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It is well known that northern Nevada is prone to wildfires. Fire departments are always reminding the public about defensible space because it is very important. Wildfire can start for a variety of reasons, including lightning strikes or other natural causes. But the most insidious are human caused; discarding lit cigarettes, sparks from engines, backfires from cars, and campfires, and arson.Â
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The worst cause of all of these is arson (fires set intentionally). Arson is an act of vandalism or retribution. Both are felonies punishable by law and are despicable and amazingly irresponsible.Â
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Wildfires are so dangerous that special codes have been established by regional agencies (such as Truckee Meadows Fire Department) to enforce not only defensible space requirements but also building materials used in construction of structures in high fire danger areas. This code is called the Wildland Urban Interface code, or WUI for short. Over the years as this code has been revised and expanded it has been adopted internationally and is now called the International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC). This code designates different levels of severity in fire danger areas and has three distinctions including low, moderate, and severe. When a structure is in a moderate or severe area, two of the many requirements are that the structure is to be built with heavy timbers and fire-resistant decking.Â
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Over the past 8 months, Don Weaver, Zion Builders CEO, and I have been working with the Washoe County Building Department to find an acceptable composite decking material that meets IWUIC requirements. These requirements need testing results that meet IWUIC standards, performed by National and International agencies. So, I contacted various manufacturers of composite deck boards and helped them understand what information is required so their product would be accepted by the building departments.Â
AZEK decking was approved and was used on a deck repair to the this residence in Incline Village, Nevada. Â Also used was Trex Signature Mesh Railing which is made of metal and approved for IWUIC zones. (see photo).
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Thanks to the responsiveness of our vendors, we have been successful in getting one brand of composite decking approved by Washoe County and are working towards the approval of another brand.Â
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Zion Builders is well versed in IWUIC and has built many heavy timber decks. Both with redwood and composite decking boards. No matter where you live, Zion Builders can build your backyard living space dream!Â
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