For Builders & Architects — Big Sky Fire Defense
Timber frame construction protected with CitroTech lumber treatment
CitroTech® Lumber Treatment — For Builders & Architects

Build It
Fire-Rated.
From The
Frame Up.

For the first time, any wood-framed home can achieve Class A fire protection — without pressure treatment, without specialized equipment, and without compromising structural integrity or natural aesthetics.

Who We Work With

Built for the
Entire Project Team.

CitroTech lumber treatment integrates at every stage of the build process — from design to framing to finish. Here's what it means for each role on the team.

🔨
Custom Home Builders

A Competitive Edge Built Right In

You're building in WUI zones where buyers are increasingly asking hard questions about fire risk. CitroTech lumber treatment lets you answer those questions before they're asked — and deliver a home that stands apart from everything else on the market.

  • No pressure treatment equipment needed
  • No construction delays or special permits
  • Field or factory applied — fits your workflow
  • Reduces liability exposure on fire-risk builds
  • Differentiator you can market to buyers
📐
Architects

Class A Protection. Zero Design Compromise.

Pressure-treated lumber changes wood aesthetics, limits design flexibility, and adds cost and complexity to your specs. CitroTech penetrates and bonds at the molecular level — the wood looks and performs exactly as designed.

  • No design changes required
  • Preserves natural grain and wood aesthetics
  • Works with OSB, plywood, lumber & mass timber
  • Pairs with CitroSafe™ for a two-step protection plan
  • Full structural performance maintained
🏗️
Developers

Scale It. Market It. Close Faster.

Whether you're building a single custom home or a WUI subdivision, CitroTech treatment is commercially scalable and factory-ready — meaning you can integrate it into production without slowing your operation.

  • Commercial-scale distribution ready
  • Seamless integration into existing production
  • Class A fire rating across entire project
  • Buyers get better insurance options
  • Reduces compliance and underwriting risk
The Problem With Existing Solutions

Pressure Treatment
Was Never
The Answer.

Requires Specialized Equipment

Pressure treatment requires industrial infrastructure — large tanks, high-pressure systems, specialized facilities. It can't be done on-site or in the field. Everything has to be pre-ordered and pre-treated before it arrives.

Weakens the Wood

The pressure treatment process can compromise the cellular structure of lumber, reducing structural integrity and increasing moisture retention — the opposite of what you want in a load-bearing application.

Limits Design Options

Pressure-treated wood has a distinctive look and chemical smell. It's not appropriate for visible architectural finishes, interior applications, or projects where natural wood aesthetics matter.

Adds Cost and Lead Time

Sourcing pressure-treated materials adds procurement complexity, extends lead times, and creates scheduling risk when supply chains are tight — which in Montana's custom build market, they usually are.

Downstream Liability Exposure

If a home you built burns and the buyer later discovers you had access to Class A fire protection options you didn't offer, that's a conversation you don't want to have. Defensible specs matter.

Builder reviewing fire-resistant construction plans
How It Works

Apply. Bond.
Defend.

CitroTech's non-pressure, fiber-penetrating chemistry is applied directly to lumber and wood products — in the factory or in the field — and bonds at the molecular level without altering the wood's natural character.

1
Step One

Apply

CitroTech is applied directly to lumber, OSB, plywood, or mass timber — by spray, roll, or dip — in the factory or on the job site. No pressure equipment. No specialized facilities. No disruption to your build schedule.

2
Step Two

Bond

The formula penetrates the cellular structure of the wood and bonds at the molecular level. It dries completely clear, preserving the natural grain, color, and aesthetic of the lumber. Structural integrity is fully maintained — in many cases enhanced.

3
Step Three

Defend

The treated wood stops flames, resists ember ignition, and reduces smoke generation — meeting Class A fire performance standards under ASTM E84 testing. Protection stays active until removed by significant rainfall or physical weathering.

The Clear Choice

CitroTech vs.
Pressure Treatment.

Feature Traditional Pressure Treatment CitroTech® Lumber Treatment
Application method  Industrial pressure tanks only  Spray, roll, or dip — field or factory
Structural integrity  Can weaken wood cellular structure  Preserves and can enhance strength
Appearance after treatment  Greenish tint, chemical odor  Dries completely clear — natural grain preserved
Fire rating achieved  Varies — not always Class A  Class A — ASTM E84 & TER 2504-101 compliant
EPA Safer Choice Certified  No  Only product in the U.S.
On-site application  Not possible  Field application fully supported
Interior & finish applications  Not appropriate for most interior use  Safe for interior — UL Greenguard Gold certified
Lead time impact  Pre-order required, supply chain risk  Applied during framing — no schedule impact
Independently Verified

Certifications Your
Clients Will Ask For.

When a buyer, lender, or insurer asks for documentation, you have it. CitroTech meets every standard that matters — environmental, structural, and fire performance.

EPA
SAFER
CHOICE

EPA Safer Choice

The only long-term fire inhibitor in the U.S. recognized by the EPA. Non-toxic formulation.

UL
GREENGUARD
GOLD

UL Greenguard Gold

Verified extremely low indoor-air chemical and VOC emissions. Safe for interior applications.

ASTM
E84

ASTM E84 Extended

Proven flame-spread resistance and fire-safety performance — the standard for Class A ratings.

TER
2504-101

TER 2504-101

Compliant with International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) fire-protection requirements.

Applications

From Frame
to Finish.

CitroTech lumber treatment integrates across every wood product category in your build — structural and finish alike.

Structural

Framing & Structural Components

Dimensional lumber, engineered beams, headers, and structural panels treated at the framing stage. Class A fire protection built into the bones of the structure.

Sheathing

OSB & Plywood Sheathing

Wall and roof sheathing are among the most vulnerable elements in a wildfire. CitroTech treatment applied to OSB and plywood panels significantly reduces ignition risk at the envelope.

Mass Timber

Mass Timber & Engineered Panels

For the first time, mass timber and CLT projects can achieve Class A fire performance without altering the aesthetic or structural character that makes these builds distinctive.

Finish

Architectural Wood Finishes

Exposed beams, ceiling boards, siding, and decorative elements can be treated without affecting appearance — giving architects and designers full creative freedom alongside fire protection.

Exterior

Siding & Exterior Cladding

Exterior wood siding is a primary ember-ignition risk. CitroTech treatment applied to siding and cladding creates a first line of defense at the point of greatest vulnerability.

Commercial

Commercial & Multi-Family

CitroTech scales to commercial projects — multi-family, resort, hospitality, and institutional buildings in WUI zones. Factory application available for large-volume production runs.

The Complete Package

Offer Your Clients
Total Protection.

CitroTech lumber treatment is step one of a two-layer protection system. Pair it with a CitroSafe™ exterior sprinkler system and your clients get the most comprehensive wildfire defense available anywhere — built in from day one.

This two-step combination is a genuine market differentiator. No other builder in Montana can offer it. Big Sky Fire Defense handles both — lumber treatment during construction and CitroSafe™ system installation before handoff.

Talk to Us About Your Project
01

CitroTech Lumber Treatment

Applied during framing. Class A fire protection built into the structure itself — before walls are closed, before finishes go on, before the client ever moves in.

02

CitroSafe™ Exterior System

Installed before handoff. A self-contained, remotely activated sprinkler system that deploys CitroTech fire inhibitor across the structure and surrounding vegetation — protecting the home even when the owner isn't there.

The result: A home hardened at the material level and defended at the perimeter level. You deliver the most wildfire-resilient home your buyer can purchase in Montana. That's a closing argument, not just a feature.

Common Questions

What Builders
Ask Us First.

Can we apply CitroTech ourselves on-site or do we need a certified installer?
Big Sky Fire Defense handles application as part of our service — we come to your job site during the framing stage and apply the treatment directly. This keeps it off your crew's plate, ensures proper application, and gives you documented certification records to provide to your client and their insurer.
Does it affect build schedules or add lead time?
No. Unlike pressure treatment, CitroTech is applied on-site during framing — it doesn't require pre-ordering specially treated materials or waiting on supply chains. We schedule around your framing timeline. Most applications are completed in one to two days with no disruption to your sequence.
Will it affect how the wood looks or smells?
No. CitroTech dries completely clear and odor-free. The natural grain, color, and texture of the wood are fully preserved. It's appropriate for exposed structural elements, architectural finishes, and interior applications where appearance matters.
What documentation do we receive after treatment?
We provide full installation documentation including product certifications, application records, and treated area specifications. This gives you and your client a complete paper trail for insurance purposes, building inspections, and future resale disclosures.
How does this affect the homeowner's insurance?
Positively in most cases. Documented Class A fire treatment is increasingly relevant to wildfire insurance underwriting, particularly in Montana WUI zones. We recommend your clients share the installation documentation with their insurance agent. In some cases it may affect premium pricing or coverage availability — particularly as carriers tighten wildfire underwriting criteria.
What's the cost and how do we incorporate it into our project budget?
Cost varies based on square footage, wood product types, and application complexity. We provide project-specific quotes at no cost — typically during your framing planning phase so it can be incorporated cleanly into your budget and client proposal. Most builders find it's easier to sell than they expect once the buyer understands what Class A fire rating means for their insurance and resale value.
Montana's Only Certified CitroTech Installer

Let's Talk About
Your Next Build.

Tell us about your project — location, size, timeline, and what you're building. We'll put together a treatment plan and quote that fits your schedule and your client's expectations.

Start the Conversation
Call us directly: 406-422-2716  ·  Philipsburg, Montana
Serving builders and architects across Montana, Wyoming, and Northern Idaho