Questions / Advice for Pros:
My current plan is to use Hardie shiplap siding due to the class A fire rating and the relative low cost. BUT, I'm wondering if anyone knows of an alternative. Something with a more "Tahoe" look and less brittle/dusty to install.
About the exterior rain screen & fire:
There is a 3/4" gap between the outside of the mineral wool and the back side of the Hardie siding. Both of those are non-combustable materials, but the horizontal 2x3s and vertical firring strips aren't, so is this situation providing a path for fire to get into the walls? Current plan is to have a metal bug screen, but I'm not sure it will prevent embers from entering. If so, what kind of screen or ? can I put at the bottom and/or eaves?