The Home Exterior

The Roof

Keep roofs clean from leaf litter and pine needles. Litter in gutters or roof valleys, and bird or rodent nests under tiles on the roof are common causes of embers igniting a house. Remove all tree limbs within 10 feet of chimneys, or that overhang the roof. Conifer and cypress branches should be pruned to a minimum distance of 10 feet from any point of a structure.

Roofing Materials

Replace wood shake roofs with Class B or Class A roofing materials. Types of Class A fire-rated roofing products offer the best protection (i.e. Composite shingles, metal, cement tile, and clay). Inspect shingles/tiles and replace or repair any that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. If gaps exist between the roof covering and the roof deck at the eave or ridge, fill the space with a "bird stop" material.

Gutters

Metal roof gutters do not ignite, only the debris material that accumulates in them. Vinyl roof gutters can ignite when the debris material is ignited and flaming gutters can fall from the roof edge and land next to the house, which is why the first 0 to 5 feet (Immediate zone) needs to be clear of flammable materials.

Fireplace Chimneys

Remove all tree limbs within 10 feet of the chimney, or that overhang the roof. Remove debris that may accumulate at roof-to-wall intersections. Install a spark arrestor if not already present. When wildfires are approaching, close the damper, fireplace screens, and glass doors.

Screens

Check all exterior vents along the eaves, walls, and foundation to make sure the screening is intact. Roof, attic, and crawlspace vents should be screened with 1/8-inch metal screening to prevent ember entry.

Windows

Windows are one of the weakest parts of a home in a fire, usually breaking before the house ignites. Trim vegetation away from windows. Burning vegetation close to a window can break glass, allowing fire to enter. Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows. Multi-paned tempered glass can help reduce the risk of fracture or breaking in a wildfire. Closable, solid exterior shutters can provide extra window protection. Keep roof skylights free of debris. If your roof is steeply pitched, consider using flat, double-paned glass instead of a domed skylight. Glass is a better option than plastic or fiberglass.