HOUSE

Install Leaf Guard

Install noncombustible leaf guards over gutters to prevent the accumulation of combustible debris. Types of leaf guards include metal-mesh screens and metal hoods that fit into the gutter.

Use Noncombustible Materials

Use gutters and downspouts constructed of noncombustible materials such as galvanized steel, copper, and aluminum. Metal hood leaf guards are recommended because they do not melt and are relatively effective in keeping debris out of gutters.

Install Drip Edge

Some metal gutters have an integral flashing piece that serves the function of a stand-alone drip edge. If a drip edge is not present, install one.

The drip edge will serve two purposes:

• it will help protect the roof edge (sheathing and fascia) from a flaming exposure that could occur if debris is ignited by wind-blown embers, and
• it will minimize the entry of embers into a soffited-eave construction by blocking the small gap that can exist between the edge of the roof sheathing and the top of the fascia.

Replace with Metal Vents

If the home has ridge vents or wall louvers and they are not metal, replace them with metal vents according to the guidance provided above.

Install Screens

If existing vent openings do not have screens or if the screen openings are larger than 1/4‑inch, install corrosive-resistant, metal mesh screens with a maximum opening of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).

Install Shutters

Install shutters over gable-end vents, soffit vents, crawlspace vents, and wall louvers.

If the existing wall or soffit is combustible, shutters may not be effective. In this case, installing shutters is probably cost-effective only if done in conjunction with upgrades to the wall or soffit.

Replace with Fire-resistant Materials / Glazing

Windows and sliding glass doors, including frames, that are susceptible to damage from a wildfire should be replaced with the components listed for new construction and/or protected by shutters.

Beware of Door Vision Panels

Door vision panels that are susceptible to damage from a wildfire should be replaced with tempered glass with a low-e reflective coating.

Use Fire-resistant Glazing for Skylights

Skylights with plastic glazing should be replaced with a more resistant glazing to avoid melting under radiant heat during a wildfire

Exterior Doors

1. Add weatherstripping to doors.
2. Replace vision panels in doors (check our Windows & Skylights section).

Sliding Doors

Replace sliding glass doors and/or protect with shutters (check our Windows & Skylights section).

Garage Doors

Replace wooden garage doors, particularly if they do not have a solid core.

Replace with Recommended Materials

Replace exterior wall coverings with recommended materials for new construction if your current coverings are:

• combustible
• susceptible to melting
• can readily transmit heat

Examples of the types of coverings that need to be replaced are wood siding that is not fire-retardant-treated, vinyl siding, metal siding susceptible of warping, and an exterior insulation finish system.

Before replacing vinyl or metal siding, check whether there is an underlying gypsum board substrate. If so, remedial work may not be needed.

Determine whether keeping the existing covering and covering it with 5/8-inch type X gypsum board and a new covering is a viable option.

Remove Debris

Remember to clean and remove combustible debris (e.g. vegetation and leaves, firewood…) near the exterior walls regularly to reduce your vulnerability to ignition during a wildfire.

Use of Metal Plate

A common technique is to use a metal gate with one side attached to the combustible fence and the other to the exterior siding. Some checklists recommend inserting a metal plate where the fence connects to the exterior wall of a building, particularly when combustible siding is used.

How effective the flashing will be will depend on the size of the metal strip. Depending on how it is attached to the exterior wall, over time it could result in other moisture-related degradation problems with the siding.

Key considerations for increased fire safety:

• Avoid attaching fences and walls constructed of combustible materials to a building.
• For fences and walls that are attached to a building, ensure that all combustible components are at least 10 feet from the building to prevent heat and flames from igniting the building.
• Avoid fences that have gaps, such as wooden slat fences, because airborne firebrands can become trapped in the gaps and ignite the fence
• Avoid combustible mulch and vegetation within at least 2’ of combustible fencing.

Plastic and Wood-plastic are also Combustible

It is common knowledge that wood deck boards are combustible. There is sometimes a misunderstanding regarding the combustibility of plastic and wood-plastic composite decking products—these decking products are also combustible.

Beware Fuel Near Decks

Do not store combustible material beneath the deck.

Replace with Fire-retardant Materials

If the deck is a non-fire retardant treated softwood deck, consider removing and replacing deck boards within a few feet of the house. Be careful to match the deck board thickness select deck boards that comply with the California Building Code requirements.