Thinking of buying a Town-home built in the ’80’s? You need to know about FRT.
Few things are more stressful for a home seller or buyer than learning a house needs a new roof at the home inspection. 
Unfortunately, townhomes and other connected residences built during the 1980’s frequently receive this verdict from home inspectors. The problem is often related to the use of Flame Retardant Treatment Plywood (FRT Plywood).
FRT plywood was used for roof sheathing in townhomes and other connected dwelling. In case of a house fire, the chemicals in the wood slow the spread of the burn by making the wood char instead of catch flame. The product has been in use in townhome since the 1960’s but in the mid-1980’s the industry changed the fire retardant treatment to a less acidic and corrosive formula that would absorb a smaller amount of moisture.
Problems began to appear early in the life of 1980’s vintage of roof sheathing. The normal heat and humidity found in attics was making the plywood weaken. As the situation progressed it was realized that the sheathing was often already compromised by heat before being applied to houses. Roofs were failing in months and years instead of decades.
The biggest indicator of whether a house has the potential for FRT failure is the age of the home. FRT plywood has been used in the housing industry since the 1960’s. While the product used in the 1980’s was most susceptible to premature failure, FRT wood of any era can have problems.
There are other indicators as well. If the connected home does not have a firewall extending through the roof between them there is a good chance FRT plywood may have been used in the construction. On visual inspection, the wood should be labeled or stamped with the name of the manufacturer and the rating. The suspect product is darker and redder than ordinary plywood. Lastly look for obvious damage such as a fuzzy appearance, cracks, splits and breaks.
If any of these indicators are present the next step is to contact a roofing or inspection professional. Homeowner and condo associations, and apartments building owners can also contact a forensic engineer to evaluate the property.
The most important thing for home sellers and buyers is to be aware that FRT wood may be issue in townhouses and condos of a certain age. Be prepared to make repairs or adjustments. And while being aware of issue won’t make a new roof less costly, it may lessen the stress involved.
For further information see
www.rci-online.org/interface/2001-03-hodgin.pdf
https://inspectapedia.com/structure/FRTplywood.htm
