California wildfires: AZ businesses that offer alternate building materials getting lots of calls
Interests in fire-resistant structures increase
As California continues to deal with a number of wildfires and future rebuilding plans, some homeowners appear to be looking at alternative ways to build a home, and as one can imagine, many of them are looking for fire-resistant structures. As FOX 10's Steve Nielsen reports, several Arizona building suppliers are already getting calls from California residents.
PHOENIX - As California rebuilds from the wildfires, homeowners appear to be looking at alternative ways to build a home, and as one could imagine, many are also looking at fire-resistant structures.
In Arizona, people with several building suppliers say they have been getting calls from California residents already.
Foam house material supplier attracting interest
Strata International, an Arizona-based company that builds products for foam houses, has had so much interest in California that they have already had to open their own training center there.
"It’s flame resistant. 0% flame spread, so it’s virtually impossible for the building to catch fire," said Amir Saebi with Strata International, describing their product for foam houses.
Dig deeper:
We previously reported on Strata International's product in 2023. At the time, we reported that crews heat up a wire with a battery pack, stretching it out, and slicing the foam like butter. Then, they glue it to the rest of the house, which turns into more foam.
Eventually, the foam is covered in a thin layer of concrete formula called ‘sabscrete.'
The idea came about decades ago, when Saebi's father looked at the strength of a turtle shell.
"He said 'why couldn’t a house be built like that, or a commercial building? And he made it his life’s mission," Saebi said.
Alternative homebuilding products getting a new look from Californians
In California, Tahj Innovations builds homes with Strata’s foam and concrete.
"Nowadays, no one is even talking about earthquakes. Everyone is just concerned about fires," said Edwin Movagharian, who owns Tahj Innovations.
Big picture view:
Foam isn’t the only option, as Cal Fire officials stress that steel structures and metal roofs can be a big help as well.
One Arizona business, Tucson-based Frame Up Now, sells metal frames worldwide, and January has been extremely busy for them.
"We’ve had to add three extra people to man the phones because of the incoming calls relative to metal and its flammability," said Rodger Ford with Frame Up Now.
Some in Arizona also looking at other homebuilding options
Local perspective:
Innovative ways to prevent fires from spreading are at the top of some people's minds, especially after the California wildfires. It’s one reason why Chelsea Gorius in Cave Creek wanted to build her home out of foam.
"There’s been lots of fires out in Arizona, and to have even a little more confidence that my house may be able to make it through something like that is super important," said Gorius.