FRTW makes sense for many contractor yards. It is purchased by the same customers already being served, it extends the product line without requiring a large number of SKUs, and it can return an appealing profit. Any reasonable measure that prevents the spread of flames from one unit to another is welcomed by owners, managers, designers and fire officials. For some of these applications, several alternatives are acceptable. It meets code standards, and also allows flexibility for designers, simple construction for contractors, and no-maintenance protection for condominium owners.
Some brands have additional benefits.
People unfamiliar with FRTW are surprised to hear that wood can qualify as a noncombustible material. After all, wood has been used as fuel since a cave man first discovered fire. Should a fire strike, the impregnated chemicals react with combustible gases and tars normally generated by untreated wood. The tars are converted to carbon char which forms on the surface and insulates wood underneath, slowing the rate at which wood is reduced. The combustible gases are rendered nonflammable for the most part due to dilution with harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor released in the reaction.