Gutters, Eaves, and Soffits in Fire-Prone Areas
The roof-to-wall intersection is one of the most common wildfire ignition points. This article covers gutter guards, noncombustible soffit materials, boxed eave detailing, and realistic costs for upgrades.
Decks and Fire: Materials, Detailing, and Under-Deck Enclosure
Attached wood decks are one of the most common wildfire ignition points. This article covers decking materials, under-deck enclosure strategies, Chapter 7A requirements, and realistic costs for a deck retrofit.
Fences and Fire: How Fences Carry Fire to Homes
Wood fences attached to houses are a well-documented ignition pathway in wildfires. This article explains how fences carry fire, what the last five feet should be made of, and realistic retrofit options.
Fire-Resistant Siding: Fiber Cement, Stucco, Metal, and Treated Wood
A comparison of fire-resistant siding options for wildfire zones, covering fiber cement, stucco, metal, masonry, and ignition-resistant treated wood, with Chapter 7A requirements and realistic installed costs.
Dual-Pane Tempered Windows for Fire Zones
Why single-pane windows fail in wildfires, what dual-pane tempered means, and how to specify windows that meet Chapter 7A and survive radiant heat. Includes realistic cost ranges for retrofit and replacement.
Fire-Resistant Roofing Options Compared: Metal, Tile, Asphalt, Composite
A plain-language comparison of Class A roofing options for wildfire zones, covering asphalt composite, standing-seam metal, concrete and clay tile, and synthetic composite shingles, with realistic cost ranges and tradeoffs.
Ember-Resistant Vents and Why They Matter
Attic and crawlspace vents are the most common ember entry point into a house. This guide explains 1/8-inch mesh minimums, ASTM E2886 ember-resistant vents, and how to retrofit for a few hundred dollars.