Unfortunately, house fires happen fairly often in Minneapolis, and dry summers only make the danger that much more of a possibility. However, the below example shows how the same James Hardie Siding we offer was able to stand up to a 2010 fire in Texas long enough for the family to escape with their lives.
What Happened
Around midnight on June 16, 2010, Kate and Kent Freeman were at home with their three sleeping children. Unbeknownst to them, a fire started in the construction site next door, where a neighboring house was being built.The intensity of the inferno was severe enough to consume the developing structure was within minutes before it spread to the Freeman residence.
The fiber cement siding installed on the home withstood temperatures between 700 and 800 degrees for a full fifteen minutes before their windows and roof fell victim to the destruction. Those extra minutes were enough for the family to wake up and escape from the disaster before anyone was hurt.
The Damage
Although their fence, windows and landscaping were a total loss, the family was able to repair their home instead of dealing with a complete rebuild. Once the flames were extinguished, a shocking amount of siding was still intact, and pictures taken during the fire showed the roof ablaze, but the side of the house still dark. Contractors, firefighters and insurance companies all agree that the fiber cement siding is why the family had extra time to get away and the final damage was contained to only 30% of the house.
Fire isn’t the only element that this type of siding can withstand. It’s designed to stand up to what FEMA classifies as class 5 flooding as well as hurricane force winds of up to 150 miles per hour. This toughness is why many insurance companies offer discounts with this type of siding.
Window Outfitters is proud to be a James Hardie siding installer, providing Minneapolis/St. Paul area homeowners exceptional protection for their homes.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
