Home Innovation Research Lab Opens New Fire Testing Facility

Fire
Published
Home Innovation Research Labs - Fire Lab Grand Opening

NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, Home Innovation Research Labs Chairman Don Pratt, Prince George County Councilwoman Ingrid Watson, NAHB Second Vice Chairman Bill Owens, Home Innovation Research Labs CEO Mike Luzier (l to r) at the grand opening

Home Innovation Research Labs hosted a grand opening of its new state-of-the-art fire testing facility in May 2024. The event — attended by local policymakers, NAHB Senior Officers and staff, and other influential builders, product developers and partners — spotlighted the new lab, which provides more than two dozen fire tests used to measure wall and floor ratings, flame spread, flammability, combustibility, and more.

The lab is a one-of-a-kind facility featuring seven furnaces with the most advanced technology available in the market, including the world’s first and only stainless steel large-scale vertical and horizontal furnaces. The environmental conditioning system maintains consistent conditions, guaranteeing reliable results, while the pollution control system eliminates the impact of pollution to provide the most environmentally clean testing possible.

“The construction of our new fire testing laboratory is a testament to our ongoing commitment to advancing safety and innovation in construction,” stated Mike Luzier, president and CEO of Home Innovation Research Labs, in a press release. “By providing a cutting-edge facility for research and testing, we aim to contribute significantly to the advancement of fire-resistant materials and systems, ultimately enhancing the safety and resilience of the buildings in which we live and work.”

NAHB members attending the 2024 Spring Leadership Meeting also have an opportunity to tour this facility on Monday, June 10, from 1-5 p.m. The tour, which is expected to last for approximately two hours, will include transportation to and from the Marriott Marquis DC.

Registration is limited to 50 attendees. Register now to attend.

Learn more about Spring Leadership Meeting events at nahb.org.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Advocacy
Nov 13, 2026
Podcast: Mayor Touts Housing as Foundation of Memphis Growth Strategy

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, COO Paul Lopez and guest host Karl Eckhart, NAHB VP of State and Local Government Affairs, welcome Mayor Paul Young of Memphis, Tenn.

Sponsored Content
Nov 12, 2026
What's Really Stalling Buyers, and the Sales You're Leaving on the Table

Buyers need enough money left over each month to live comfortably. And builders need enough margin and capital left over to keep building. Understanding the buyers' needs is essential to protecting your business.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Nov 13, 2026
Building Material Price Inflation Remains High Despite Energy Price Declines

The Producer Price Index for final demand was up 0.3% in October, after rising 1.4% in September. Compared to a year ago, final demand prices were up 6.5%.

Economics
Nov 13, 2026
No Relief: Credit Conditions for Builders Still Tightening

Credit conditions on loans for residential Land Acquisition, Development & Construction (AD&C) were still tightening in the third quarter of 2026, according to NAHB’s quarterly survey on AD&C Financing. The net easing index derived from the survey posted a third-quarter reading of -15.3 (the negative number indicating net tightening).

Economics
Nov 12, 2026
Existing Home Sales Fell to 16-Year Low

After a brief rebound last month, existing home sales plummeted to a 16-year low in October. With mortgage rates back above 7% since mid-September and home prices still elevated, buyers continued to stay on the sidelines.