What is home hardening?
All home are susceptible to wildfires, but certain building materials are more vulnerable, and various design elements can be changed to reduce a home's vulnerability. New building codes includes many of these modern safety features, but what is a homeowner to do about an older home?
First, it is important to know that most homes burn not because nearby flames overtake the home. Most are ignited by embers that blow into nooks and crannies where flammable material exists, which ultimately ignites the entire home. The FIRESafe Marin website has a wealth of education materials on home hardening. Below are some of the key areas to consider.
First, it is important to know that most homes burn not because nearby flames overtake the home. Most are ignited by embers that blow into nooks and crannies where flammable material exists, which ultimately ignites the entire home. The FIRESafe Marin website has a wealth of education materials on home hardening. Below are some of the key areas to consider.
Foundation and attic vents
When the winds blow embers, the air flows through foundation and attic vents. If not properly screened, the vents allow embers into your home where they can ignite. The current codes requires screens with no greater than 1/8 openings. There are also ember-resistant screens available.
Don't forget to consider skylights and attic windows. These need to be closed during a fire event to prevent ember penetration. Remember to close them during an evacuation event. |
Many older homes in the Forbes area have unscreened attic vents
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Open attic windows can be hazardous
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Decks and other attachments
Wooden decks are easily ignited by nearby debris or vegetation. Dead leaves tend to collect under decks. Blowing embers can circulate underneath a deck and ignite it. It is recommended that you build screened enclosures under your decks to prevent debris and ember penetration. The FIRESafe Marin website has an illustrative video of how decks can ignite.
Also consider the vulnerability caused by having a wooden fence that attaches to your house. When the fence catches fire, which they commonly do, it will ignite the house. Consider metal fencing where possible, or a metal gate to create a firebreak where the fence meets the house. |
A metal fence prevents fire spread to the house.
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Rain gutters and roof debris
Dead leaves collect in rain gutters and are easily ignited by embers. As the leaves ignite, the flames will spread under the roof covering into the eaves, ultimately entering the attic space and igniting the entire home. It is recommended that you clean your gutters before fire season starts and again when leaves start to fall.
Also be sure that you do not have vegetation too close to, or even growing onto your home. It is recommended that trees be trimmed back at least ten feet from any chimney.
Also be sure that you do not have vegetation too close to, or even growing onto your home. It is recommended that trees be trimmed back at least ten feet from any chimney.