Help keep the warmth in and the fire out...    

      Wood burns quickly only when split in thin layers and surrounded by air.  As a result, solid PWS building systems burn more slowly and carbonize only on the surface.  After exposing a PWS building system to flames with temperatures ranging from 900-1,000 degrees, for up to 180 minutes, full static capacity was maintained.  In comparison to steel-reinforced concrete walls or ceilings, Pure Wood components will not collapse. 

      A reinforced concrete wall exposed to fire will become extremely hot, even on the opposite side, thereby creating a risk of melting electrical wiring.  This in turn may spread fire to equipment and other materials in adjacent rooms.

      For elements of PWS building systems not directly exposed to flames, the temperature only increased 2°F after 2 hours of exposure.  As a result PWS building systems are a safety shield against heat and typically exceed all fire safety standards.  The fire safety rating of a PWS building system is much higher than common 2x4 stick-built construction and better than comparable buildings constructed using steel and brick.