Why America Still Builds with Wood Despite Fire Risks

Wood remains the primary construction material in the U.S. due to historical practices, cost efficiency, and building codes, despite fire safety concerns.

Wood continues to be the dominant building material in the United States, In 2024 alone, the value of residential construction using wood framing exceeded $27 billion.  

Wood buildings are very advantageous in construction. They are lighter and less expensive to build compared to steel or concrete structures. Meanwhile, it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. 

The lightness of wood construction is advantageous during earthquakes, it reduces the forces exerted on the structure. However, it also poses a serious risk in the event of a fire, as it can act as fuel, exacerbating the spread of flames.

Wood Construction and Fire Risks in the U.S.

Experts unequivocally dubbed this house in the above picture as a building well prepared for the fire outbreak. While neighbouring wood-framed homes were reduced to ashes in the recent U.S. fire outbreak, this concrete structure stood unscathed.

Wood-framed buildings are a prevalent choice in the U.S. due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, this construction type poses unique fire safety challenges. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), residential structure fires caused an estimated $8.9 billion in property damage in 2021, representing over half of the total damages from structural fires.

Given that many residential buildings in the U.S. are constructed with wood, these structures can be particularly vulnerable to fire. Factors such as exposed timber, lightweight construction methods, and aging materials increase the risk of rapid fire spread.

According to the handbook Fundamentals of FireFighter Skills, published by the National Fire Protection Association;

“Lightweight wood-frame construction is a campfire waiting to happen,” 

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Why Does the U.S.A Continue to Build with Wood Despite the Risks?

Here are some reasons why the United States continues to use wood for construction:

Cost-Effectiveness

Studies have shown that timber buildings are cheaper to construct than traditional designs using steel or concrete. This cost advantage makes it a preferred choice for budget-conscious homeowners and developers, particularly in regions with high demand for affordable housing.

Where wood frame construction is allowed, it can lower costs, with variations depending on the location and type of building. On the other hand, in areas with regulations mandating non-flammable materials, the cost per square foot typically rises.

For example, wood-frame offices in the U.S. are typically 20-30% less expensive per square foot, according to Ricky McLain, Senior Technical Director, WoodWorks. This cost-saving is further attributed to several factors, including the compact nature of the wooding frame which is 18-80% smaller compared to a non-wood office.

Supportive Building Codes

In the United States, building codes are regulations that set minimum standards for the design, construction, alteration, materials, maintenance, and performance of buildings. These building codes accommodate wood construction by incorporating fire safety regulations and mitigation measures. 

Oregon recently updated its building codes, which mandated fire resistance features for new construction in high-risk wildland-urban interface areas. The code is said to apply to existing homes only if specific upgrades are made, such as replacing the roof or siding entirely.

Building codes in the U.S. are essential regulations that ensure public safety by setting basic standards for construction. These codes give builders the confidence to use wood, knowing they can meet safety requirements and build securely.

Cultural and Historical Influence on Wood Construction

Over the centuries, wood has served as a practical building material and has become a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. Historically, the rapid expansion and settlement of the Western United States demanded quick construction of homes, and wood was the most accessible and affordable resource.

When European settlers, particularly the British, arrived in North America in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, they were faced with the need to build homes quickly and efficiently. They turned to the abundant forests for timber. As the nation expanded westward in the 19th and 20th centuries, timber remained the material of choice for construction.

For many, wood carries sentimental value and is seen as a natural, timeless material. These cultural ties, combined with its long history in construction, contribute to wood’s ongoing popularity, despite the associated risks.

Abundance and Accessibility

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the forest land area is over 766 million acres and supports 356 billion trees. This abundance of forest resources provides a steady and sustainable supply of wood for construction purposes. 

The ease of sourcing and transporting wood further enhances its appeal, particularly in rural and suburban areas. Timber’s availability and logistical convenience make it an attractive option for builders looking for an efficient and cost-effective material.

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Advancements in Wood Construction

Wood construction has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements that enhance safety, durability, and sustainability. Here are some of the innovations adopted.

Fire-Resistant Treatments for Wood

Innovative chemical treatments have been developed to enhance the fire resistance of wood. Fire-retardant coatings and pressure-treatment reduce the material’s combustibility, slowing the spread of flames and giving occupants more time to evacuate during a fire.

This treatment increases the amount of char formed and decreases the release of volatile gases, thereby enhancing the wood’s resistance to ignition compared to untreated wood. These treatments meet rigorous standards and building codes, making wood a safer option even in fire-prone areas.

Engineered Wood Products

The introduction of engineered wood, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (Glulam), has revolutionized wood construction. These materials are stronger and more durable. They are designed to meet higher fire safety standards. 

Engineered wood products can withstand fires better due to their layered composition, which burns more predictably and slowly. Cross-laminated timber is composed of layered wood panels glued together at right angles. CLT burns slowly and predictably, charring on the surface to protect its core structure. 

Glue-laminated timber, on the other hand, is created by bonding layers of wood with durable adhesives, Glulam has a higher fire resistance compared to traditional wood. Its predictable burn rate makes it easier to meet fire safety codes.

Innovative Design Techniques

Modern architectural designs integrate fire mitigation strategies to complement wood’s appeal while ensuring safety. Key techniques include the strategic placement of firebreaks between structural elements to prevent the spread of flames. 

Protective layers, such as gypsum board or metal cladding, add fire resistance to wood elements without compromising aesthetics. Additionally, dividing a building into fire-resistant sections, known as compartmentalization, minimizes the risk of a fire spreading throughout the structure.

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Smart Technology Integration

The integration of smart technology into wood construction further enhances safety and functionality. Advanced sensors embedded in wood structures monitor temperature changes, humidity levels, and fire risks in real-time.

These systems can alert building occupants and first responders, enabling rapid action to mitigate potential fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the United States, the number of major “house” fires has decreased in recent years, partly because smart devices like fire detectors have been introduced into residential buildings 

Smart sprinkler systems, paired with these sensors, automatically activate to extinguish fires or slow their progression, offering an additional layer of protection for wood buildings.

Conclusion

Given the increasing risks posed by wildfires and the urgent need for more resilient infrastructure, it is evident that U.S. builders should start transitioning towards using concrete and steel structures. However, cultural preferences and cost concerns may impede the transition.

Without any reservation, wood treatments and fire detectors improve safety, but they have limitations during severe fire outbreaks. Treated wood can still combust under extreme heat, and detectors only serve to provide alerts without preventing structural damage.