In an era of increasing wildfire risks and rising insurance premiums, homeowners and builders are seeking smarter solutions to improve fire resistance in construction. That’s where Stronghold ICFs come in.
Stronghold ICFs aren’t just energy-efficient and structurally sound—they also provide exceptional fire protection, giving you greater peace of mind in a fire emergency. Our latest Fire Protection Overview explains how Stronghold ICFs help safeguard your home or building against the threat of fire from both external and internal sources.
Why Fire Protection Matters More Than Ever
With increased media coverage of wildfires and property loss, fire safety has become a top concern. Many homeowners are even seeing their fire insurance policies canceled in high-risk areas. Fortunately, Stronghold ICFs meet or exceed the fire safety standards set by the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC).
How Stronghold ICFs Perform in a Fire
Stronghold ICF blocks are made of fire-retardant-treated expanded polystyrene (EPS) and concrete, offering impressive fire-resistance ratings:
- 1 to 4-hour fire-rated walls depending on core thickness and concrete mix
- Flame spread rating <25 (UL723 tested—compare that to Red Oak at 100!)
- Meets IWUIC requirements for ignition-resistant materials
- Helps limit interior fire spread, providing life-saving minutes for evacuation and emergency response
In fact, our blocks meet Section 503.2.4 of the IWUIC for ignition-resistant materials and comply with IBC Table 721.1(2) for rated wall construction.
Real-World Performance
In a recent case from rural Oregon, a home built with ICFs endured a garage fire that burned for 35 minutes before fire crews arrived. Thanks to Stronghold’s fire-resistant wall system, the fire was contained, and the living areas were spared—proof that the materials you build with can truly make a difference.
Addressing Common Fire Concerns
We often hear questions about whether ICFs are combustible. Here’s the truth:
- ICFs are not considered combustible under the IWUIC or IBC.
- The EPS used in Stronghold blocks is treated with a fire retardant and does not behave like typical foam or packaging materials.
- In most applications, Stronghold ICFs must be covered with a 15-minute fire barrier, such as drywall, as per IBC Section 2603.4.1.6 or IRC Sections R302.5.3 / R302.5.4.
Learn More
We’ve published a full technical breakdown of fire resistance, testing standards, code references, and real-world examples in our Fire Protection Documentation. Whether you’re building in wildfire-prone zones or simply want a safer, more durable structure, Stronghold ICFs are a smart investment in long-term fire protection.
Protect what matters most—build with Stronghold.
