Which materials are commonly restricted or regulated in terms of fire safety in residential construction?

The focus on combustible materials near openings and shared walls is critical in ensuring fire safety in residential construction. Openings such as windows and doors can allow fire and smoke to enter a building from an external source, or conversely, can allow a fire from inside to escape and affect neighboring structures. By regulating the use of combustible materials in these areas, the intent is to slow fire spread and provide occupants with more time to evacuate safely.

In addition, shared walls, particularly in townhouses or duplexes, require stringent fire safety measures because they separate two different living spaces. A fire could easily move between units through a shared wall if combustible materials are used. The regulations generally call for non-combustible or fire-rated materials in these critical areas to help contain any fire that may occur.

While non-combustible materials near openings and shared walls is an important aspect of fire safety, the question specifically highlights the need to address combustible materials, which have a direct impact on fire spread and safety in residential settings.