Ember Guard
Class-A Fire Coating for Mass Timber & Commercial Projects
Waterborne fire retardant coating engineered for architects, manufacturers, and contractors who demand performance, compliance, and sustainability in every specification.
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The Industry Standard
The Trusted Mass Timber Fire-Retardant Coating
Trusted by leading mass timber manufacturers and specified for landmark projects, including the Portland International Airport.
CLASS-A
Class-A fire rated (ASTM E84)
ZERO SMOKE
Zero Smoke Index (ASTM E84)
NO VOC
No volatile organic compounds
The Industry Problem
Typical Coating Formulations Compromise Health & Safety
Conventional fire-retardant treatments contain toxic chemical compounds that off-gas harmful fumes during application and throughout the building's life. Even more concerning: many traditional formulations achieve Class A flame spread ratings while permitting dangerous smoke development levels (SDI up to 450) creating life-threatening visibility and respiratory hazards during fire events. Add frequent reapplication requirements and surface-only protection, and these solutions compromise both immediate installer safety and long-term occupant health.
Our Unique Formula
Professional-Grade Fire-Retardant Coating Engineered for Mass Timber
Ember Guard fire-retardant coatings deliver Class-A fire ratings with zero smoke development, pro-grade finishes and code-compliant protection that enhances the natural beauty of mass timber. Our waterborne mineral-based technology provides deep-penetrating fire protection that won't peel, flake, or compromise over time.
The Fire Science & Key Benefits 🔥
Independent fire laboratory analysis in 2025 identified Ember Guard's unique heat-response characteristics: the coating forms a progressively denser protective matrix as temperatures climb. This temperature-activated barrier becomes more effective under fire conditions, potentially creating crucial extra moments for occupant evacuation.
Fire Performance
Class A ratings
Third-party tested
Weather-stable protection
Long-Lasting Protection
Won't wash out
Deep penetration
No re-treatment needed
Safe & Sustainable
No-VOC
Plant-based resin
No toxic off-gassing
Design Freedom
Transparent options
Grain visible
Natural appearance
Application Versatility
All timber types
Interior/exterior
Factory or field applied
Project Efficiency
Fast application
Quick dry
Low odor
Documentation
Test data
Building code support
Architect specs
Ember Guard was developed by our Chief Scientist Matthew Wheeler, a former wildland firefighter who witnessed fire's devastating effects firsthand, Ember Guard represents a fundamental advancement in wood protection technology.
Featured Projects
Specified by Leading Architects for Landmark Projects
Portland International Airport
Guggenheim Museum (Abu Dhabi)
Northlake Commons Building
David & Lucille Packard Foundation
Get coating support for your next mass timber project
We set the standard
Why Architects, Engineers & Developers Choose Timber Pro Coatings
Not your big-box coating
We're a specialty finish manufacturer—not a mass-market brand. Every formula is manufactured in-house to professional-grade standards.
Waterborne plant oil-based technology
Unique formulation provides oil-based performance and penetration without flammable solvents. Hard-drying plant resins (not soft waxes) mean superior durability.
Backed by science, not marketing
Extensive weather testing, multi-species wood testing, and independent third-party analysis support every product claim.
Technical mass timber support
Talk to coating experts who understand mass timber, not call center representatives reading scripts. We help solve specification challenges, not just take orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Architects, Engineers, and Manufacturers Ask Us
Will this meet our specific building codes?
Building codes vary by jurisdiction. Our team provides guidance on code compliance including ASTM E84, CAN/ULC-S102, and wildland-urban interface (WUI) requirements for mass timber projects.
Does Ember Guard classify as Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW)?
Testing for ASTM E2768 (extended surface burning characteristics) is currently underway and expected to be completed in January 2026. Upon completion, Ember Guard will meet FRTW classification requirements under "other means and methods." Sign up for our newsletter to receive certification updates as soon as they're available.
What maintenance does Ember Guard require?
Ember Guard is largely permanent and requires minimal maintenance - unlike most fire retardants that need reapplication every 3-5 years. Reapplication would only be needed in extreme scenarios such as deep media blasting that removes the coating.
Can we receive LEED certification points with Ember Guard?
Our bio-based, low-VOC formulations support LEED certification in Materials & Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality categories. Health Product Declarations (HPDs) are available for Ember Guard fire-retardant and Internal Wood Stabilizer products, with HPDs for additional product lines in development. We'll provide all available LEED documentation to support your project's certification goals.
What about lead times for large projects?
As a manufacturer, we can scale production for commercial project demands. Early specification allows us to ensure adequate supply and optimal delivery timing.
Can you match specific aesthetic requirements?
Yes. We offer 72+ colors and can create custom formulations for color matching, sheen levels, and specific performance characteristics.
Connect with us
Protect Your Next Mass Timber Project with Ember Guard
Whether you're in design development or ready to specify, our technical team will provide the exact fire protection solution, compliance documentation, and pricing your project needs.
Or speak with a mass timber coating specialist:
📞 Call: +1 503-232-1705
⏰ Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm PST