Every construction company in the Philippines applies several techniques to make a house fire resistant. It starts with applying safe, durable and non-combustible construction materials. The Science Education Resource Center of Carleton College in US recommended the following:
- Windows = double-pane, tempered glass
- Exterior Walls = cement, plaster, stucco, masonry
- Roofing = composition shingle, metal, clay, cement tile, asphalt
As for firewalls, Board Resolution No. 824 which is under Batas Pambansa Blg. 220 of the Philippines states that:
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| Excerpt from Board Resolution No. 824 Series of 2008 (http://hlurb.gov.ph) |
On the other hand, the Portland Cement Association suggests using concrete as a separation wall, exterior wall and roof. Cement is only an ingredient of concrete, by the way. Are you a “to see is to believe” kind of person? Watch the clip below to witness how a concrete-domed home withstands a wildfire:
Fire can crawl into the smallest spaces or holes. This can be prevented by covering vents or louvers of wire mesh. Fire dampers with fusible links can be used as well. Windows are the weakest part of the house. Tightly screw loose hinges and replace cracked or broken windows. Window and door frames must be sealed with caulk or weather stripping, a blog suggests.
Other real life examples:
1993 Laguna Beach fire = as told by Chelsea Green Publishing, “the only buildings to survive…had insulated walls, double-pane windows, and blocked or minimized venting.”
Fire can crawl into the smallest spaces or holes. This can be prevented by covering vents or louvers of wire mesh. Fire dampers with fusible links can be used as well. Windows are the weakest part of the house. Tightly screw loose hinges and replace cracked or broken windows. Window and door frames must be sealed with caulk or weather stripping, a blog suggests.
Other real life examples:
1993 Laguna Beach fire = as told by Chelsea Green Publishing, “the only buildings to survive…had insulated walls, double-pane windows, and blocked or minimized venting.”
A house at Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada = according to Cold Lake Sun, the house of the local resident Ray Thibeault is comprised of cement board, steel, metal roofing and rocksol (made from volcano ashes).
From a construction company standpoint, they are, of course, well-versed when it comes to this. However, it is not only the sole responsibility of construction companies in the Philippines. Homeowners should also be knowledgeable about this matter so as to get value for their money and secure the value of their lives as well. More importantly, they are assured their house follows the National Building Code of the Philippines for the safety and security of their loved ones.
From a construction company standpoint, they are, of course, well-versed when it comes to this. However, it is not only the sole responsibility of construction companies in the Philippines. Homeowners should also be knowledgeable about this matter so as to get value for their money and secure the value of their lives as well. More importantly, they are assured their house follows the National Building Code of the Philippines for the safety and security of their loved ones.
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