Scott Kelly, a Fortress® Alliance Member and the owner of Precision Construction, has been a trusted deck builder working out of Golden, Colorado, for nearly twenty years. He’s made a name for himself in the industry (many refer to him as the Godfather of Steel), and he has built his reputation on delivering outstanding results that exceed his clients’ expectations.

Kelly made the switch from traditional wood framing to steel deck framing over eight years ago and hasn't looked back. "As a builder, I believe it is my responsibility to look out for the best interests of my client, which is why we use steel framing," he said.

One of the key reasons that Kelly works exclusively with steel deck framing is tied to the deadly wildfire risk that is associated with many states across the country, including Kelly's home state of Colorado. "Unfortunately, we have had devastating wildfires… hundreds and thousands of people have lost their homes, lost everything" Kelly told us. "So, fireproofing and fire safety are driving decisions in our market right now."

Naturally, this heightened focus on fire preparedness extends to the construction of decks and outdoor living spaces, which have become direct extensions of our homes over the last several years.

Meeting WUI deck requirements

When it comes to fire-safe deck construction, contractors must carefully assess the building materials used on a project that’s located in a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area. WUI zones are defined as geographical areas where homes or businesses meet with combustible wildland vegetation such as timber, brush or grasses. Under these circumstances, there’s a higher-than-normal fire risk posed to people and property. For context, Colorado has over 3.2 million acres of land that fall under the WUI designation. While the standards within a WUI building code will vary according to the scope that a community is willing to adopt and enforce, it is recommended that only Class A building materials be used. Noncombustible steel deck framing checks off this box.

Steel deck framing is a WUI approved decking option

A lasting alternative to lumber, which holds a huge combustion risk, steel deck framing is a fire-smart choice. The deck framing solution leverages the proven performance of steel to meet the demands of today's bigger and better decks in wildfire-prone regions. A noncombustible option with plenty of other premium qualities, steel will not rot, warp or split after long-term exposure to the elements. Incredibly durable, steel frame decks are also strong enough to support today's most sought-after amenities, like luxe outdoor kitchens and contemporary steel pergolas. Not only do steel profiles offer lasting performance, but they're also sleek and good-looking. There's no reason for homeowners who live in states like Colorado, California or Texas where the risk of wildfire is high to sacrifice style for safety.

"In today's market, people are making a substantial investment in their outdoor living space. Steel deck framing is the best way to ensure that their investment is money well spent," adds Kelly.

Noncombustible Evolution is ideal for properties located in WUI zones

A noncombustible system, Evolution steel deck framing from Fortress Building Products can help prevent a ground fire from spreading quickly, reducing the vulnerability of a home and surrounding neighbors. Underscoring its safety factor, Evolution received a Class A fire rating through Intertek, which makes it an approved solution for properties located in WUI zones.

No matter where your next project is located—you can count Evolution Framing from Fortress Building Products to help you build a fire-smart deck that lasts.

Now through September 2024, Fortress Preferred Program members can receive up to $5,000 (retail value) of product to take steel deck framing for a Fortress Test Drive™. Not a Preferred Member yet? No sweat. Email us at pro@fortressbp.com to learn more.