Forest Fire_Content Page_Building Materials

Building Materials

Creating a fire-resistant building design can mean the difference between a home that can withstand a wildfire and one that does not.

Wildfires do not simply spread across the landscape, rather, they move from one fuel source to the next by transferring heat. If you remove the readily available fuel sources, a wildfire cannot continue to burn. To give your home the best chance for survival, apply these fire-resistant construction concepts along with fire-resistant landscaping principles.

Roof Design

  • Use Class A or noncombustible roof coverings.
  • Enclose eaves with horizontal (rather than sloping) soffits constructed of fire-resistant materials to limit heat exposure to rafters.
  • Cover vents with noncombustible wire mesh that has openings less than 1/8 inch to prevent embers from entering the attic.
  • Use noncombustible gutters and downspouts and consider installing gutter guards to prevent buildup of pine needles and leaves.

Windows

  • As windows can crack or break when exposed to extreme heat, consider insulated, double-paned windows.
  • Smaller windows tend to hold glass in place even when fractured, thus providing more protection than larger windows.
  • Tempered glass is resistant to high heat and can provide better protection as it is less likely to fail during a wildfire.
  • Use metal window screens rather than plastic or fiberglass.

Exterior Walls

Use fire-resistant materials such as composites, stone, brick, stucco or heavy logs. Should you choose to use combustible materials:

  • Underlay the siding with a 1-hour-fireresistant material such as Type X gypsum board.
  • Install noncombustible materials on surfaces within four feet of the ground.

Decks

  • Decks offer a place for embers to collect and act as a heat trap, catching hot gasses from oncoming fire. Consider fire-resistant materials such as concrete, Heavy-Timber construction, fire-resistant composites or fire-retardant-treated wood.
  • Skirt the underside of elevated decks or install wire mesh with 1/8 inch or less openings to prevent debris buildup underneath and to keep embers out in the event of a wildfire.
  • For decks higher than four feet off of the ground, add a patio, concrete pavers or gravel underneath.

Outbuildings

  • Locate outbuildings at least 30 feet from any other building. Outbuildings can burn for long periods of time, produce a lot of heat, and have been shown to ignite other buildings that are in close proximity.
  • Use fire-resistant building materials on your outbuildings.
  • Apply fire-resistant landscaping principles around your outbuildings, no matter their size.