Sadly, what was once called “wildfire season” is now a threat for much of the year in many locations – and areas at risk of wildfires extend nationwide. The January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles caused as much as $164 billion in total property and capital losses, according to UCLA researchers. Nationally, there was an estimated $1.8 billion in losses due to wildfires in 2024.
The risk of wildfires is especially high in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) regions where wildlands transition into densely developed areas. In the U.S., this intersection is home to approximately 45 million residences, a number that continues to grow annually, according to Cotality, a property data analytics firm.
Innovations that can protect properties and people from wildfire risk include Arclin Firepoint, which was developed in response to a gap in the market for fire-resistant building materials that offer both superior performance and ease of use. While Firepoint can be used in any geographical region, it’s particularly beneficial in WUI regions, providing an extra layer of defense against fire risks that can affect both urban and rural areas.
“We recognized that existing products didn't meet the needs of builders and contractors, particularly in terms of installation efficiency and long-term fire protection,” says Teong Tan, chief research officer for Arclin. “Firepoint represents the culmination of cutting-edge research and innovation, designed to exceed safety standards and address the evolving needs of modern construction.”
The primary benefit to property owners is the safety generated by enhanced fire protection, but Firepoint also reduces labor and material costs. For builders, Firepoint also offers versatility.
“Unlike many other fire-resistant materials on the market, Firepoint is compatible with any exterior cladding material the builder or homeowner chooses,” Tan says. “Whether it’s fiber cement, brick, vinyl siding or engineered wood, Firepoint integrates seamlessly, offering maximum design freedom without compromising fire protection.”
Firepoint is primarily designed for new construction, especially for assemblies that need to meet specific regulatory requirements and builder preferences, but there are also applications in remodeling projects.
“For renovation work, we recommend consulting with our experts to determine whether Firepoint is suitable for your specific project needs,” Tan says.
Above Code Performance
Firepoint significantly outperforms traditional building materials when it comes to fire resistance.
“It exceeds standard code requirements, offering a proven 90-minute fire resistance on 60-minute wall assemblies,” Tan says. “This ensures more time for evacuation and emergency response, providing unparalleled protection for homes and communities.”
Firepoint Installation Tips
Ease of installation was a key design focus for Firepoint.
“It functions similarly to conventional exterior sheathing materials, such as plywood or OSB, making it familiar and easy for builders and contractors to work with,” Tan says. “Weighing less than 50 pounds, Firepoint is lightweight enough for one person to handle and requires no special tools or advanced training. Additionally, Firepoint eliminates the need for shaft liner in partition walls and allows for the use of any exterior cladding material. This results in quicker, simpler installation without the need for specialized skills.”
Financial Benefits for Builders and Homeowners
While Firepoint is a premium product, its cost is offset by multiple factors, Tan says.
“By eliminating the need for additional materials such as gypsum or shaft liner, Firepoint reduces labor costs, material waste and overall construction time, ultimately lowering total project costs,” Tan says.
Arclin is also working on different approaches to educate insurance companies about Firepoint's superior performance and resilience.
“We believe that building homes with Firepoint can lead to reduced premiums or potentially even the ability to obtain coverage in areas that might otherwise be considered high-risk,” Tan says. “This is an exciting opportunity to not only improve safety but also enhance the financial value of homes.”
Beyond Fire Protection
Firepoint provides a 20-year warranty, ensuring durability and long-term performance.
“Firepoint is also designed to withstand up to six months of weather exposure during installation without compromising its performance, taking into account real world construction delays and weather conditions,” Tan says. “This level of durability helps save time, labor, and materials, providing builders and homeowners with peace of mind, further enhancing the value of the product.”
For more detailed information about single-family home or multifamily wall assemblies with Firepoint, visit www.firepoint.arclin.com/