Choosing the Right Siding for Home Hardening
When it comes to protecting your home, the home’s exterior is your first line of defense. As wildfires become more frequent in wildfire-prone areas, homeowners must prioritize fire safety by choosing the right siding materials. Not all siding options provide the same level of protection; in fact, the wrong type of siding can quickly catch fire and accelerate flame spread.
The Power of Fused Bamboo RainClad Shiplap Siding
If you take a look at the most durable, sustainable and natural looking materials, dassoXTR and fiber cement stands out for its high fire resistance. dassoXTR is certified by Miami-Dade and ICC-ES composed of bamboo strand, and bowling ball resin, creating a high fire rating that homeowners can rely on. Fiber cement is great in resisting combustion however is high energy consumption and high polluting material. Both Fiber cement and Fused bamboo siding is great as premier fire-resistant siding because it does not provide fuel for flames. Because dassoXTR is non-combustible, this bamboo siding ensures that even when exposed to high heat, the siding can maintain its structural integrity at an acceptable time interval.
Comparing Siding Materials
To find the best protection, we must compare how different siding types handle fire resistance:
- Fused Bamboo Siding: Offers a Class A fire rating. This fire-resistant house siding is the gold standard for protection in any area prone to wildfires.
- Fiber cement siding is a great fire-resistance material other than it is not sustainable and polluting. Cement siding is a great non-combustible siding.
- Metal Siding: Metal siding has a high resistance to ignition. This material is a much better siding material for housing.
- Vinyl Siding: While popular, wood and vinyl siding is combustible materials. Traditional vinyl siding may melt when exposed to heat, potentially exposing the flammable trim and framing underneath.
- Softwood Siding: Choosing softwood or composite vinyl in high-risk zones is dangerous. Softwood siding panels, especially if not treated, acts like wood fuel that allows a fire to spread to the rest of the house siding.
Investing in Long-Term Safety
For those living where wildfires are a constant threat, fire-resistant siding options are no longer a luxury - they are a safety necessity. Beyond the siding itself, ensure your trim is also made of fire resistant materials like fused bamboo to ensure total fire protection.
Upgrading your exterior siding to a fire resistant siding or resistant siding system significantly improves your fire rating. By selecting treated and fire-resistant materials, you protect your home and family. In 2026, home hardening starts with the shell of the building; make sure your siding is ready for the challenge. For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit the NFPA Firewise USA program to learn how to protect your home from wildfires.
Class A Fire-Rated Siding and W.U.I. Compliant
Many Western states are adding stricter requirements to their building codes due to fires. dassoXTR Rainclad bamboo siding is both Fire-Rated and W.U.I. Compliant. Plus, there are many more reasons to choose dassoXTR Exterior Bamboo Siding.
Why Choose dassoXTR's Rainclad Siding?
- Class A Fired-rated
- W.U.I. Compliant
- Dimensionally stable, will not warp or buckle
- No VOCs and no leaching
- Sustainable, Rich, Natural appearance
- 87% bamboo, 13% phenolic resins
- 2 Colors: Classic Espresso and Epic Cognac
- 2 Plank widths: 1"x6" & 1"x7"
- T&G End-match
- Pre-primed, with Natural Oil
- Can be installed horizontally or vertically
- Less waste & faster Installation
- Complete dassoXTR Rainclad Installation System, including accessories and trim pieces