Fire protection of old timber roofs. Wood science research needs.

Abstract

This paper focuses the fire performance of timber and timber structures and discusses possible approaches to mitigate the fire risk in timber buildings, with special relevance to the case of timber roofs. Furthermore, it highlights a number of issues concerning the implications for timber durability and mechanical properties resulting from the exposure to fire itself and high temperatures, active fire protection equipment and firefighting tactics, namely those involving the use of water, and passive fire protection measures, namely fire retardant treatments. These issues need be considered by those involved in the assessment and safeguard of ancient timber buildings.