Florida Building Code Practice Exam

Interior fire-retardant-treated wood must have a moisture content of not over _____ when tested at 92% relative humidity.

1. 15%

2. 19%

3. 28%

4. 25%

The correct answer is: 28%

The correct moisture content limit for interior fire-retardant-treated wood, when tested at 92% relative humidity, is established to ensure the effectiveness of the fire-retardant properties of the wood. Fire-retardant treatments can degrade in their effectiveness if the wood is too wet, as excess moisture may inhibit the ability of the fire-retardant chemicals to protect the wood from combustion. According to the Florida Building Code, the appropriate moisture content for fire-retardant-treated wood should not exceed 28% in these testing conditions. This standard ensures that the wood maintains its intended fire-resistance qualities while also allowing for practical moisture levels that may be expected in typical construction environments. This moisture content threshold helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the wood while still enabling the fire-retardant treatment to perform as intended, giving rise to its designation as a safe building material in various applications.