If you're a regulator or builder trying to identify which engineered wood products meet elevated temperature performance requirements, several labeling systems have been put in place to help you.

Finger-jointed Studs

Look for the designation "HRA" or "Heat-Resistant Adhesive" in the grademark.

Products stamped HRA use adhesives which have a one-hour fire rating. HRA-stamped products can be used in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, in accordance with building codes, interchangeably with solid wood studs.

Finger-jointed lumber with a Non-HRA mark or no HRA mark is considered not to have met elevated temperature requirements. As such, it can only be used in non fire-resistance-rated assemblies under current building codes.

HRA-marked finger-jointed lumber should be used for assemblies that require a fire resistance rating under the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC) such as:

• Multistorey or multifamily structures in walls between living units
• Common walls in commercial structures

Engineered Wood Doors

Look for the UL or Intertek rating stamp on the bar-code identification strip
on the door.

Fire ratings range from 20 minutes to 90 minutes.

Manufacturers can also provide ratings from product serial numbers.

I-joists

The Wood I-joist Manufacturers Association (WIJMA) and the International Code Council - Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) are currently working with the leading lumber certifying agencies in the U.S. and Canada to address common fire performance issues across the I-joist industry.

A new policy and potential labeling system are expected in the near future.