Wildfires are a constant threat during the ongoing hot and dry season. They have the potential to cover and completely engulf a city. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to protect your property against possible wildfires.
Hot, dry weather and high winds can cause severe wildfires. You can protect your home and prevent wildfires from spreading with a fews small manageable steps.
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Thoroughly Clean Your Ignition Areas
Limit the amount of vegetation around your home and create defensible zones to minimize the number of fuel sources. The Ignition Zone includes your home and its immediate surroundings and an extended zone of about 30-100 feet. As you plan to fireproof your home, start internally and remove any flammable materials and outside debris that could cause a fire. Research your home’s level of risk in regards to wildfire damage.
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Ensure Proper Landscaping and Keep It Clutter-Free
Inspect the exterior of your home to remove any dead vegetation such as pine needles and dead leaves. These items can become fuel sources to increase the spread of wildfires. Clean your gutters to remove excess debris that could catch on fire and spread quickly.
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Opt for Multi-Pane Glass Windows
The extreme temperatures produced by a wildfire can cause single-pane windows to break. This may eventually allow wind-blown embers to damage the inside of your home. Install multi-pane windows to reduce the chances of a window giving way due to extreme heat. Close all of the windows during a wildfire because you may still be vulnerable if they are left open.
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Prefer to Use Class-A Fire-Resistant Materials
The roof of your home should include fire-resistant materials such as metal, clay tiles, and composite shingles to prevent a fire. Consult with a professional who can educate you on which roofs are the best fit for your area.
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Install Non-Combustible Deck Boards
Make sure that your deck is clear of flammable debris. During the installation, use Class-A rated composite building materials made from wood fiber and PVC. Remove all of the materials from underneath the deck as embers can infiltrate the gaps.
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Evaluate Your Siding Structure
Watch the height of your siding, as embers can infiltrate the base of the wall. To avoid a potential wildfire, expose a few inches of concrete at the base and add metal flashing.
These techniques can prevent your home from being destroyed due to a wildfire. If you’re in the process of looking for a new home, make sure you have experts on your side. To get dedicated service paired with top-tier escrow services when closing an escrow deal, contact Brighton Escrow. Our Hermosa Beach, California team is committed to helping you make the most of your escrow process.
