls. 

This one-hour fire rating allows for a longer evacuation time in the event of a fire compared to the average modern home’s resistance, which ranges between 3 and 5 minutes. Stucco can be applied over various surfaces, providing both a stucco aesthetic and enhanced fire protection to the building structure.

10. Fire-Resistant Cellulose Insulation

Fire-resistant cellulose insulation is used in many homes today, and it’s because it can be flexibly installed—either by being blown into walls or spray-applied with water. 

Beyond its initial fire-resistant properties, cellulose insulation also leads to significant energy savings.

11. Synthetic Roofing Materials

Synthetic roofing materials, such as CeDUR’s shake roofing materials, are engineered to provide increased fire protection while mimicking the appearance of natural materials that do not.

They are manufactured without fire retardant additives and have a Class A fire rating—the highest level of fire resistance possible. Unlike traditional wood shingles, which can ignite easily, synthetic roofing materials not only resist flames but also help prevent fire from spreading to other parts of the structure. 

Additionally, these materials are lightweight, durable, and are more impact-resistant than natural alternatives. Why is this important?

It’s because they have one of the best products for roofing—and one of the best fire-resistant home materials—that provide longevity, style, and durability.

Enhancing Fire Protection with Fireproofing Materials

In addition to fire-resistant building materials, there are a select number of fireproofing materials that can be used to add even more fire protection to homes and commercial buildings. 

These fireproofing materials include:

Intumescent Coatings

Intumescent coatings are a type of coating that expands when exposed to high temperatures, which creates an insulating layer that shields the underlying structure. These coatings can then be applied to insulation, steel, and other materials to increase fire resistance.

Fire-Retardant Treatments

Wood is a common construction material, but it’s highly flammable. Applying fire-retardant treatments to wood can slow ignition and reduce the spread of flames. These treatments are especially useful for roofing, framing, and outdoor decks.

Additional Benefits of Fire-Resistant Materials

Beyond protecting your home, fire-resistant materials offer a few benefits, such as:

• Safety: Because of their increased level of resistance, fire-resistant materials are generally safer to be used in your home.

• Property Damage: Homes made with fire-resistant materials typically endure less damage than homes that are not.

• Insurance Costs: Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes built with fireproof building materials.

• Property Value: Fire-resistant features make homes more appealing to buyers.

• Comfort: Most importantly, fireproofing materials provide added security for you and your family.

How to Incorporate Fire-Resistant Materials in Your Home

Whether you’re renovating, remodeling, or repairing your home, here are some simple tips to follow to incorporate fire resistant materials into your home: 

Consult with Experts

No matter what, you should always consider working with builders and fire safety professionals to choose the best fire-resistant materials for your needs. If you don’t do this, you leave yourself open for mistakes that could cause issues later down the line.

Follow Building Codes

All local building codes are different, but many local building codes require fire-resistant materials in certain areas to be to a certain rating. Make sure your home meets safety standards.

Maintain Fireproofing Materials

Another thing to always consider doing—but especially if you’re implementing new materials—you should conduct regular maintenance to ensure all fire protection material remains effective.

Protect Your Home with CeDUR’s Fire Resistant Roofing Products

The fact is: choosing the right building materials for your home can significantly increase its resistance to fire.

And that is why fire-resistant roofing materials have become significantly more common now than they ever have in the past. Just remember: investing in fire-resistant materials now you’re investing in your safety and security in the future.

For more information feel free to contact us today or take a look at our CeDUR Roofing Products.