WestCon Tribune

For the last several years, personnel at the University of California Forest Products Laboratory (UCFPL) have been  conducting research on how to provide better protection for structures located in the urban wildland interface. Studies included evaluations of vegetation located near homes, and of materials and design features used on the exterior of buildings. The home was divided into four basic subassemblies, including the roof, wall, attachment (deck), and window. Testing of the roof and wall coverings also included other materials common to the assembly (e.g., sheathing). In all cases, the subassemblies were subjected to simulated wildfire exposures. Examples of some of the gross design features that were evaluated include roof overhang, and roof and crawlspace vents. This presentation will focus on the more interesting findings to date, including performance of plastic lumber composites, the importance of the assembly in the performance of roof coverings, and some of the conflicting design issues that exist between protecting a building from both wildfire and rain.

Steve Quarles is a Westcon member and a University of California Cooperative Extension Wood Durability Advisor. Mr. Quarles is based at the UC Forest Products Laboratory in Richmond and is responsible for developing an applied research and outreach program that addresses issues related to the performance of wood and wood-based products in service. From 1993 to 2000, Steve was Head of the UCFPL Service to Industry Program.