Fire resistant construction takes measures to reduce a home or structure’s risk to wildfire by using non-combustible or fire-resistant building materials.
Sometimes called “home hardening”, fire-resistant construction includes keeping the immediate area around your home free of debris and address any potential vulnerability to embers.
Home construction
The materials you use to construct your home can determine whether your home will survive a wildfire. While you may not be able to accomplish all measures listed below, each will increase your home’s chance of survival.
When building, address these potential vulnerabilities:
- Roof and gutters
- Use fire-resistant roofing material such as metal, tile, or Class A shingles.
- Inspect for gaps in roofing that can expose roof decking or supports.
- Install metal gutters and gutter guards to keep debris from accumulating.
- Place angle flashing over openings between the roof decking and fascia board.
- Eaves and soffits
- Enclose or box-in eaves with non-combustible materials such as metal, cement board, or stucco.
- Install a metal screen behind roof vents.
- Exterior walls
- Select heat and fire-resistant siding such as metal, brick, block, stone, cement board, fire-retardant treated lumber, or cross-laminated timber.
- Make sure there are no crevices or holes that could catch embers.
- Windows and skylights
- Install double-paned or tempered-glass windows.
- Use metal framing or aluminum coverings for wood or vinyl.
- Use a fiberglass or metal screen.
- Use drapes and shutters that are fire resistant to help reduce the likelihood of fire spread.
- Vents
- Install 1/8-inch metal screening behind vents.
- Clean vents to keep them free of debris, allowing them to keep embers out while allowing air flow for ventilation.