A recent report examined some of the construction going on in Charlotte, North Carolina, and focused on safety concerns some experts have raised about lightweight wood construction.
The Charlotte Observer reported that some experts say lightweight wood materials–beams formed of wood fibers and wooden floor assemblies built in factories–burn faster than traditional lumber and can collapse more quickly in a fire, endangering firefighters.
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Charlotte Fire Marshal Rob Kinniburgh noted that the fire department is aware of and trained on the hazards associated with the construction. The report noted says that sprinklers have been required in all apartment buildings constructed under the North Carolina building codes since 2006, and the Charlotte Fire Department inspects new apartment projects when they are under construction.
Read more about the issue HERE.
