If you’re building a new home, the best way to protect it from wildfires is to build it to be fire-resistant in the first place. California enacted a new more stringent wildfire code in 2008. When the November 2018 camp fire swept through the community of Paradise, California, 51% of homes that were built to code after 2008 survived, compared to just 18% of older homes. That’s a nearly threefold increase in survival rate for homes subjected to one of the most intense and destructive wildfires in recorded history.
How to build a fireproof home
No home is ever completely fireproof, but when building a home in an area prone to wildfires, you can make it especially fire resistant by following these construction tips:
1) Use fire-resistant materials such as stucco, brick, stone or fiber-cement ciding for the exterior of your home.
2) Use fire-resistant metal or asphalt shingles on the roof.
3) Install covered gutters with ember-resistant screens, which will prevent leaves and other flammable material from accumulating while keeping sparks out.
4) Use heat-resistant, multi-planed tempered glass for windows, which will reduce the risk of them shattering or melting under intense heat and inviting the fire inside.
5) Install ember-proof screens on all chimneys and vents.
6) Be sure to use fire-resistant materials when building any porch and decks.
7) When planning your landscaping, create a 100-foot defensible area around the perimeter of your home. Don’t plant trees or bushes within 10 feet of your house, and make sure there’s clear space between all vegetation.
How much does it cost to build a fire-resistant home?
Graciously, building a fire-resistant home shouldn’t blow up your budget. While some of these precautions will add to the construction costs, others can actually save you money. According to a 2018 study by Headwaters economics, a nonprofit research group, building a home to adhere to more stringent fire codes will not significantly increase the cost. While fire-resistant asphalt shingles increase the price of the roof by around 27%, and fire-resistant windows and gutters are going to cost more, using fire-resistant materials on the exterior can actually reduce costs by around 25%. (Caperton-Morton, 2020) So it tends to balance out in the end. Another added bonus: fire-resistant materials usually require less maintenance and last much longer than either wood or plastic, saving you money in the long run.
More information on protecting your family from wildfires:
- Fire Resistant Homes: Building or Retrofitting a House in Wildfire-Prone Areas
- Protecting Your Home From Wildfires: How To Reduce Wildfire Risk
- Wildfire Smoke & Its Effects on Human Health
Additional information on building a home in an area susceptible to wildfires:
*California 2008 wildfire building code
References:
Caperton-Morton, M. (2020) “How to stay,” Science News, May 9, Vol. 197(9): 28-32