What material is now permitted for exterior walls in ordinary construction according to recent changes in building codes?

In recent changes to building codes, fire-retardant treated wood is recognized as an acceptable material for exterior walls in ordinary construction. This change reflects a growing understanding of the material's ability to resist fire while still providing the aesthetic and practical benefits of wood. Fire-retardant treated wood undergoes a chemical process that enhances its fire-resistance properties, making it safer for use in a variety of construction applications.

Concrete panels, steel siding, and vinyl siding serve their own purposes within different construction contexts, but the introduction of fire-retardant treated wood signifies a shift towards materials that enhance fire safety while maintaining the benefits of traditional wood construction. This option aligns with updated code requirements aimed at improving fire safety without compromising design choices in ordinary construction.