It’s a bit unfair, really.
Warm days and endless summer nights are supposed to be the setting for fun and carefree living. But “fun” season is also “fire” season in many parts of the western United States. Combined with historically low snowpacks this winter and the steady warming of the planet, this summer has all the makings for a humdinger of a fire season.
As you are likely all-too-aware, insurance companies have taken notice. Homeowners premiums continue to rise at an alarming rate as providers price in the increasing wildfire risk.
One thing you can do as a homeowner to protect your property and keep insurance premiums under control is maintain a healthy amount of “defensible space” around your house. This refers to the buffer zone between your home and surrounding wildland to help slow and/or prevent the spread of wildfire.
Pay special attention to “Zone 0.” This is the critical area 0-5 feet away from your house that will become the most problematic should an ember take hold. Consider consulting with landscaping experts and a certified roof inspector to assess the quality of your home’s Zone 0. If it could use some attention, get to work on any of the following “home hardening” projects that will reduce wildfire risk.
Vents are often thought of in terms of energy efficiency. How well can they circulate ambient and conditioned air into and out of the house? However, they are also a top concern when it comes to wildfire protection. Flying embers can travel well ahead of a conflagration. Unsecured vents are a natural point of ingress to the home.
Solution: Cover attic and crawlspace vents with a fine metal mesh. Look for corrosion-resistant options for the lowest maintenance. Consider replacing outdated vents with ember-resistant models.
Your home’s roof is the largest, most vulnerable surface on the home when it comes to wildfires. It is a natural point for embers to catch or flames to jump from neighboring trees or roofs.
Solution: Replace old-fashioned asphalt and wood shake roofs with modern fire resistant roofing. Seek the Class-A rating found with materials such as slate, metal, or composite shingles.
Glass is not flammable. But there’s more to wildfire risk than simple flammability. Radiant heat can shatter basic single-pane windows before the fire actually arrives at your home. It can also melt vinyl frames. This compromises the building envelope and provides a clear path for embers to enter.
Solution: Upgrade to dual-paned windows. Try to source tempered glass for at least one of the panes. Use metal frames instead of wood or vinyl for reduced flammability and improved heat resistance.
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, it stands to reason that the dry, sunny conditions have not been friendly to your siding. Wood planks that have dried and split. Vinyl that has become cracked and brittle. These scenarios only heighten the odds for ignition.
Solution: Paint worn planks with a fire-resistant (intumescent) product. If the damage is too severe, replace the siding with non-combustible products such as fiber cement, stucco, or engineered stone.
Decks are frequent ignition points. The constant foot traffic and furniture shifting. Direct exposure to the elements. It can leave the deck dry and splintered, a veritable tinder box for errant embers to land on.
Solution: Use a fire-retardant stain to treat your wood deck. Not only will this stifle ignition, but it will enhance the wood’s grain for rustic charm. Also consider replacing old decks with composite decking materials. This can be nearly indistinguishable from natural wood but with an inorganic fabrication that makes it much less susceptible to fires.
The fence is often the boundary point for Zone 0. Funny that many fences themselves are woefully inadequate for stopping flames. As you may have guessed by now, popular fencing such as wood split rail and vinyl picket are not the way to go in wildfire-prone regions.
Solution: Metal fences, including wrought iron and tensioned stainless steel cable, are completely non-combustible. Furthermore, many of the best black metal fence panels add a stately aspect to the home’s perimeter that enhances other exterior landscaping choices for premier curb appeal.
It’s the very definition of a conundrum. You need to keep your lawn well-watered and lush to reduce the risk of dried vegetation becoming fuel for errant embers. But when wildfire risk is at its highest, water restrictions are also in effect, causing your lawn to wither before your eyes.
Solution: Replace your grass lawn with crushed stone or gravel. If you want to keep some traditional lawn, partially xeriscape. Make the section of lawn in Zone 0 stone, that further away from the house vegetation. Also remember to ensure some vertical ground clearance (at least 6 inches) for your home’s siding. This limits the risk of ground fires traveling straight up the siding and entering your home.
If a wildfire ignites in your area, there isn’t much you can do to get your Zone 0 ready in a hurry. You’ll just have to evacuate and hope the fire professionals can take care of matters before the flames reach your home. So don’t wait. Start working on these home hardening renovations one at a time and have an elite defensible space before fire season rears its ugly head. For more of the latest trends in home and renovation, explore the content at Divine Lifestyle for ideas and inspiration!
Author Bio: Stephanie Rogers is a freelance writer that enjoys sharing her love for writing with others. She primarily writes about traveling, music and design ideas. She lives in her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona where she enjoys spending time with her husband golfing and traveling. Stephanie’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
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